Tag Archives: bunny dad

Aug31

Quelle Surprise!

Posted on August 31, 2025 by lifewithlilred

Yoo hoo! As I am self employed, I rarely take a day off or even a half day. Hey, if I don’t work then I don’t get paid because what’s PTO amiright? However, sometimes time off is unavoidable and that was the case this past Monday. My client was feeling unwell so I left about two hours into my shift and decided to head to chez mom and dad’s. They were watching one of my sweet nieces and I wasn’t going to let the opportunity for a play date pass me by. It was a glorious day of seventy degree weather and I couldn’t wait to run around and stretch my legs. After our Columbus Zoo trip last Saturday, Johnny and I literally didn’t move on Sunday so I could have used the exercise lol.

I arrived at my parents’ house as soon as they did and my niece and I went absolutely crazy outside. Bubble crazy to be specific! My parents got my nieces this adorable bubble blower that looks like a French Bulldog and provides beaucoup bubbles with a pinwheel mechanism. We ran and danced through the bubbles for a solid half hour plus. Only pausing for water and juice breaks and adding more bubble soap to the blower! We declared ourselves the Bubble Queens but my littlest Bubble Queen was ready for some lunch.

I stuck around for her meal and some more play, then went on my merry way home. Johnny wasn’t due back for another two hours and I knew exactly how I was going to spend my time: Kicking back and watching America’s Next Top Model AKA my number one guilty pleasure. I couldn’t wait to get home and have some me time and was shocked when I reached our apartment. Johnny’s car was in the parking lot! I was worried he wasn’t feeling well either but that wasn’t the case at all.

When he opened the door, my main squeeze proudly told me he took a half day so he could clean the bunny hutch and surprise me. Quelle surprise! He was also just as surprised that I was home early too! The hutch looked phenomenal and the bunnies were happily romping about with their dad. It was the absolute sweetest and I am the luckiest lady in the whole world. Johnny is the best bunny dad and husband and after my homecoming we enjoyed the rest of our half day together. Johnny played video games while I tucked into the new Rachel Joyce novel and then spent the rest of the day watching our new favorite sitcom, Abbott Elementary. It was the perfect surprise day off followed by a perfect surprise at home! ❤

^^^ What a guy!!!!

Have you had any fun surprises recently? What does a perfect day off look like for you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov7

Happy Buniversary!!

Posted on November 7, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Howdy!! Shame on me because I completely forgot that November fourth was Melvin and Penelope’s Gotcha Day!! It has been two whole years since Johnny and I brought our darling mother and son duo home and we truly couldn’t image life without them. I have always wanted pet bunnies for as long as I can remember and I can honestly say that being a bunny mom is everything I have dreamed of and so much more! I am pleased to report that precious Mel and Pen continue to thrive under our care and they just keep getting sweeter and cuter by the day:

As I was saying, my dream pet has always been to have a small black bunny named Penelope. I don’t know how I settled on that name but probably because it’s adorable lol. I just liked the idea of having a tiny little friend scampering around that I could pet and love on. The sentiments were forever there but my parents’ house was a bunny free zone. When I moved out, my first apartment was much too small for a pet. Then, once Johnny and I were settled into our bigger place, we could entertain the notion of getting bunnies.

Around October of 2022, I put the feelers out on Facebook for suggestions on bunny rescue organizations in the area. One day later, I got a comment on the post from my brother-in-law’s brother saying that his neighbor had bunnies available for adoption. I ended up contacting her that very afternoon. Penelope’s original owners rescued her from an animal auction and did not know that Pen was pregnant at the time. She then gave birth to six (I think!) babies. The owners made a tireless effort to get the buns spayed, neutered, and to loving homes and I am so thankful they did. As soon as I got off the phone, I called Johnny, confirmed with him, and called her back to say we would take two!

Originally, I was supposed to bring home Penelope and one of her other male babies that was white with black patches. That baby had since found another home and they swapped him out with Melvin. It was like he was made to come home with us because he definitely fit our elder emo aesthetic! After all of the bunny supplies arrived, the hutch was built, and the apartment was bunny proofed, we got to bring them home. It was one of the best days ever and such a fulfilling feeling to have something I have wanted since I was a kid: Two little gremlins to call our own!

