The Hulihee

After months with no exposure to the light of day, I can see skin on my husband's face.  A chin, to be exact.  Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Harlan's new facial hair, lovingly named The Hulihee.  Definition: a type of beard distinguished by its fat chops connected at the mustache. In Hawaiian, Huliheʻe means “Turn and flee.”

There was some debate on whether he'd be able to keep this style for very long, but he's gotten a lot of positive feedback (mainly of the male persuasion) so he may keep it a week or so.  Next up, the Fu Manchu.  Come back next week for pictures!

I'm officially past full term now (almost 38 weeks), so we're anxiously awaiting any signs that she might be ready to come on out!  I felt quite the flurry of activity a few nights ago, and it definitely feels like she dropped!  I guess time will tell!  Here's the ever growing belly:

Maternity Leave is Right Around the Corner

Next week is my last week of work.  When I scheduled this date, what that really meant did not register with me at all.

What I've discovered about going on maternity leave:

-I won't be working (Duh.).  I can't recall a time I didn't have a job, and even though I'll be a very busy mom very soon, it's still very strange to think about.

-I will be leaving my family behind (sort of.). As I have been preparing my team for my leave, I have realized I won't be seeing their faces every day.  They are like family to me.  They walked through infertility, the loss of our first baby, and this pregnancy with me.  I didn't realize how hard it would be!

-I won't be as directly involved with the work I'm so passionate about.  While I will always love and support the work Austin LifeCare does, I won't be involved in the day to day activities anymore.  That means I won't see our fabulous, servant-hearted volunteers or our courageous clients.  It's very bittersweet!

So how am I coping with all these changes?  I'm baking, of course!

I asked each staff member to tell me their favorite dessert, and I plan to bake them all before I leave.

First up, Karen.  Karen wanted Boston Cream Pie, which was very exciting since I've never made one!  I used 2 different recipes to come up with the final product.

Cake & Custard: Joy of Baking

Ganache: Food Network

The ganache recipe made WAY too much, so I ended up completely coating the pie with chocolate.  I didn't mind the extra chocolate, and I don't think Karen did either.  Here it is, along with a picture of Karen enjoying it.

Next up, Italian Cream Cake for my boss, Pam.  I used this recipe, but honestly, Italian Cream Cake is another one I just don't have a lot of experience with.  I typically gravitate toward chocolate things, but I did try a little piece of this and thought it was pretty good.  What do you think?

So here's my list of things to make next week:

Dense, rich chocolate cake - This recipe's looking really promising, or maybe this one. 
Pumpkin Scones - I'll be using the Starbuck's recipe
Brownies - Not sure on this one.  SO many recipes to choose from. 

There's a passage I love that perfectly sums up my prayer for my team at work:

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;  the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Nursery Update

We have completed the nursery, but I haven't taken any pictures! Please stop by next week to see the Fu Manchu and the room.  We're ready to meet you, little girl!