5 Months

Yes, our little girl is already 5 months old. I have taken a few pictures this week to document this new stage. She seems so grown up to me already as she has long conversations with me throughout the day, can sit up on her own for about 15 seconds, can roll over from her tummy to her back, can push up higher on her tummy and look around, i could go on and on. 

She LOVES her conversations with Daddy when he gets home from work. This is how they talk - it's the cutest thing! She's like, "Mom - why are you interrupting my story time?"

Kate weighs 15 lbs, 5 oz and is 25 1/2 inches long. She is just about average with her 60 percentile self. Not a bad place to be, but it means she doesn't really fit in the sink anymore. She just "lounges" back and kicks her leg up, like she's just chillin' in the tub. She has quite a personality and sports some definite rolls!

Here's her "american gangsta" pose (she's giving you the "East Side" sign). She wasn't so happy with me putting the hat on her inside for the picture and she made this face. I was laughing SO hard. Like I said...she has quite the personality already! (Thanks, Kimber for the adorable sweater and hat!)

Let me tell you something - you do not want to mess with her in a dark alley way. LOL! Thanks for indulging me - it's another month, and that's a wrap.

Blessing by Faith

On Sunday, a friend shared with us that they are expecting again. The way in which he shared it was priceless and has stuck with me each day since. It would be helpful to understand the full background of this wonderful family and thus you would truly see how profound his statement was on Sunday. It is not my place to share in that detail, but picture this...

A family felt called to come to the City and share the love of Christ to the "nations". They gave up their suburban lifestyle and 4 bedroom house to move into a 2 bedroom apartment with their 2 children and dog (and now cat). In their minds their family was complete, and even if they thought about more children, the lack of space dictated otherwise. All seems well, and then there was a slight "twist" in plans. They are now expecting a third child. 

I'm sure you can imagine their thoughts at this point. Excitement. Confusion. Disbelief. Anxiety. Or as he put it on Sunday, it is a "blessing by faith". Profound isn't it? After a laugh or a tear or both, it is a blessing by faith. Love that. It hit me like a ton of bricks. 

On another but parallel note, our family heard yesterday that Coach Nutt of the Razorbacks is leaving the team after 10 years and moving on to coach Ole Miss. I know it sounds trivial in light of other situations going on in life, but it is still one that hits close to home. He is the coach that invested in Rhett, got to know our family, has been a motivator for my brother in this crucial time of being a freshman starter, and now he is leaving. Just like that. My family is having a hard time with it. 

This news, of course, coming after a win over LSU and tons of media coverage of the team and the future. Interesting, isn't it? There was a "twist" of plans and yet I must say that I go back to the phrase and choose to see it as a blessing by faith, praying that others will too. 

Is there something in your life that you need to claim as a "blessing by faith"? Do we have enough faith to see it as a blessing? Does it take faith to see some blessings? What if those of us in the covenant church of Christ lived life by this phrase? What if this was the first response we had when something didn't quite go as we planned. 

It reminds me of the passage in Mark 9, where the man says to Christ, " I believe; help my unbelief." I find myself at this place quite often. Is there something in your life that is leading you to cry out to God - God I trust you, help me to have greater faith. God, I know you are sovereign and so, I am choosing to see this as a blessing - by faith. I pray that I, too, can respond this way. For I know life has many more turns and "twists" and I want to be able to respond without hesitating... this is a blessing by faith. 

Happy Thanksgiving Day Parade 2007

A dream of mine has come true this week. For as long as I can remember, my family's Thanksgiving day always began with watching the Thanksgiving Day parade and making a yummy holiday breakfast. Well, this was my first year to experience the glorious parade in person and I could not have asked for better weather and better company. (Although - it would have been so great to have my mom and sister with us.)

Our parade experience actually started on Wednesday evening, when we joined the other thousands of people (literally) to view the balloons getting inflated. It is not something we will ever do again. It was brutal. 

The parade begins at 9am every year, and we woke up at 5:30 to ensure we were there early enough to get "prime" seating for our viewing pleasure. We scored a great picnic bench, perfect to feed and change Kate and to save our feet from standing for the full 5 hours. The only downside was that it was conveniently located in front of the porta-potties. Nice. It was worth it to have a seat, though, and it made for some great people watching too!