It’s hard to believe it has been two whole years of bunny bliss but here we are and I am so happy!! Melvin and Penelope bring Johnny and I endless joy every day and life is all the better with them in it! ❤

What is your dream pet? How long have you had your pet for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb26

Proud Bunny Mom

Posted on February 26, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Johnny and I have had our sweet bunnies, Melvin and Penelope, for a year and three months now. Life is so much better with these adorable, adventurous, mischievous gremlins by our sides and I am amazed at their progress since we first brought them home. Bunnies are timid animals and it took a decent amount of time for them to get acclimated to just Johnny and me petting them. Being held was also a massive no/no for them until just this week. In Penelope’s case, anyways lol:

Working up to holding my bunnies was a matter of trust. Despite the fact that I want to hold them all the time, I held off because I knew that’s not what they wanted and they weren’t ready for it. However, through recent events earlier in the week, I had a feeling the buns wouldn’t completely hate me for it. When I work from home, I am talking to the buns constantly and I try to use key phrases consistently for them to learn how to follow commands. For example, they both know their own name and turn themselves around when they are venturing into non bunny proofed areas.

This is always very impressive to me, but this week Mel and P blew my mind. About ten minutes before I leave for work, I let them know that it’s almost time to go back in their hutch and shortly after I herd them in. Their new trick is going back into their home without me having to get up. The first time it happened, I almost thought it was a fluke. They have been doing it every day since, though, and it is a true testament to how smart they both are.

Knowing that both bunnies have a firm understanding of my voice encouraged me to try picking them up. Johnny and I will hold them on occasion and we never attempt to move them if they are uncomfortable in the situation. This Wednesday, I was able to pick both bunnies up with no problem whatsoever. Melvin is a bit too young and rambunctious to want to be cuddled by his mom for longer than a few minutes. Penelope, on the other hand, was a totally different story. As soon as she was in my arms, she melted and it turns out my girl is a huge couch potato lol. She snuggled up on the couch with me like she belonged there this whole time. I was so proud of her and I knew that waiting until she was fully ready for snugs was one billion percent worth it. ❤

Being a bunny parent is all about being patient and this week of progress has shown that it pays off a thousandfold. Listen to your bunnies and pay attention during your interactions together, they will always tell you everything you need to know!

Do you have any pets? How has being patient helped you as a pet owner? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov7

More Halloween Pics

Posted on November 7, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!!! Johnny and I had so much fun on Halloween and this has been my favorite spooky season celebration we have had yet. I loved my costume, we watched all of the scary movies, and enjoyed a bonfire while we passed out Trick or Treat candy with my family. Normally, it’s like pulling teeth to get Johnny to take a “nice” picture with me. (He has a knack for subtly flipping the bird in most of our pictures lol SMH!) On Trick or Treat night, however, he was ready for his close up and willingly took these shots with me. I think he rocked it!

It is a joy to celebrate any holiday with Johnny, but Halloween just hits different. It’s not a season – it’s a state of mind and while we keep it spooky year round, Halloween weekend is like our Christmas Day. Johnny and I were so excited to get dressed up and jam packed our schedule full of activities. The best part was definitely helping out with Trick or Treat and we were thrilled that my family got involved in it too. We just love to spread that Halloween spirit and our bonfire was awesome. We had a powder to make the flames change colors and it looked amazing! 😀

Trick or Treat night was also great because Johnny finally took pictures with me. In fact, when I asked him if he would take “nice” pictures with me, he replied with “Of course I will. It’s Halloween!” Lol, he is so ridiculous but he was serving LOOKS in these shots. He was working his hodge podge vampire costume like nobody’s business and I was so proud. I have pictures of us together from every Halloween we have celebrated as a couple and I really treasure them. I think the pics we took this year was our best work yet. ❤

I didn’t have one piece of candy all of Halloween weekend because we ran out. But, I have countless happy memories from it and that’s good enough for me! ❤

What is your favorite Halloween candy? Least favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov4

Happy Gotcha Day, Bunnies!

Posted on November 4, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone!!! November first was Melvin and Penelope’s Gotcha Day and I guess I’m a horrible bunny mom because I didn’t realize it until the second lol. I have been thinking about their Gotcha Day for months and naturally it slipped my mind the day of SMH. In my defense, it has felt like Johnny and I have had Mel and P for forever ever since we brought them home over a year ago. They are the best little bunnies that we could ever ask for and it is such a joy to be bunny parents:

^^^ Lol at this picture of Penelope!

