Back to reality

Michael and I flew back to Dallas late last night (after a pretty cool LAX celeb sighting of musician Jack White).  We laid low yesterday after going to the UT/Berkeley game the night before in San Diego.  Luckily, the Longhorns won!

Today we had an appointment with Dr. Rinehart for a standard 28 week checkup. I'm always excited for these appointments but today I was especially excited for some reason.  The sonogram didn't disappoint!

Landry was just precious opening and closing her cute little eyes.  We got an up close look at her sweet little face and it brought tears to my eyes.  She's so beautiful!  She has really chubby cheeks and a little button nose.  I've read in my baby book that she could have a full head of hair by now.  I'm really curious about her hair because I didn't have any until I was two years old but Michael was a little fur ball (and still is at 37 years old)!

So I had to ask if they could spot any tresses but they said she's a total baldy at the moment.  They said that doesn't mean she can't grow hair between now and the birth though, so time will tell.  But, I'm guessing she is taking more after my hair than Michael's if she doesn't have any yet.

Of course I was most curious about her positioning.  Well, we found out she turned so her head is now on my left side.  But... she's still breech. Her toes are at her head and her booty is facing down.  The doctor says that she has plenty of time to move into the correct position and that we won't worry about a C-section until 36 weeks or so.

All in all, Dr. Rinehart says Landry looks absolutely perfect and is right on track in all departments.  She weighs in at two pounds 14 ounces so she's nearly three pounds!  Speaking of pounds, I think I'm still hovering around the 20 pound mark (which is a miracle after two weeks in California surrounded by sweets and delicious fatty foods).  I will know for sure (we don't own a scale) next week at my regular doctor appointment on Tuesday.

These days I'm feeling really great.  Other than feeling a little large at times and slightly out of breath after walking fast, I still have a lot of energy and am sleeping well.  I'm hoping it lasts because I have a lot on my plate before the bean arrives.  This weekend we plan to do a lot of chores around the house including stenciling Landry's nursery walls and assembling the new outdoor sectional that just arrived.

Speaking of arrivals, the diaper bag has landed in Dallas!  I came home late last night to the box which was oh-so-beautifully wrapped with a huge Chanel bow and faux white camellia. It's already in her nursery along with all of her new presents and books from the shower.  The room is almost complete!

28 weeks!

Yesterday I hit 28 weeks, aka the third trimester!  I'm thrilled to be in the final stretch.

The past week I've really enjoyed some down time in California with friends and family.  Last Tuesday my parents and I spent the day in LA strolling Rodeo Drive, touring Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, and having dinner at the Beverly Wilshire hotel.

Michael arrived in town Friday night and we spent the following day, Christmas Eve, in Newport Beach having lunch, Balboa bars (a yummy ice cream on a stick drenched in chocolate and rainbow sprinkles) and watching some of the Cowboys game at a local sports bar.  We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas enjoying loads of food and old stories with my grandparents (that's my sweet Papa hugging the baby bump in the photo above).

Yesterday Michael and I embarked on our babymoon in La Jolla.  We drove down the coast and first stopped in Encinitas where we visited with his old college buddies Jeremy and Trish Neil and met their 10-day old daughter Audrey.  From there we hopped along the coast stopping in sleepy surfer towns for a coffee here, an ice cream there.

The afternoon ended with a massage at our hotel.  I can't get enough of these pre-natal massages!  We ended up having dinner at our hotel and ending the night with a drink (martini for Michael, hot chocolate for moi) by the outdoor fireplace and guessing what Landry will look and act like when she arrives.  (For the record, I think she will have brown eyes Michael thinks she'll have blue.)

Today we spent the afternoon in La Jolla with lunch at Georges, a recommendation from our friend Paula that used to spend summers here.  The food was just as delicious as the ocean views.  We cruised the beach afterwards gawking over the surfers, sea lions, dolphins and crazy people swimming the surf and took my 28 week photo.  My parents just arrived at the hotel and we're getting ready for dinner and a cozy night by the fire again.

Tomorrow we head down to San Diego for the UT/Berkeley game with the family (Ryan and Bradley arrive tomorrow).  Michael is very excited to see some old fraternity brothers and root on his team (he's eating up all of the fans in town decked out in their burnt orange gear).

Go horns!

