The BIG BIG BIG Announcement!!!

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!!

Ben and I are absolutely THRILLED to announce that we have a baby on the way!!!

We found out right after our Vegas trip that we are expecting a Benny or Kristen Jr. in December 2009!

A lot of our friends have found out already but I figured it was time to let the rest of the world know about our excitement!!!

Below are the answers to some FAQ's regarding Baby Boo (as we affectionately call him/her):


Q: Are you guys excited and when did you guys start trying?
Answer: Yes!!! We were ecstatic to learn that we were preggers!! But I do have to admit that the first couple of weeks I was in pure shock. Even though we started trying, I had NO idea that it would happen that quickly!
As for when we started trying...well, that's none of your business :)
But for those that really want to know see below.
Ben and I have spent some time calculating and we've figured out that Ben's "boys" are ferocious swimmers and that the first time we tried...it worked!!!

I still can't believe it...but we are both SO excited for the baby!!!



Q: How are you feeling?
Answer: The first trimester has been ROUGH! There are a lot of women out there that say "Oh, I never got any pregnancy symptoms or morning sickness"...to you ladies, I say BITE ME!!!
I've gotten EVERY Symptom in the book...from sickness, to congestion, to fatigue...you name it...I've had it!
But I know it will be worth it in December!

Q: Are you going to find out the sex?
Answer: Yes absolutely we want to find out the sex! We will find out sometime in July or early August and will be sure to let you all know!!!!

Q: Wait, your not out of your first trimester...should you be announcing this on your blog already?
Answer: We have a LOT of excited friends and family who have basically told the entire universe already so I figured that what's a few million more going to hurt??
My doctor has assured me that things are going well and I will be out of my first trimester in two weeks (please let the morning sickness go away then). Plus, for those out there that know me (and that's probably all of you reading this), you know that 1. I have a big mouth and 2. I'm a big drinker! It was VERY easy for everyone to find out about the baby as soon as I passed on wine at the dinner table!
So the cats out of the bag a little early...true...but I don't believe in all that superstition...I trust that God will keep an eye on Baby Boo and make everything go smoothly!

Q: But all of your previous blog posts have talked about partying...were you drinking at all those events?
Answer: I have not had any kind of alcohol since I found out I was pregnant on April 9th. Naturally I would never do anything to harm Baby Boo.
I'm very proud to say that I've been through two DC weddings, a Buffett concert, a BIO Convention, a Backyard BBQ at home, and a trip to Chicago with zero alcohol.
Knowing our lifestyle, I thought it would be extremely difficult but it hasn't been bad at all!!!


Q: Are you keeping the name a secret?
Answer: No...as soon as we find out the sex we will announce the name! I want my kid to have as much personalized stuff as people will buy for him/her :)

Q: Any weird cravings?
Answer: Yes...grapefruit and Ice Cream.
And I lived up to the pregnant stereotype the other night when I had ice cream for dinner and afterwards craved something extremely salty...so I had pickles!
Yep, pickles and ice cream for dinner...you know your pregnant when....

Q: How far along are you?
Answer: I'm in my 11th week this week!

Q: Are there going to be any gory details about your labor/delivery on this blog?
Answer: NO!!!!!!!!!!!! So feel free to keep on reading. Although I will keep everyone updated on the pregnancy and the baby I don't want this blog to be only about the baby! The blog is going to be about how Ben and I are adjusting to life as parents, and of course we will also keep you posted on our adventures with our friends!
Just because we are having a kid doesn't mean the world will stop...did I tell you I want a keg in the delivery room??? :)

Q: Is your child going to be super spoiled
Answer: It's the first grandchild on both sides of the family...you figure it out!

Q: Did you know that your baby is shaped like a heart in the ultrasound pic?
Answer: Yes!! Even the nurse said she's never seen one that symmetrical before! I'm calling him/her my LOVE CHILD!!!

Well that's all the questions I can think of right now but if you have any other ones feel free to leave a comment and I'll post a follow up!!!

Please keep Baby Boo, Ben and I in your thoughts and prayers during the next 6.5 months!!!
Love to you all!!!

It's a Nice Day for a DC Wedding!!!

Me, Erin, Caryn and Jacqueline...aren't we cute!!!

The outdoor wedding ceremony!

This weekend Ben and I went back up to DC to celebrate the wedding of our friends Jeff and Tina. They were married at a Bed and Breakfast called Atrium 1844 in Taneytown, MD.

Ben and I arrived Saturday evening and spent the night with the Sullivan clan.

Dwight grilled chicken, Jan made all the side dishes, and Kate joined us as we ate dinner outside and spent time catching up! It was a fun night!

Sunday morning we were up and out the door by noon so that we could travel to Gettysburg (about 13 miles away from Taneytown) for the wedding.

We checked into the hotel and changed and headed over to the wedding venue.

There we met up with Chris, Jacqueline and Todd and waited for the wedding to begin.

The venue was very pretty and bride looked beautiful.

The weather cooperated for an outdoor wedding and afterwards there was a cocktail hour outside followed by an indoor reception.

