Compassion...

I don't know if you know about this, but this week, there has been a group of semi-famous bloggers on a trip to El Salvador with Compassion International.  Because two of the bloggers are ones that I read on a daily basis, I've been keeping up with what they're doing down there.

One of them is Kelly from http://kellyskornerblog.com/.  I have been following her blog for over a year.

Two other blogs that I read are BigMama and BooMama and they both linked to Shaun Groves' website to this post.  Shaun Groves is a Christian singer/songwriter. 

I read it.  It made me cry.  Obviously, this is no hard feat these days, but when you combine children and difficult things in life, my ears perk up, my eyebrows raise, and I usually cry.

But you know what's more effective than crying?

Doing something about it.

So, do you think it's any small coincidence that 2 days ago, Stephen told me that we have some extra money that we need to be praying about how to spend it before the end of the year?

I know what I want to do with $38 of it per month!

Go to http://www.compassion.com/ if you'd like to join me!

I'm 100% sure it's a decision that you'll never, ever, ever regret.

Delicious Dinner...

Yesterday, I cooked up a double batch of Slow Cooker Turkey Chili and Cheese Biscuits for us and for just in case Baby Bruce decides to show up in the next few days, we have some tasty food here.

I decided to post the recipes because and I quote,

"This is the best chili I've ever had!" ~ Stephen Bruce

So, here you go!  If you all choose not to make these recipes at least once this winter, it's your dumb choice.  Don't say I didn't give them to you!

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili from Southern Living Magazine October 2009
serves 4-6 *

1 1/4 lb. lean ground turkey
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (1.25 oz.) envelope chili seasoning mix
1 (12 oz.) can beer
1 1/2 c. frozen corn kernels
1 red bell pepper, chopped *
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
3/4 tsp. salt

Cook first 4 ingredients in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, 8 minutes or until turkey crumbles and is no longer pink.  Stir in beer, and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes.  Spoon mixture into a 5 1/2 qt. slow cooker; stir in corn and next 6 ingredients until well blended.  Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.  Serve with desired toppings. *

* Personal notes: Since both my husband and I are total cheap skates, I just used 2 green bell peppers because red bell peppers are 3 times as expensive as the green ones.  Also, avocados were on sale this week, so we topped the chili with slices of those and some shredded cheddar cheese.  Also, I doubled this recipe and it was a perfect fit into my big crockpot.  The only thing I didn't double was the turkey, though.


Paula Deen’s Cheese Biscuits
Makes 8-12 biscuits
2 cups self-rising flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup Crisco shortening
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350 and while you’re waiting, go put on a pair of pants with an elastic waistband. Mix flour, baking powder, and sugar together using a fork; cut in shortening until it resembles cornmeal. Add cheese. Stir in buttermilk (because the stick of lard and all the cheese isn’t really enough fat) all at one time just until blended. Do not over-stir.

Drop by spoonfuls onto a well-greased baking sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes. Makes about 8 large biscuits or 12 medium size ones.

* These were super easy to make.  I made 8 large biscuits, but they ended up baking for about 25 minutes.  Just keep your eye on them and take out when they're very light brown.
 
You're welcome!

39 Weeks...are you kidding me???

Today, I am 39 weeks pregnant.  A week ago, I thought there was a good chance I wouldn't be doing this post, but that I'd be introducing you to Baby Bruce, instead!

Wishful thinking...

However, I can tell that things are moving along.  I probably just jinxed myself.  Ha!

I am hoping that since I seem to be having lots and lots of early labor going on, that maybe just maybe my "active labor" won't take a super long time.

A girl can dream, right?