Diaper bag, how I love thee

Like my home and wardrobe, I have been thrifty on most of the baby and nursery purchases with the exception of a few, special splurges.  For Landry, those pricy ticket items include her custom canopy, stroller, and diaper bag.

A diaper bag wasn't necessarily going to be on that list.  I knew I didn't want a traditional one.  I wanted something unique that could double as her diaper bag and my handbag.  I figured I would find a large tote or handbag and transform it into a diaper bag with a few tweaks and custom additions (I even combed my closet looking for an old shoulder bag to transform). Every time I walked into a Target, Marshalls, etc., I searched the handbag department high and low for a unique, large, wipable bag. Nothing.  

Alas, Thursday my mom and I were at South Coast Plaza buying up The Gap maternity sale section (l-o-v-e their super-soft long sleeve tees).  On the way out of the mall, I wanted to take a peek inside Chanel. And, there it was: the Chanel Paris Biarritz tote bag.

I knew the minute I laid eyes on her that she was The One.  Normally Chanel bags are super delicate and uber expensive.  But this bag was waterproof, had two side pouches perfect for bottles, and tons of room inside for diapers, baby loot, and my handbag essentials.  And, it was half the price of most of the other entry level bags.

Granted, this bag is silly-expensive for dirty diapers and formula spills. But, her crib is from Wal-Mart, bedroom rug was recycled from storage, changing table was an old antique piece I had around the house, and most clothes are $10 or less from various sale racks around town.

Plus, I will have this bag forever. And hopefully one day, I will pass it down to Landry on a special occassion or birthday and tell her the story about her first Chanel. That makes it worth every penny in my (pocket) book.

California baby shower photos

 

Slice of the candy bar

Detail shot of a luncheon table 

Landry's very own Christmas tree filled with cute animal ornaments and sparkly candies.

Wide shot of the candy bar

Each place setting had one of these adorable cookies.  Here, some left overs on the dessert table.

Landry's wishing tree. Guests wrote cards out to the little bean for her to read when she's older.

Detail shot of the brunch buffet, which was filled with Southern-inspired fare, gorgeous floral arrangements, old family photos, and mementos.

The party favors. Cute ornaments filled with bath salts wrapped with a bow and cute little plastic bottle.

Pink and white cyclamens planted in the front yard for guest's arrival.

In addition to a cake, chocolate cupcakes with pink daisies and sprinkles.

Wide shot of the luncheon tables

Detail shot of Landry's Christmas tree. These ornaments will come home to Texas for our family tree next year.

Jail house shock

So, Thanksgiving weekend (the weekend before my crazy-busy flea market, mind you), I carved out some time for a photo shoot of Michael, me, and the baby bump.  I picked that weekend because it was the only free weekend before I left for California and I wanted the bump to be as big as possible versus shooting earlier in November.

The plan was to take a series of professional photos of us to frame for Christmas gifts for our family.  I spent days on this project between scheduling my dear friend Evans to shoot, Jon to pull clothes and style the shots, a hair appointment with our hair stylist Ryan to have my tresses professionally coiffed, etc.

With everything set to go that Sunday morning, I woke up, showered, packed a suitcase with shoes and accessories for styling, and headed to my hair appointment where Michael was set to meet me and the crew at the salon with our preferred Starbucks (yes, this mama still drinks a little caffeine).

Ryan was just finishing rolling my hair in curlers when we were all starting to wonder where Michael was, and more importantly our hot, fill-in-the-blank, lattes.  On cue, Michael calls my cell phone.  I figure he's dialing to go over the requests one last time (Michael doesn't drink coffee so the Starbucks menu could be in Spanish for all he knows).

But no.  Oh, no, no, no.  My hubby wasn't calling to rattle off our drink menu.  He was calling to see if I could pick up his car because he was being chauffeured to jail.  Yes, JAIL.  

To say I thought he was joking is an understatement.  Michael has a very dry sense of humor but he's especially sassy in the morning.  So, I thought he was trying to scare me before he walked in with my warm, tall, skinny, latte.  

But no.  Oh, no, no, no.  Michael was being arrested by a Highland Park cop in front of Toulouse (our favorite schmancy French brunch bistro) because he had a warrant out for his arrest that he was oblivious about for a past speeding ticket that never got paid due to our change of address when we moved last spring.