We danced, ate, caught up with friends and wished the bride and groom much happiness!

Monday morning we grabbed breakfast and headed back to DC where we caught our flight back to ATL!!

After so much traveling...it is great to be home!

Happy Memorial Day everyone!!!

BIO, Babies, and Bonding

Hanging with Carson & Henry

BIO in ATL this week!

Sir Elton on the Jumbotron!!!

Elton at the podium!

It's been another fun week here in the Sullivan house!

I can't believe how much has been going on!

Tuesday afternoon, I ventured downtown to meet up with Erin and Anastasia at the BIO 2009 annual convention. I used to work for BIO when I lived in DC and now one of my BFFs Erin works there. BIO (Biotechnology Industry Organization) holds a huge convention in a different city every year!

This year, BIO came to ATL and Erin worked her magic to get us all access badges.

Tuesdays lunch featured keynote speaker Sir Elton John!!! It was so cool to see him up close and personal speaking about one of the issues that he holds near and dear to his heart...AIDS.

After the lunch, Anastasia and I met up with Erin and got a tour of the exhibit hall!

Wednesday night Ben & I headed back downtown to meet up with Andy, Anastasia, Erin & Jennie (a good friend of ours from DC that lives in ATL now) to attend the Gala Reception at the Aquarium.

BIO rented out the entire aquarium so it was really cool to have live music playing and a bar/food station around every corner as we partied with the fish!

We had a great time, and I was especially psyched that I saw my old boss from my BIO days!!! It was so good to catch up with Cynthia again!!

Thursday morning I was up bright and early to head to Charlotte, NC for work. After taking care of Talecris business for the day, I headed over to see our friends Matt and Suzie that evening. I got to hang out with Suzie and the twins (Carson & Henry...SO adorable) until Matt got home!

I got to help feed them and rock them to sleep! (Sidenote: As I was rocking babies to sleep my husband was partaking in wings and beer at the local Roswell Hooters with Pat)

Friday after I finished up the rest of my work, I headed uptown to meet Ethan, one of my best friends from high school, for some lunch at Cantina 1511! It was an awesome day, so we sat outside and caught up over quesadillas!! Yummy.

I headed back to ATL around 3pm and stopped in Spartanburg along the way to say hi to the parents!

I was back in ATL around 7:45 where Ben and I ordered in and ended the night snuggling while catching up on DVR!

It was a very busy week!! We are headed to DC this weekend to see Ben's family and attend the wedding of our good friends Jeff and Tina.

Will post pics of the weekend on Tuesday! Happy Memorial Day everyone!!!

Livin it up Chicago Style!!!

View from top of the Hancock Building

The girls at El Jardin

Jim and Julie

Jackie and Todd

The Sullivans at the top of the Hancock

Ben at the Bean

Group shot at the Bean

Kristen giving a kiss at the Bean

The Sullivans at Glenn's diner

Chicago Style Pizza

This weekend the Sullivans hopped on a flight to Chicago to visit some our best friends from our Chapel Hill days!

We had such a great time!!! I had never been to Chicago before so Ben was excited to show me all the sites!

We arrived Thursday evening and Jim met us at the airport.

We went back to Jim and Julie's condo in Wrigleyville where we were greeted by Julie and their big bundle of love Cabo. Cabo is probably the sweetest dog in the world!!!

Thursday night we headed to a local Italian restaurant so that I could have my first taste of Chicago style pizza!!! OH MY is all I have to say!!! It was without a doubt the BEST PIZZA EVER! (Besides what we had in Italy)

I don't know if Papa John's will ever look the same to me again!

After dinner we came back to the condo and just spent some time catching up! We all got to bed reasonably early because we had a Cubs game to attend the next day!

Friday we woke to rainy weather! We were so bummed because we knew the chances of the game being cancelled were pretty high.

That still didn't stop me from venturing out to get a Cubs tshirt though!

For lunch, we BBQ'ed on Jim and Julie's deck and waited for the rain to subside...which never did.

The game was cancelled and we were sad.

While the boys went to the bar and bonded over beer, I decided to stay at the condo to just read and nap.

Julie came home soon after the boys left (she couldn't take the day off for the game unfortunately), and as soon as the boys returned from the bar (pretty "well lit" I must say), we headed to a local improv club to watch a show.

There we met up with Jackie and Todd. It was great to see them again!

The show was AWESOME. It was spoken completely in Shakespeare and was hilarious!!! I highly recommend hitting up the IO Theater

http://chicago.ioimprov.com/io/shows/14

After the show we grabbed a late night bite at Rockit Bar and Grill in Wrigleyville!

Saturday morning we headed off to brunch at Glenn's diner. I had read about Glenn's diner on one of my fave shows Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and knew it was a must!

I had a huge bowl of Captain Crunch with Crunchberries (they are known for their cereal selection) and a egg sandwich and Ben had an omelet the size of my forearm...delicious!!! Jim and Julie also raved about their scrambled eggs with Parmesan and chives!