Mel and P have grown so much since we have brought them home. Not in size, but in spirit haha. For the first several months of having them, they were pretty skittish and it took a decent amount of time for them to get fully acclimated to their new setting and owners. These first months were a testament to patience being a virtue as we slowly but surely increased our interactions with them. A year ago, they barely wanted to be pet. Now, they love to be picked up and cuddled while Johnny and I hang out in the evenings. It’s great!

The best part about this year of pet parenthood has been watching Mel and Pen’s personalities finally come out. Penelope is not as shy as we originally thought and is such a cuddle bug. Our clothes are proof of this because she sheds like crazy. The way to her heart has always been with her favorite treats and she will literally melt over an apple lol. Melvin, on the other hand, is all about adventure. He loves to explore and is currently zooming around our bunny proofed zone as I type this. Mel is such an adolescent and doesn’t like to be held for too long so he can get back to playing. Thankfully, he is never too old for lots of pets from his old mom and pop. 🙂

Johnny and I took our fur babies home during a very dark place in my life and they made every day better. It was a comfort to have these two little gremlins to wake up to and return home to, knowing that they depended on me for their care. No matter how bad I was feeling, just being around them always helped to lift my spirits. Even though they can’t clean their own litter box (I wish!), they take care of me too. My mental health has improved one hundred fold because of them and they truly came into our lives at just the right time. I love them so much! ❤

Happy (late) Gotcha Day to my sweet Melvin and Penelope. The most wonderful bunnies in all the land! Johnny and I love you both!!!

Do you celebrate your pet’s Gotcha Day? How has your pet helped you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun1

Happy Birthday, Husband!!!!

Posted on June 1, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my sweet husband, Johnny’s, birthday!!! Today rings in the beginning of our birthaversary, as our two year wedding anniversary is on the fourth and my birthday is on the seventh. I can’t wait to celebrate!! Johnny is my darling, angel, love of my life and he is the absolute best husband, uncle, and bunny dad in the world. No matter what we do together, we always have SO much fun. Johnny isn’t just my husband, but my AI ride or die bestie too! ❤

Mine and Johnny’s first date almost four years ago was truly love at first sight and we have been inseparable ever since. It was most definitely a whirlwind romance and we are still going stronger than ever all of these years later. Johnny is the most funny, kind, talented, smart, hardworking man and he makes me so proud every day. His endless love and support have gotten me through some really hard times these past few months and he knows how to make me smile even when I don’t feel like it.

Being with Johnny is so easy and we spend ninety-nine percent of our time laughing! We genuinely enjoy each other’s company and it is such an effortless relationship. And to think, I swore off of dating the week before Johnny asked me out. We were both unknowingly crushing on each other on Facebook so I wasn’t about to say no! Our first date was, hands down, the best date of my life and every day since has been the best too. I just love him more than words can say. ❤

Happy birthday to my Johnny, who has made me the happiest gal in the world. Here’s to many, many more birthaversaries together! I love you!!!!!!

Apr7

Chewy Boxes: A Bunny’s Favorite Toy

Posted on April 7, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! My bunnies, Melvin and Penelope, are my precious angels. Things have been very glum in Lil Red’s world for a long time and Mel and Pen have brought so much joy into my life. Johnny and I truly couldn’t have picked a better time to welcome these two little balls of fluff into our home and I miss them constantly when I’m out! We are very proud bunny parents and as a pet mom, it is my job to spoil them rotten and Mel and P definitely aren’t complaining about it. 😀

Two bunnies means lots of everything! We have to restock our supplies on Chewy fairly often for bedding, pellet food, hay, and their cage cleaner. And, with every order, I can’t resist buying them lots of toys. However, it’s the Chewy boxes that are always the biggest hit:

Melvin is my tiny wanderer and has a very playful disposition. Pen, on the other hand, is much more chill but has come out of her shell a lot since adopting them in November. They both enjoy playing with the toys in their hutch well enough, but their true play time comes when we give them free rein of their bunny proofed area. Johnny and I have them out several times a day for hours on end and it is such fun to see them zipping around and getting into adorable mischief. And, of course, having lots of box time!

When Johnny and I were preparing for the arrival of our pets, the Chewy boxes were arriving non-freaking-stop. We had grand dreams of building a cardboard castle for them, which I still hope will come into fruition in the future. However, the bunnies have been doing a pretty good job of making their own hideout all by themselves. For the past month or so, Mel and P have been working diligently at creating a tunnel in one of the Chewy boxes to dash in and out of. The work has been slow going because I limit their time playing with the cardboard so it doesn’t hurt their bellies. And, this past week, they finally achieved success!