Needless to say, I wasn't in a position to drop everything and pick up his deserted Lexus.  So, he called his parents (I can only imagine how mortified he was making that call) to bail him out -- literally.  Three hours and $1,500 or so later, Michael finally arrived at the shoot for his real mug shot.

Not only was I bummed that he missed most of the shoot, but I was so sad his parents found out about our Christmas gift surprise since Michael had to explain why I couldn't pick him up (and the large rack of clothes in the back seat of his car).

Because it was late in the day and light was no longer on our side, he only made one photo.  So, Landry and I stole the spotlight and had a series of shots surrounded by pretty autumn scenes around Dallas.

I look forward to the day when I can tell her the story behind those baby bump photos.  Michael will have a lot of explaining to do!  

This and that

Hello, California!  I flew home Saturday afternoon to spend some much needed time on my booty and enjoy friends and family.

The festivities kicked off Sunday with my baby shower, which my mom hosted.  To say it was more than I ever imagined is an understatement.  But, I'm getting ahead of myself...

My flight Saturday was perfect until the last 30 minutes are so when we hit some major turbulence pulling into Orange County.  Landry made up for all of the lack of movement last week with the bumps and jumps and was thrashing around inside my tummy (poor thing must have major motion sickness like her mama).  I thought I was going to make it in one piece by landing time but just a few minutes before touching the ground I lost my lunch (Chili's tortilla soup and a California club sandwich, to be exact).

Luckily, I felt like a million bucks afterwards and was able to enjoy time with my dad in the car ride home. When I walked in the door, I was shocked by the Landry wonderland in front of me.  My mom turned our house into a episode of Baby Showers Gone Wild (if there was such a thing).  She literally cleared out the main living and dining rooms and filled them floor-to-ceiling with wedding-calibre floral arrangements, candy bars, formal tablescapes, etc.

She even created a Christmas tree just for the princess topped with darling knitted animal and candy ornaments, which I will take back to Dallas for future holidays at chez Cobb.  The scene truly took my breath away and was absolutely amazing/darling/sweet/gorgeous (the adoring adjectives could go on and on). I am so luck to have such a thoughtful mom and future grandma (or Mimi) to my little girl.

The actual shower was just as lovely filled with my friends and family and delicious Southern-inspired fare made by all of Landry's aunties. The little bean made out like a Rodeo Drive bandit with the cutest blankets, shoes, outfits, books and toys.  She even received a few monogrammed items that she'll wear/use in heavy rotation (love a good monogram!)  My camera adapter cord is in Texas but when Michael comes out Friday I will be sure to upload tons of photos from the perfect day.  Thanks mom!

Speaking of which, I commissioned my friend to create a family monogram for Michael and me to put on some holiday cookie tins we gave out to family and friends in lieu of cards this year.  It turned out so cute that I plan to make other things for our home with it (hand towels, pool towels, etc.) in other colorways.  Thought I'd share since I don't have any other photos to upload at the moment.

Yesterday, which marked 27 weeks!, we spent a good portion of the day helping cleaning up the party since the house is on the market and having regular showings.  Today we are spending the day in LA and then picking up Ryan from the airport.  Friday Michael arrives and then all of the birdies will be in the nest.  Looking forward to Christmas with all of my loved ones.

26 weeks!

Today was quite a big day for Landry Grace. Yes, she hit the six-and-a-half month mark. But, she also had her first trip to the emergency room.

It started with me calling my doctor to reschedule an appointment after Christmas since Michael and I are staying in California a little longer to attend the UT/Berkley game (go horns!). While I was on the phone with the nurse, I told her that I'm still not feeling Landry move much and it was starting to make me a feel a little uneasy.

To make a long story short, she called me back after talking to the doctor in the office (mine was on call for labor/delivery) and asked me to be to the emergency room at my labor/delivery building in 20 minutes. Unfortunately, Morgan and I had a full plate this morning but I dropped everything and went straight there.

When I arrived, they spent about 30 minutes typing in my information in the system. Afterwards, they took my weight, had me slip into a hospital gown, and then put me on a bed and hooked me up to heart rate monitor to check on the little bean. Luckily, they found her heartbeat quickly and it was perfect. They kept me on the machine for 30 minutes to watch her stability.

