I love Fall best of All!

So now that the cat's out of the bag about my pregnancy I can show you the cake that my hubby had made for my bday! I've been asking for a pink cake from a REAL Bakery for 4 years, and this year he finally came through. What a smart ass, right? But I love him!

Now for the weekend update...it was both busy and relaxing at the same time. There was no traveling and no big plans on the books, but I feel like we didn't have time to sit still for more than a few minutes!
Friday night our old next door neighbor Jared (Melanie was out of town on business) came over with the kids and we ordered pizza.
Tyler and Maddie had a ball together as usual, and I got some new mommy practice time in with Baby Gabe.
Saturday morning, we hit the gym and then Taste of Roswell for lunch. It was a lot of fun.
Late afternoon, we headed over to our neighbors, the Schmidts, to watch Florida completely crush my Gamecocks. Needless to say, I wasn't happy with our performance. I'm hoping for a strong showing against Tennessee this weekend.
Saturday evening, we went over to our other neighbors, the Smithers, for dinner.
Tyler's BFF is the Smither's oldest little boy Jack. They HEART each other...good thing the adults all heart each other too!

Sunday morning we went to church, and then we spent the afternoon cooking, cleaning and playing.
Ben made crockpot chicken soup for dinner (it's one of his specialties and REALLY good) and I baked candy corn cookies! They turned out so much cuter than I thought they would. Check it out!  Not that easy...but super yummy!

Tyler got to spend a lot of time outdoors playing with the neighbors and Sunday evening, we decorated our first pumpkin...Elmo style!

Have a great week everyone!!!

Another BIG BIG BIG Announcement

Ben and I are SUPER excited to announce that we are having another BABY!!!!
Yes, you heard it right! 
A second addition to the Sullivan Family will be arriving in May 2013!
FYI, we haven't announced anything to the various "social media" outlets yet. The blogger world is the first to know. 
Please keep any comments limited to my personal email or this blog post until we post it on the Facebook world! Thanks!!! 

When we found out that we were expecting Tyler, I did a little Q&A for everyone. So I figured, why not do it again? 
So below are some answers to what I'm sure are your "burning" questions!!! LOL :)


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. The honest truth? (sorry Baby #2 if you read this in 20 years) We were NOT trying. We weren't even planning on trying until the new year. Turns out that I'm part of that 2% that get knocked up on the pill...go figure. (I swear on my life that I only missed one pill)
The story goes as follows: It was September 20th and I was in the break room at work. My coworker comes in and says, "I'm sorry if I'm cranky this week ya'll, it's that time of the month for me." 
I said, "How weird, it's that time of the month for me too....but wait, I haven't gotten my period yet"
Coworker said, "Girl, you might be pregnant"
Me: "No I can't be pregnant, I'm on the pill"
As soon as I got home (left early), I took a test. It was BLAZING positive.
I drove straight to Ben's work to tell him. On the way there I thought "I read this thing wrong...the plus sign was really a minus, I MUST have been confused!" So I stopped at Kroger, Bought a digital test...peed in the Kroger bathroom and waited while the little test blinked...and blinked...and blinked. Result = Pregnant.
At that point, there was no denying it. I drove to Ben's office and told him. He was just as shocked as I was.
But both of us were giggling like little giddy high schoolers.
Truth is...we are ecstatic.
I still can't believe it...but we are both SO excited for the baby!!!

Q: How are you feeling?
Answer: Not Great...Nauseous, Bloated, Sore Boobs (my GOD they are sore) Peeing every 5 minutes, EXHAUSTED Irritable, & Emotional! How fun! My husband is loving life right now! 

Q: Is that your "injury" that kept you from doing the triathlon?
Answer: You bet your sweet ass it was. I was SO ready for that triathlon and wouldn't let anything stand in my way of finishing it. But 4 days before the race I experienced some first trimester bleeding (I had it with Tyler too) and decided to play it safe rather than sorry. So I guess there was ONE thing that could stand in my way of competing...the thought of hurting Baby #2. 

Q: What about your big "weight loss/weight watchers" journey?
Answer: Well that's obviously been put on hold for now. And weight watchers makes you quit if you are preggers. I'm trying to be more healthy this time around, but it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. Late night chocolate cravings and zero energy to work out aren't helping much either. But as soon as this baby is born, it's back on track! And I'm doing that triathlon next year dang it!!!!

Q: Are you going to find out the sex?
Answer: Yes absolutely we want to find out the sex! We will find out sometime right before Christmas and we'll be sure to let you all know!!!! Honestly (and I can say this without hesitation) I would be happy with a little girl or another boy just like my sweet Tyler. 