The parade was everything I had hoped it would be and more. Seeing Santa in person was the highlight for me and Kate enjoyed a few balloons flying overhead as well. We watched it from the Upper West Side, so we left around 11:30am and trekked  back through Central Park, enjoying the fall foliage, managing to still get home and cook up a grand Thanksgiving feast.

 

I hope you had wonderful Thanksgiving Day with your friends and family. Let me be the first to tell you that Santa Clause has come to town!! Let the Christmas Season begin!

In case you're anxious to see more - here's the entire slide show from our Thanksgiving Day. Enjoy!

Shout Out

I have to give a HUGE shout out to the Arkansas Razorbacks who defeated the No.1 ranked LSU Tigers in 3 overtimes tonight (50-48). My brother, Rhett, has started every single game this season as a true freshman and did an AMAZING job tonight! Go HOGS! Congratulations Rhett, Coach Nutt, and the entire Razorback team!  We were cheering LOUDLY from NY!

You can read all about it here. 

New News

There are a few new things from this last week that I would like to share, for some reason. I don't know why, really, but hope you can enjoy them. 

* Kate has found her feet. She loves them and is very close to fitting them in her mouth. How can this be? Who teaches babies this strange act that doctors call "development"? Do you remember a time when you didn't realize you had feet? Don't answer that. 

* Yes, for all of you who asked and commented on the blog below - my hair is new. It is a new look for a new season and I think I like it so far. Thank you for your encouraging words!

*Kate rolled over for the first time. She had a frightened look on her face as she rolled from her stomach to her back and it was so funny to watch. After she "landed", David and I broke out into a loud cheer and she just smiled so big even though - I know - she had no idea what just happened. 

* It snowed today. No, not like accumulating snow, but snow flurries and it was quite thrilling actually. The holidays have arrived!

* David set up a new toy adventure for Kate this weekend and it was fun to watch her "explore". She realized quickly that she can s-p-i-n around. It was hysterical. 

* Kate enjoyed a playdate with her friend, Louise, again today and reached out to hold her hand. She's noticing other children so much more now and it was very sweet to watch her interact with her friend for the first time. Don't they look so grown up!?

* The most special new news is a new addition to the Sullivan family! Samuel David was born last Tuesday and is healthy and precious in every way. He was born in Montreal, Canada, so I have no idea how much he weighed (it's something kilos, you know), but we know he's here and that's all that matters! Welcome to the family!

Now it's YOUR turn. Do you have anything NEW you want to share? :) Come on, it's fun!

Dining Like Kings

Thursday was our 4 year anniversary. I know, I know - for those of you who are at 10 or 8 or 7 years - 4 sounds SO young...but every year is a big year in my book. So, we celebrated for a few nights, rather than just one. Thursday, we had "Family Anniversary Dinner" night and made a yummy steak dinner at home. I made this great fall recipe for Buttercup Squash Soup (not to be confused with ButterNUT) and it was SO yummy. Kate sat joyfully in her bumbo seat and watched mommy and daddy eat what would later become her breakfast. Weird to think about and I'm not sure why I just said that to everyone. Sorry. We said last year we dined "by candlelight and this year, we dined by bumbo". :)

Then last night, we went out to an exceptional restaurant called Daniel. It is on the 'top 10' list of NYC and that is one of our goals - to hit the 'top' spots. I think this is our first. ha! It was amazing...aperitifs and petifores and great wine. Now, that is a good evening.
Along with any fancy schmancy restaurant - there is GREAT people watching and usually good stories. A few highlights were:

* We saw a real life Geisha. Not kidding. That is just the only word to describe her; however, she was not wearing the traditional get-up as seen in the movie or pictured from the book, but rather a sequined number corresponding with a matching head piece. Now that is nice! (We wanted so badly to take a picture, but just couldn't do it)

* There was a "stool" for your purse, but because it was such a treat to be out for a night without diapers and wipes, I went commando - with the BAG, I mean. So, the only thing the stool held for us were the cards that we exchanged and the camera, of course.
* The pastry chef brought us out each desserts in addition to this lovely plate wishing us a happy anniversary. ( I think that makes 3 desserts - wow) So nice and special .
* David thinks he saw a well known billionaire investor, who is frequently on TV and who he's heard speak a few times. NOT quite the celebrity sighting I was hoping for last night. :(