"Not much to report this week, at least in the height and weight department.  Fortunately for you and your overstretched skin (and aching back), baby's growth has slowed down - or even taken a hiatus until after delivery.  On average, a baby this week still weighs in at around 7 or 8 pounds and measures up at 19 to 21 inches (though yours may be a little bigger or smaller ).  Still, progress is being made in some other areas, especially baby's brain, which is growing and developing up a storm (at a rapid pace that will continue during the first three years of life).  What's more, your baby's pink skin has turned white or whitish (no matter what skin your baby will ultimately be in, since pigmentation doesn't occur until soon after birth).  A development that you may have noticed by now if this is your first pregnancy: Baby's head might have dropped into your pelvis.  This change of baby's locale might make for easier breathing (and less heartburn), but could also make it harder for you to walk (make that to waddle)."
~ What to Expect When You're Expecting, 4th Edition

I have some things to say about this.  Baby's done growing, so Baby needs to COME OUT.

I have definitely noticed that Baby has "dropped."  Have you noticed in my pictures?  I can breathe easier, for sure, however my heartburn is still fiercer than ever.  It is hard to walk.  We went on a walk today and I asked Riley if she was ready to go on a waddle.

Baby's head is pushing down on my tailbone, which hurts quite a bit.  The support belt I bought does nothing to help this.

I have been having contractions for over a week now.  I have started timing contractions on three separate occasions because they were less than 5 minutes apart.  They occur regularly for about 45 minutes and then stop.  I'm supposed to call the Doc when they last for an hour.  That has been slightly frustrating.

Join me, will you?  On the count of 3, SHOUT,

"LET'S GO, BABY BRUCE!  WE ALL WANT TO MEET YOU!  STOP TORTURING YOUR MOMMY!"

That was very motivating.

But seriously, pray for me.

38 Weeks...

Two weeks from today is my due date!  I am hoping and praying that this little peanut that actually feels like a large watermelon comes way before then.

My discomfort is growing, along with my belly.  I'm tired of gaining weight.  When I went to my appointment on Monday, I had gained FOUR ~ that's FOUR pounds since the previous Monday.  I haven't gained four pounds in one week....EVER!  I think most of it is due to water retention because never have my ankles been so huge.

It still freaked me out.  Thankfully, I have very realistic and kind-hearted nurses and doctors looking after me.  They didn't seem worried.

Isn't that picture above kind of cute?  The little baby is sucking his hand!

I am pretty sure Baby Bruce is working his (I'm just going to say his to keep it easy) way further down because I can breathe a little easier, and I am feeling a lot of pressure on my tailbone.  However, my acid reflux is still going full-force.  Of course.  It is so bad that if I lean over at all, it is instantly coming up my throat!  It makes me grouchy.

Here's my weekly belly shot.  Yes, I'm large.  But more importantly, check out what I'm using to take my picture!

We purchased a new camera ~ the Canon Rebel XS.  I absolutely LOVE it so far.  I've just been working my way through the instruction manual, learning how to use the thing.  It is a digital SLR.  I can get more lenses later.  I am going to learn to take some quality photos and my main subject will be...Baby Bruce!  And you all can be my judges.

Unless you don't like my pictures.  Then, you can keep those opinions to yourself.  Haha!

Anyway, here's what the baby book says about week 38:

"Hitting the growth charts at close to 7 pounds and the 20-inch mark (give or take an inch or two), your little one isn't so little anymore.  In fact, baby's big enough for the big time - and the big day.  With only two (or four, max) weeks left in utero, all systems are (almost) go.  To finish getting ready for his or her close-up (and all those photo ops), baby has a few last-minute details to take care of, like shedding that skin-protecting vernix and lanugo.  And producing more surfactant, which will prevent the air sacs in the lungs from sticking to each other when your baby begins to breathe - something he or she will be doing very soon.  Baby will be here before you know it!"
~What to Expect When You're Expecting, 4th Edition

Like I said before, I really hope Baby is here very soon!  I am getting more excited than anxious to meet our child!  I am so curious as to what he looks like!

By the way, Dr. L estimated baby's size at over 7 pounds on Monday!  I'd say that's nice and ripe to come out.

We'll Just Have to See...

If you voted for which gender you think Baby Bruce is, the poll closed on Saturday.  As you can see to the right, a total of 38 votes were casted. 

22 (57%) of them think the little peanut is a boy. 

16 (42%) of them think it's a girl.

I have a feeling that we'll find out if the majority wins really soon!