While they had me hooked up she asked me several questions to report back to the doctor on call. She said that I was right to be alarmed by not feeling much movement between my weight/size (it's considered low/small in the pregnancy world) and being 26 weeks along.

She called the doctor and told him the report was good but that I'm still not feeling movement and all of the other facts (my weight, history of toxo, etc.). He asked her send me up to Dr. Reinhart (my specialist) immediately for a sonogram.

Sooooo, the next thing I know I'm in a wheelchair on my way up to my specialist. I asked to walk, but they said it was hospital policy. When I arrived at Reinhart's, I got to bypass the waiting area and they took me through a back door straight into a room (wish I could enter that way every time!).

A nurse first took a look at Landry to do an initial report. When she popped on the screen, I was so relieved to see her up to her usual antics -- kicking her legs, moving her arms and even opening and closing her mouth. The nurse checked out the vitals -- her brain, amniotic fluid amount, spine development, etc. -- and said everything looked "beautiful."

She did find, though, that Landry is breech. Her head is on the upper right side of my stomach. Because of her positioning, she said that she's probably slightly less able to move around which could be a reason I don't feel her much. She also found that my placenta is between her and my belly, instead of behind the baby towards my back. The placenta's position, she said, is acting like a pillow and is an extra barricade between her kicks and my belly. She said that Landry was clearly kicking and was surprised that I didn't feel anything. She taught me how to press down on my belly where her feet are (high on my left side) to try to help feel her movement.

Dr. Reinhart came in afterwards and only confirmed everything that the nurse said. He made light of the situation saying that I should enjoy this time of not feeling her much because there will come a time soon when I will wish she would calm down.

There was a little bad news, though. He said that we have until about 35 weeks for her to wiggle her way out of her breech position. If she doesn't, however, we will need to schedule a future c-section. I was really bummed to hear this news because I really want a vaginal birth if possible. (Michael, on the other hand, joked that he was happy to hear the news so we couldschedule her arrival around March Madness -- y-e-a-h, right.)

Reinhart said that I was right to come in concerned with her lack of "fetal movement." I left feeling reassured that she's alive and well (and clearly going to give Michael and me a run for our money once she arrives if she's this dramatic in the womb).

When I got home tonight I showed Michael the technique to feel her movement. He tried several times until he finally felt a kick! He threw his hand away worried he was hurting her. It was so sweet! I told him not to worry, but it definitely weirded him out a little.

Other than our dramatic morning, all is well with me and baby. I'm feeling great, just a little sleepy at the end of the day. I'm very excited to head home to California on Saturday for some major R&R! After today, I need it!

Landry's photo ops

While grabbing lunch with my mom and Robin on our way to the airport, I picked up the latest issue of F!D Luxe (always love the gift guide issue). Inside, I found a photo of Michael and me at the Nasher event I blogged about a few months ago.

I was thinking it was Landry's first magazine debut until I realized I was a six weeks pregnant when D Magazine took a photo of me for their September issue featuring the flea. Boy is it funny to go back and read that article. They asked how I managed to balance the flea, writing and interior design projects and I stated that one of the reasons was because I didn't have any children yet.

Little did I know!

25 weeks!

Monday I hit the 25 week mark. I've been so busy (and tired) I haven't had time to post!

I feel really great these days except for being a tad more sluggish than usual. I'm not sure if my sleepiness is from exhaustion from work and last weekend's flea or the fact I'm just 15 weeks from my due date.

Tuesday one of my best childhood friends, Samantha Mclellan, was in town for a medical conference and we went to dinner. It was great catching up with her and having her in my hometown. She and her husband are starting to think about trying for a baby; I'm just thrilled that we could have little ones so close in age!

On Wednesday I had a doctor's appointment and Landry's heartbeat is strong and well. I also learned that I've gained a few more pounds putting me at almost 20 pounds gained thus far!

I'm starting to feel the little bean move more and more. Still no severe kicks or movements but I'm feeling more activity at night when I'm winding down from the day. Michael keeps trying to feel her but says he can't feel anything yet.

Thursday Landry's crib canopy was installed. It looks absolutely darling. I found some cool tassels that I personally stitched into the flaps for the finishing touch.

When Michael came home I showed it to him and said, "I didn't know our child is African." I said, "Whaaaaaaat?" He replied, "That thing is built for an African princess."

