Chili

Bug's party was a lot of fun! I did good not to stress. I made up my mind that all that mattered was that my little girl was happy and I would only worry about what she and I wanted. (My "stay sane" tip of the day) I don't mean be selfish, but sometimes you have to remember that you're important too, and sometimes it's okay to put your own happiness first, because it's hard to make others happy if you're unhappy to.  It depends on the circumstance, I reckon. I always do my best and go out of my way for someone in need, God has blessed me tremendously over the year with helpful and giving family and friends, and I feel I can best glorify and thank Him for that by returning the favor. However, that's for "in need" situations, not those when folks are just making things petty and difficult.
Today was Bug's 12 month checkup at the pediatricians. She's a healthy girl! On average for weight and height and all her blood work was perfect. The doctor was very happy that she's not a picky eater, is on whole milk and off the bottle and is walking great -she tried to walk down the hall in her "scale attire" diaper only- She did get 3 vaccines, which she did not like at all, and took a 3 hour nap this afternoon. I did get to get some of the house straightened and even relax some as well.
It seems as if she turned 1 and everything changed and flipped upside down. We rearranged the living room and her bedroom to be better suited for a toddler and all her new/bigger toys and also for the removal of the diaper changing table that I quit using 3 months ago *tear*. I'm not sure why, but I'm worried over how to feed a one year old, I guess because now that she's not getting all her nutrients in formula, what I feed her is even more important! And the toddler phase tantrums have begun. That stubborn front tooth pressing through isn't helping any I'm sure, but it seems she went from being a very good and happy baby to a very frustrated toddler. She yells and hollers at us when we don't get food fast enough, or when we can't figure out what it is she wants us to do with the toy she just brought us. She hollers at her toys sometimes too. And if she even thinks we're telling her no or to stop, a meltdown ensues. One of those sad eyed, pouty lipped ones that escalate -quickly- into hysterics if not comforted right away.  I've been told it's a phase (the one that comes and goes repeatedly) and best I can do is to comfort her, but not feed her tantrums. It's hard though, to not yell back at someone yelling at you, even when they're not even 3 feet tall and staring up at you with big blue eyes practically begging for that cup of juice you're trying to prepare. 

Anyway, that's the update on the world of Bug, Peanut is doing well, jabbing me just fine. We picked his "birthday" last week for the caesarean, I'm just waiting on the call from surgery to set the time of day, February 1, 2013. Here's to hoping he doesn't send me into labor before then. Meanwhile, my hormones are crazy, my skin/hair/nails are dry, feet are swollen, and appetite raging. Hello, Third Trimester. 

Now let's get on with what you're really here for... Wait, you weren't here to listen to me ramble on? Oh, fine then... 
I made a classic favorite around here tonight: Chili. I have just recently discovered that my favorite gravy brand, Southeastern Mills, also makes seasonings, such as Taco, Sloppy Joe and yes, Chili. And it is the best Chili we have ever eaten! You can use any chili mix that you like, I'm just saying that Southeastern Mills Chili Seasoning is by far my go to.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can Rotel
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can dark kidney beans, drained
• 1 can light kidney beans, drained
• 1 can of whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 packet of Chili seasoning

1. In a skillet brown beef and onions. Drain.
2. Combine all ingredients into crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 hours. 
3. Top with shredded cheddar and some hot sauce and ENJOY!

Day 19: I am thankful that I have a healthy baby girl.