* A girl at a table next to us passed out around 11pm. Not from drinking or anything...just slipped out of her chair and laid gracefully on the ground. The MOST fascinating part of this entire scenario was how the waiters and managers handled it. It was unbelievable. They were like moving in stealth speed, got a pillow and cold cloth for her head (who has pillows at a restaurant - and a cute one at that?), no one shouted or even talked loud enough for even us to hear, no one else in the restaurant really knew what was going on except for those of us watching it close by, and then a doctor happened to be dining at a nearby table - alone - and got to say "I'm a doctor, stand back". I mean - it was awesome. After a few minutes they escorted her out a "back door" into a "lounge" for her to lay down and call an ambulance (we think). No big deal. Everyone kept dining. So strange, but a highlight none-the-less and rather entertaining. I hope she is OK.

* Uncle Dan and his girlfriend, Ashley, babysat and what is better than FREE babysitting!? Thank you!!

Overall, we had a great time and just enjoyed conversation on all that has happened this year and how blessed we feel to not only have each other, but to be on such a great adventure together. The 'together' part - is really what makes it all possible. Here's to another year!

Contentment

Oh yes - the dreaded word that we always talk about, but do we ever really achieve? This week in my Moms In Prayer (MIP) group [yes- I made up that name], we are praying for contentment in our children and in our lives as well. Can I just say that the week I've been focusing on it has turned out to be a stinkin' hard week to remain "content"? Why does that always seem to be the case?

Last Wednesday some girlfriends and I went to a friend's house - yes I said HOUSE - up in Westchester. For those of you who may not be familiar with Westchester, it is one of those coveted suburban neighborhoods just 30 minutes north of the City. It's picturesque in every way. The houses are beautiful, sitting serenely on the bay and with trees - too many to count - changing with the season. It's just gorgeous. We had a great time and I kept saying to myself....I don't need a house right now. We are called to the City. We have more than enough....but, it was still so nice to be in a real house.

Did I mention that we rode up in a friend's car - that happened to be the exact same SUV that we sold just a few months ago? Oh yes - same color and everything. The sweetest friend offered to drive us to the party and it was strange being in the exact same car, but so nice at the same time. I kept saying to myself... we really don't need a car - we live in the City. If we need one, we can always rent one....but, it was still so nice to be in a real car.

Then on Friday night, David and I planned a date night. We had the sitter come and we started making our way to a show, which started promptly at 8pm, of course. On our way to the subway we noticed a girl standing on the sidewalk in a daze. We both noticed her and in our prayer for opportunities to help the weak and marginalized in our City - both stopped to ask her if she was OK and if there was anything we could do to help. Without getting into too much detail (of which there is much), we were with her for the next hour and a half and showed up late to the show. I actually found myself, despite being grateful that we could help, feeling sorry for myself that this was my ONE night out with my husband, paying for a babysitter and yet - we didn't really get to enjoy our "date"...but, it was still so nice to be out with David and enjoy real, adult conversation AND help be Christ to someone who was hurting.

Let's not forget that I had to get dressed...and well, clothes just don't fit the same way anymore. I was overjoyed to put on a pair of jeans from "before" the pregnant days. Of course, there was the jumping and contortion act to get them on and the "muffin top" effect going on...but, it was still so nice to be in a pair of jeans that fit when my name first became Sullivan.

David and I also decided that we need to stay here for Thanksgiving this year. This will be our first year without family for a major holiday. I'm sad. I'm trying to tell myself things to look forward to to make it sound better...but, the truth is, I will still miss family terribly.

I could go on and on. Get the picture? How funny...when we are focusing so hard on being content - there are SO many challenges that prevent us from arriving at that destination. I still don't think I have it mastered, but am thankful that I am focused on it and will remain prayerful over it. I have realized that contentment doesn't have to do with our "needs" but is an issue of "wants". Thus, my prayer for Kate and our family is, " Help us understand that contentment comes not from great wealth but from fewer wants."