After brunch it was off to sight see! We did so much in just one day!!

We went to Millennium Park where we saw all the cool statues and the famous bean. Afterwards, we went to the Chicago art museum which had just opened their modern art wing that very day. We even got in for free!!!

Then we went shopping on Miracle Mile (much to Ben's protest) where I found a awesome pair of earrings but alas...no new handbag :(

We ended our sightseeing with drinks on the top of the Hancock building. The view was breathtaking!

That night, we headed to Jackie and Todd's condo for appetizers and drinks, then we went to El Jardin Mexican Restaurant for dinner and the Dark Horse for some bar time!

Sunday we slept in and then headed to airport around 1pm.

It was such a fun weekend!!! Thanks to Jim, Julie, Jackie and Todd for playing host and hostess! I can't wait to visit the Windy City again soon!!!

In Memory...

This weekend, my DC crew and I lost a dear friend.
Hans Huber passed away on Friday May 15, 2009.

He will be missed!!
Deepest sympathies to his wife Christine and his family.

Let the Summer Begin!!!

A pic of our new cornhole set!

This weekend was a relaxing one indeed.

It was good to catch up on rest and spend time with our ATL friends!

Friday night Ben and I had our usual date night but decided not to venture out.

Instead we ordered from our favorite Chinese place and vegged in front of the TV! It was nice to get some rest after weeks of traveling!

Saturday morning Ben and I slept in and then I met Steph M for a walk at Riverside Park. It was such a nice day out!

After the walk I came home and got ready for our BBQ. Ben and I hosted about 17 of our friends for a night of Cornhole, burgers, and beer!

It was such a fun night!

Sunday morning my hubby served me breakfast in bed as a special treat and then we spent the morning cleaning up from our party and shopping for new patio furniture! (Side note: As Ben and I were eating breakfast in bed we heard a LOUD crash outside. Turns out our patio table glass just shattered into a million little pieces all over deck. It was definitely one of the weirdest things I had ever seen).

Good times this weekend! We are excited for the Summer to begin!!!

And Happy Mother's Day to Mom Sullivan, Mom Heatherly, Momma Bobbie and all my good friends who are Moms and Moms-to-be!!! I hope you had a very special day!!!

Happy Birthday Blog!!!

Today is the one year anniversary/birth of the Sullivan Blog!!

It's been so much fun updating everyone on our lives over the past year...

I hope you all have enjoyed reading my blog just as much as I like writing it!!!

I'm sure we'll have many more adventures in store this year to share with you all!!!

Happy Birthday Blog!!!

Sugo with the Boss!!!

I forgot to mention that Last Thursday, before Ben and I headed up to DC for the weekend we met up with my old boss Suzanne who was in town with her husband Brian. Brian went to school in Atlanta so he wanted to show Suzanne his old stomping grounds.

We went to Sugo in Roswell and had a great time!

Sugo is one of our favorite restaurants and it certainly didn't let us down! There tapas are out of this world!

The whole night was so much fun!!! I'm glad Suzanne and I finally got to meet each other's hubbies!!!

Jewelry Party!!!

My good friend Melissa makes and wears her own beautiful jewelry that makes us all envious! So last night Melissa hosted her second jewelry making class for us so that we could get in on the action!

We made bracelets and earrings which I absolutely love!!! Check them out!!!

Congratulations to the Mislehs!!!

The happy Couple! Congrats Christine and Rommie!!! Have fun in Aruba!

Kristen and Erin

Ben doing the Hokie Pokey with the other VA Tech Grads!

Laura and Caryn breaking it down!!!

Erin, Kera and Sara

Ben and Jacqueline getting their groove on the dance floor!

Group pic!!!

The boys...

The Sullivans!!!

The girls...

This weekend Ben and I ventured up to DC to celebrate the wedding of our good friends Christine and Rommie!

Friday night we met up with a bunch of our friends (Erin, Monica, Jacqueline, Todd, Jill, Josh and Christina) at Whitlow's for some good food and good times!

Friday night we crashed at Jacks and Todd's house and Saturday morning we spent the morning just hanging out and catching up! We caught the Caps Hockey game at 1 while we were getting ready for the wedding. (Did you know that the Caps were in the playoffs and everyone in DC has turned into Hockey Fanatics? I sure didn't!)

The Wedding was at 4pm at a Lutheran Church (holla for the Lutherans) in Great Falls! The wedding was gorgeous and the bride looked beautiful!

The reception was at the Hyatt in Reston Town Center.

We had a great time and danced the night away!!! After the reception we ventured over to the American Tap room for a bit but headed to the Caryn's Parents house to crash around 1am!

Sunday morning we had brunch at the Regen house and then Ben's parents came and picked us up!

We went to lunch in Baltimore with the whole Sullivan clan including Kate! It was great catching up with them!

Our flight last night was a pain in the butt (we ended up stuck on the runway in Greenville/Spartanburg for 3 hours...don't ask) but we were in our beds by midnight!

It was a wonderful weekend and a great wedding!

Congrats Christine and Rommie!!!