I have to admit, it's very grand and over-the-top. But everything else is gender neutral and things we already owned (except for the crib and huge stuffed giraffe). So I went all out on this thing and it looks so whimsical and fun. It was inspired by one I saw in Elle Decor but I have to admit, I like Landry's more! Can't wait to put the Cobb princess in it!

Yesterday we spent our entire Saturday sprucing up the house. We went to Jackson's nursery and bought several plants to pot outside since several of our perennials died from the '30s temps last week. It was a beautiful day and we spent it raking leaves (the trees are just beautiful here right now), trimming dead foliage, cutting back trees and planting the pots. The yard looks so beautiful but we are both whooped! This six-plus month pregnant booty won't be doing any more yard labor before Landry's arrival.

Yesterday our upstairs patio was completed, too. We had some guys lay Spanish red tile on the balcony and repaint the stucco. It looks so great! I hope to find some furniture before my Dallas baby shower, which is January 15th at the house.

Last night we hosted my former editor and friend Tracy and her husband for dinner. She has been wanting to see the house for months so we finally had her over. It was so nice to catch up with them. They loved the house, too! They paid so many compliments but my favorite was that the house doesn't feel newly remodeled. I love that because we really tried to keep the 80-year old house's integrity during our massive nine month remodel.

I served my famous baked salmon and it was a big hit. Tracy is loving her new job at Neiman Marcus; I couldn't be happier for her.

Today Michael and I are going to go to brunch (our Sunday tradition) and then watch the Cowboys game at Kyle's house. We're planning to bring dinner over to the new family of four and meet their brand new baby girl Hadley.

Tomorrow I'll be six and a half months along!

The Dallas Flea!

Yesterday was the second anniversary of my company, The Dallas Flea. I was very concerned that the rainy weather report would put a damper on the show.

But, alas, the rain angels were looking out for the show and kept the day mostly dry and warm so we had a great turnout and show. I was so lucky to have a lot of help this show between Michael, my mom, Robin Lyall, and my friend (and former intern) Maddie.

Between the four of them I was able to comb the show most of the time to check on my vendors, clean up spills, and just manage the requests, concerns, and let friends/shoppers rub the belly (many of my vendors didn't know I was pregnant and wanted all of the scoop). Fyi, the name Landry is a big hit. Overall, the show was a big success!

Today, I plan to take my mom and Robin around town to enjoy some good food, shopping, and holiday lights before they head back to California tomorrow. I have a little surprise up my sleeve for tonight if the weather clears up. Will report back tomorrow, which marks 25 weeks preggo!

24 weeks!

Sorry for the delay in posts, but life is b-u-s-y right now! My flea market is just a few days away and Morgan and I are slammed with client requests gearing up for Christmas.

I don't have a photo from this week -- which marks six months, by the way! -- but the bump is growing big time. I weighed myself at the gym this weekend (had to burn off some of that turkey and stuffing) and gained two pounds since my last doctor's appointment. My baby book says that Landry should be gaining almost a half pound a week right now, which means I will be HUGE by March.

I'm starting to feel more and more movement from her but still no direct kicks yet. Michael says I should be thankful but I'm excited to really start feeling her twist and twirl in my tummy.

I went to my upholsterer today to check on her crib canopy and it's looking great. It should be completed and installed Thursday. Will be sure to post photos!

Thanksgiving weekend

Happy Thanksgiving! Michael and I had a wonderful weekend in Dallas with family and friends.

On Thursday we went to his parents' house for a lovely turkey lunch. My mother-in-law Pat prepared a really nice spread including my favorite rolls from Bubba's! To honor my family and California Thanksgiving, I made my grandma's signature pecan pie (made with pecans near Michael's East Texas lake house) and cranberry sauce. Having never made them before, I have to say that they turned out great.

Afterwards, we went to our friend Ryan's house for a misfit Thanksgiving and then home to watch a movie with some left over dessert.

On Friday Michael and I spent the day working around the house. We are diligently trying to get things done on our long term to-do list pre-Landry. We bought some pretty terracotta tiles for one of our upstairs patios and some hardy winter plants to pot outside. For dinner we went to Steel where they treated us to the most generous tasting menu courtesy of the publicist to thank me for a DailyCandy story. The meal was delicious! It was hard not eating their amazing sushi selection (darn raw fish pregnancy rule) but I indulged in kobe beef served on a hot rock, sea bass, California rolls, and loads of other Asian yumminess.