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Phil 4:11)

Happy 60th Dad!

Today is my dad's 60th birthday!!! I can't believe it. They, of course, are on their way to Knoxville to see yet another Razorback game this Saturday against Tennessee. I wanted to list a few of my favorite things/memories of my dad...of course I won't be able to list them all.

1. He calls every week just to check in and say I love you
2. He has the BEST stories....just ask him!
3. He always reminds me how proud he is of me and the choices I've made
4. How he speaks so highly of my husband and how he loves my daughter
5. That he is not afraid to wear an Arkansas shirt in the middle of NYC
6. He loves to try and speak Spanish to everyone - even if they are not Latino.
7. How He taught each of us to fear God and to be sensitive to His calling on our lives
8. His Godly wisdom, counsel and insight at ANY hour of the night
9. He drove all the way to Waco one time just to just listen to me and help me process a big decision
10. He has stayed married to my mom for 30 years and remained a devoted father in every way
11. How honest and transparent he is on what God is teaching him
12. He is the definition of fun at any event
13. He is an amazing public speaker and teacher
14. He LOVES to give hugs
15. He always sees the best in me and reminds me, so that I can stay true to who I am.
16. If I ever tried to wear something that was a little revealing or "questionable", all he would say is "Do you think you can wear that and be a Godly woman? If not, then you should probably choose something else." hmmm....
17. He is ALWAYS up for a movie - no matter what time it is or what night it is
18. He never meets a stranger (or now anyone who doesn't know who his children are and that he is a Grandpa)
19. His homemade ice cream is THE best!
20. I love how passionate he is about his God and his family

Feel free to mention some of your favorite memories of my dad! I'm going to tell him to read it later. :)

Dad - Thank you for who you are and who you taught me to be. I love you SO much! Have fun in TN!

What's On Your Grocery List?

As I was making lunch today, I thought about all of my favorite food items that I use on a weekly basis and thought I would share what's on my weekly grocery list. In New York, and especially in my apartment, our refrigerator is hardly large enough to have a 1/2 gallon of milk AND fruit, so I go to the store each time I need something and then try to use it immediately. There is no storage. These items are all "must have items". David and I have are also trying to be a little healthier in what we eat, so not only are these some of our favorite "staple" items, but they are healthier choices as well. (I'd like to think that, at least)

Here are my top 10 grocery list items:

10. Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup WITH Roasted Garlic - love this new discovery (new to me, at least)! So good in any soup, casserole, etc.

9. Pepper Jack cheese - I don't know that it's a "healthier" option, but it spices up any dish and we love it!

8. Sun-dried Tomato Wheat Thins - enough said...gotta try them if you haven't already

8. Turkey meatballs - we have pasta at least once a week (whole wheat, of course) and these turkey meatballs are so good, you really can hardly tell the difference! If my husband will eat them - I promise they are good.

7. Chicken sausage - this is a great breakfast item with some eggs on those mornings you just need something heartier. Emeril's chicken sausage in sun-dried tomato and basil or in jalapeno is so yummy!

6. Harvest Cheddar Sun Chips - so good and I figure they have to be better than potato chips. :) Right?

5. Fresh spinach - good for salad any night and it's a great way to have your "greens". I hardly use any other lettuce now. Throw some strawberries and slivered almonds on there...and there you go!

4. Kashi Go-Lean Crunch cereal - love that crunch!!

3. Homemade salsa ingredients- it's so easy...a few cans of tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, jalapenos, black pepper, and you've got such a fresh and yummy snack! It keeps for several weeks and is SO good.

2. Wasa crackers in Whole Wheat - great substitute for bread and goes great with turkey and pepper jack cheese (put a some spinach leaves on there and even fresh basil - YUM)

and the #1 favorite item I must have on my list each week is ...

1. Liberte` Mediterranee` yogurt - fruit at the bottom (mmm...it's amazing!)

What's on your weekly grocery list? Do tell. :)

4 months

I am 4 months now and weigh 14.6 lbs and am 24.5 inches long.

Some of you might be disappointed, because I don't have a halloween costume on, but my mom said it was because I wasn't feeling well and my daddy wasn't feeling well, so she took these cute ones of me today instead.