Q: Wait, your not out of your first trimester...should you be announcing this on your blog already?
Answer: I'm a horrible liar...so anyone that asks me anything or questions my motives ultimately gets the truth.
Because of this, a LOT of people already know about baby #2. I figure why not just go ahead and let the rest of the world in on our little secret. 
My doctor has assured me that things are going well and I trust that God will keep an eye on Baby #2 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 9/20. 

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 :) We really like Haley for a girl and Jacob for a boy. But who knows what the ultimate decision will be. 

Q: Any weird cravings?
Answer: Yes...Chicken Salad and Cereal (not at the same sitting thank god) 

Q: How far along are you?
Answer: I'm in my 10th week this week! Technical Due Date: May 23rd 

Q: Is your child going to be super spoiled?
Answer: If his/her grandparents have anything to do with it...yes! 

Q: Did you see how big your baby's head was in that ultrasound? Are you going to push that sucker out? 
Answer: Yes, I saw. The Sullivan Children (well the one so far) are known for their rather large head circumference. LOL! 
I had a Csection with Tyler (he was tilted to the right and wouldn't drop) but am still trying to decide if I want another Csection or try for the VBAC. We will be weighing our options over the next few months. I'm in no rush to decide. 

Q: Are you having anymore kids?
Answer: I can say with 99.9999999%...correction 100% certainty that 2 is enough for us! Ben will be sprinting to the vasectomy clinic after this kid is born! 

Q: Is Tyler excited?
Answer: Oh my God YES!!! He kisses my belly and asks to hug the sonogram picture. He wants a little sister (yes sister...he's insistent on this) SO Bad! It's really the cutest thing in the world! 

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 us all in your thoughts and prayers during the next 7 months!!!
Love to you all!!!

Body Ink!!!

Today I'm linking up with Melanie to discuss Tats!
Again, I'm so new to the "linking up" thing...but I have been following some other blogger moms out there for awhile, and this was a topic that I just TRULY couldn't pass up!

Many of my friends (and even a few of you blog followers) probably know about my tattoo...and the story surrounding it.

Let me take you back. It was Junior Year of college! Christmas Break 1999. I told my sister Kelly that I really wanted a tattoo and she told me that she would get me one for my Christmas gift.
So one night we drove up with a guy friend of hers to North Carolina.
We were rebels! You couldn't get a tattoo in the state of South Carolina back then so you had to drive over the border to get one. How my parents didn't suspect something, I'll never know. My sister and I haven't always gotten along, so the fact that we were doing something...TOGETHER should have tipped them off.
We arrived at the parlor and I knew immediately what I wanted. A tribal turtle. I love (and still do love) turtles and frogs.
No, I don't collect little miniature glass statues of turtles and frogs in my house (far from that...I HATE clutter), I just think they're cute.
Cute enough to get inked on your body??? NO But I was 19 and stupid back then!

So I picked out a turtle and got it done. Tramp Stamp Style. Yep it's on my lower right hip.
I also remember that it hurt a Hell of a lot more than I thought it would!

Anyways, I was so excited to show my friends when we got back to campus in January. I ran in and told everyone and lifted up my shirt. And that's when it happened. My dear friend Erin walked right up to it..inspected it closely, then said "The head of that thing sure looks like a penis!"

So there you have it. I have a Penis Head Turtle Tramp Stamp!
Do I regret it? I'll let you decide!

High School Flashback!!!

What a fun weekend! Exactly what I needed! Some QUALITY time with my BFF Johanna!

Here's a picture of me and Johanna looking PURTY on my wedding day in 2007...

And here's me and Johanna trying to devour a smoked turkey leg at the 2008 NC State Fair

We be CRAY CRAY like that!

Johanna and I have been best friends since we were 15...18 years now! God, we're old.

So Thursday night, I drove with Tyler up to Spartanburg. My parents kept Tyler for the weekend and I drove up to Raleigh on Friday afternoon. 

Friday night we ate Chinese food in our PJ's and watched 80s movies. Just like our high school days!

Saturday, we did a whole lot of nothin too! Just bonding, reminiscing, and again...watching 80s movies.

Saturday night we hit the NC State Fair! It was a DELICIOUS great time! 

We indulged in chocolate covered cheesecake, vinegar fries, chicken pitas, mini donuts, and bloomin onions.

Relax...I didn't eat all of that by myself! (well maybe the cheesecake).

My old coworker Chesare also came out to the fair, so it was great catching up with her. 

Sunday morning, I left early, picked up T in Spartanburg (where he had an awesome time with Nana and Papa) and then drove to Atlanta.

Ben got a man weekend all to himself. Sometimes I'm TOO kind of a wife! 

He caught up on sleep, did a little bit of "honey do" list items on Saturday, and then went to the Falcons game on Sunday with our friend Mike.

50 yard club level seats! He was in heaven!