I take the bunnies out every morning when I’m working and it was hysterical to watch their little faces poke out of the tunnel they were making. I would look down and there would be a sweet bunny face looking back at me from the cubby hole; It was the cutest! Mel and P worked so hard to create another access point into their box and I am honestly so proud of them lol. It is also the perfect spot to play bunny peek-a-boo at, which is one of their favorite games. Like I said, SO f’ing cute!

Toys from Chewy are great, but the boxes are second to none when it comes to Mel and P’s entertainment. Lucky for them, I just placed a big order on Chewy so another box will be at their disposal soon. I can’t wait to see what they do with it!

What is your pet’s favorite toy? Where do you get your pet supplies from? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec6

Bunny Baby Angels

Posted on December 6, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Johnny and I have had our bunny baby angels, Mel and Penelope, for over five weeks now! They are settling into their routine so nicely and it’s impossible to think of life without them. I have wanted pet rabbits for SO long and it is, honestly, everything that I wanted it to be and MORE. Both rabbits are so sweet and special in their own ways and as soon as I leave for work, I can’t wait to get home and see them again… And Johnny lol. ❤

Prior to bringing Mel and Penelope home, Johnny and I did a lot of research to make sure we were going to be able to provide above and beyond care for them. There are some things, however, that you just won’t know until you bring them home. For example, the litter box was giving us a lot of grief. Both rabbits were semi litter trained before we got them and Mel was doing pretty good with using theirs once they were home. Penelope, on the other hand, was a totally different story and went anywhere in the litter box area but the box. *Face palm*

Thanks to reading lots of tips from The Bunny Lady, trial and error, and a ginormous litter box from Chewy, I am so happy that within days Penelope figured it out. With that final obstacle out of the way, they are both now fully litter trained and have never had an accident when we let them explore the bunny proofed area in our apartment (All compliments of Johnny’s handiwork!). It sounds a bit silly but oh my goodness was I proud. 😀

Depending on the day, I provide most of the general maintenance care and play time for our mother and son duo. Johnny definitely falls under the category of the Cool Dad! Whenever I’m not home and he takes them out after work, he always plays the banjo for his rabbit audience and it’s so cute to me. He went into our bunny parenthood with sheer ambivalence at best and has transformed beautifully into a full on bunny dad!

Johnny and I are a family of four and I am beyond happy. If you have the means, space, and time for a pet and have wanted one for a while, my advice is: GET IT. You will be kicking yourself in the butt when you realize you should have done it forever ago!

Do you have a pet? What is your favorite thing about being a pet owner? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov15

Best Bunny Dad Ever!

Posted on November 15, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! Johnny and I have had our sweet bunny babies, Penelope and Mel, for two weeks now but it feels like we have had them for forever. They are the most wonderful pets and it is an honor and a privilege to be their parents! The most pleasant surprise of this experience is, easily, Johnny’s transformation into a full on bunny dad. I knew from the jump how much I was going to love them but it is so adorable to see how equally obsessed my husband is with them too:

^^^ Proud papa!

When we brought our mother and son duo home, it was safe to say that Johnny didn’t seem particularly thrilled about it. However, that changed drastically the following day! When I returned home in the evening, Johnny couldn’t wait to tell me about all of the fun him and the bunnies had together. They spent hours on end snuggling and playing and Johnny even treated them to a banjo concert lol. It was also VERY NICE to hear every wife’s favorite words of “you were right”!!

Johnny, Penelope, and Mel have been best buddies ever since and it’s so hilarious to me. The whole situation is such a classic turn around from “I don’t want a pet” to constantly snapping pictures of them and oohing and ahhing over every single thing the bunnies do. Johnny is always calling Mel his “special boy” and Penelope his “favorite girl” and it melts my heart every time. 🙂

Now that we are the proud parents to our furry little children, our evenings our spent watching them explore our apartment. Johnny actually went to Menard’s and got a bunch of baby proofing stuff so Mel and Penelope can safely go on their adventures. I’m sure everyone at the store thought he was preparing for a new baby so I would have loved to see what they had to say if Johnny told them it was for his bunnies lol. He is truly the best bunny dad ever! ❤

Becoming pet owners has been so exciting and every day with our precious babies brings me so much joy. Having Johnny so clearly feel the same sentiments is the cherry on top!

Has anyone else had a similar experience to Johnny over a new pet? What are some of the nicknames you have for your pets? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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	lifewithlilred on Thxgiving OOTD Bloopers
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