I hope everyone else had a wonderful weekend!!! 

The things we do for LOVE!

I saw this picture on Pinterest today and thought it was hilarious...and so true!

So naturally I sent an email to my husband that said the following:
Why do you never do this for me?
His response?
Haaa, I do it plenty of times, you just have too many shows  :)

Touche my friend...Touche
But of course I couldn't let it end there.

I responded:
Name one that you watch with me...

And then came the backlash:
I watched glee for a while, also some teen mom, did a season of jersey shore, watched a few seasons of How I met your mother (and only liked that show for like half a season). And new girl, can't stand that show.
I also am willing to watch an episode of honey boo boo to see what all the hype is about FYI

Ben 1 - Kristen 0

Where to Begin??? Triathalons, Birthdays, and more...

Sorry I've been a lame ass and haven't updated my blog in a couple of weeks. To say things have been a whirlwind would be the understatement of the century.
The week of the 24th, excitement was building...7 days and counting until the triathalon that I had been training for since March! I was pumped beyond belief and couldn't wait to get to the Lake and compete with my girls.
Then I got sidelined with an injury (more about that in another post)....and at the very last minute had to withdraw from the competition.
I was devastated...but there was nothing I could do about it. But I still went to lake with everyone and cheered our team on!
My goal is come back at 100% and do the same triathalon next year. I have the equipment...as long as I can maintain my current stamina, I'll be up for the challenge.
Here's the view from our gorgeous lake house and a pic of me and the girls at the finish line (Me minus my trisuit, which I know you were all dying to see me in).
PS- That smile was hard to muster as there were tears coming down my cheeks. I wanted to compete more than you'll ever know.

The following week was the week leading up to my BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!! And what a fun weekend it was! Seriously, I haven't had that great of a bday weekend in quite awhile!

But first, the bad stuff...We were sidetracked Thursday night with a trip to the ER with Tyler. The daycare called Thursday afternoon and said Tyler threw up. That vomit incident lead to 5 more over the next two hours. I called the nurse line at the doctor's office to tell them what was going on and they asked me if he had fallen on his head in the last 24 hours (vomit is a sign of a concussion). Tyler is usually the worlds MOST cautious kid, but it just so happened that Wednesday night he fell down 4 of our stairs. He seemed fine afterwards so I didn't think anything about it, but when the nurse inquired and I mentioned it, she said we had to go to the hospital. Good news is that the two incidents were not related. My little munchkin's brain is just fine! He just had a stomach bug. A pretty bad one though. He finally started feeling like himself again on Saturday. (And did I mention that he threw up all over me in the hospital lobby...no? Well he did and it was disgusting. The things we withstand for love).

Friday my parents came into town and we went to Sip in Downtown Crabapple for dinner.
Saturday morning was my bday! Happy 33 to me!!!!
I cooked breakfast for everyone (cause I'm cool like that) and then we went to Home Depot for the kid clinic. They made firetrucks and Tyler was in heaven. After the clinic, we let my parents take T for the day. I went shopping at Loft, then Ben and I visited a little Oil and Vinegar Bistro in Downtown Roswell. It was awesome and we spent a small fortune on organic olive oils and balsamic vinegars. I highly recommend this place. Very cool!

Afterwards, we went to lunch in Downtown Roswell and then headed home.

My parents left shortly after we got home and within the hour Ben's sister Kate and our brother in law Matt arrived. Kate and Matt were in town for a golf tournament. Ben was supposed to play in the tourney at Stone Mountain on Friday but he couldn't because Tyler was sick and out from school (father of the year...I love that man).
Saturday night we had my birthday party at our house where we watched the Gamecocks WIN over Georgia, ate my BEAUTIFUL pink birthday cake that my husband ordered for me (pictures to come), and sang Karaoke into the midnight hours! Great times were had by all!

Sunday we had breakfast with Kate and Matt and went to the park. After they left in the afternoon we started our Halloween decorating. We decided to venture out to look for Halloween decorations at a nearby store. I was dressed like a bum (so much so that I almost considered not wearing a bra). We were in the store scoping out some fun door decor and trick or treat pails for Tyler when I saw him....USHER! That's right. He was standing right in the center aisle of the store (with his LARGE bodyguard) looking for costumes. I almost peed my pants. We walked up the aisle he was shopping on so that I could hear his sweet voice. He's just as hot in person...fo reals!
After our celebrity sighting we went next door to Micheal's to look for more H-ween stuff .  On the way out of Michael's I saw Usher's MOM and his two son's head into the same Halloween store. They pulled up in a White Land Rover and the boys were dressed to the nine's.
What a fun way to end the perfect bday!!!
Happy October to everyone and GOOOOOO COCKS!
Can't believe we are No. 3 BABY!