Afterwards, we decided to enjoy the gorgeous 70 degree weather and had a drink on the patio at the Mansion. From time to time I have a little champagne (my doctor has given me the thumbs up) and did so last night next to the fire at the hotel. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful night. We toasted several things we're thankful for including our friends Kyle and Lindsey's healthy baby girl, which they named Hadley, born Wednesday. We're hoping to meet her very soon!

Tonight we had Ariana's Persian wedding ceremony. What a treat! We were the only non-family invited to the extremely intimate event held at her house. She looked absolutely beautiful. The ceremony was conducted in Arabic so I didn't understand anything they were saying but it was so gorgeous. I got to rub two big chunks of sugar together over the couple's head for good luck!

Afterwards we gorged on a traditional Persian feast prepared by all of her family members filled with fillet, rice, veggie salad, chicken kabobs, etc. Her mom made this custom loose leaf tea that I couldn't get enough of. The night was filled with Iranian music, funny stories, and food, food, and more food. It was so much fun and an honor to be a part of.

We have so much to be thankful for this year: friends, family, our health, home, jobs, and the list goes on and on. But most of all we are so blessed to have Landry in our lives. Can't wait for next Thanksgiving when she'll be here with us!

23 weeks!

Yesterday marked 23 weeks. One more to go and I'll be a whooping six months preggo!

Michael has been out of town with friends so I didn't have a photo to post this week from home. Instead, I've included this pic taken at Tracy's going away lunch (oh, and how I can't wait to really belly up to a bar again).

This weekend I worked like crazy getting my home office together and am just thrilled with the result. I still need a comfy occasional chair (I picture cuddling up with Landry in something big and cozy -- the window views are so pretty from that room). Otherwise, it's finally functional and so inspiring to be in.

I spent much of Sunday working in there preparing for the flea. It's less than two weeks away and has me a little crazy these days getting ready for it. Each show I feel so under prepared but it always turns out fabulous. This is by far the biggest show to date. I've been turning away record amounts of vendors and even have some must-haves spilling outside. Fingers crossed the weather is nice.

Not much on the nursery front these days. I picked up some custom changing table pad covers I had made this weekend and they look great. I bought the matching sheet to my super cute dust ruffle and had them make two covers from that. Her life-size (well, not really but it's very tall!) giraffe also arrived and looks so cute standing tall next to her crib.

Next week is the biggie when my drapery guy installs the custom canopy above the crib. From there, I will wait until my showers to fill the bookshelves with her gifts from friends and family. Once those are full, the room should be ready for her arrival!

Can't wait! My first shower is at home in California in December and then I have two in Dallas in mid-January. One will be a super girlie shower with my friends and then a couple's shower for Michael's friends and their spouses. These fun events make the times I feel a little sluggish and sleepy well worth it! If we're celebrating little Landry this early I can't imagine what life will be like when she actually arrives!

Ladies who lunch

Today Landry had her first Middle Eastern meal. I had lunch with my former editor Tracy Hayes for a going away party in her honor as she leaves The Dallas Morning News for a post at Neiman Marcus.

About 20 of her current and former colleagues got together to toast her farewell. It was great to see so many old faces and a some of the people helped cultivate my writing career. Most of my friends at the lunch hadn't seen me since I've been pregnant and were over the moon to find out all about Landry and rub my belly.

In other news, Michael is on a boys trip with some of his buddies this weekend. I'm taking the alone time to whip our house into shape. Excited to get some real progress done upstairs in my office and the nursery. Stay tuned for photos!

22 weeks!

Hello, five and a half months!

Week 22 has a lot to live up to after last. My birthday fun didn't end with Tuesday's festivities. My friend Ariana took me to dinner last week and then Friday was a double whammy: My friends Kim and Kari took me to lunch and then I co-celebrated my birthday with Paula with dinner at new restaurant Bistro 31 along with our hubbies and best friend Jon.

Jon gave us the most luxurious belly oil. I've been oiling up every morning and night but this one he gave us (it's by Santa Maria Novella) is beyond lovely and makes me feel so fancy before going to bed each night.

To round off the birthday celebration Michael and I had a massage yesterday. We had the therapist come to the house. It was the perfect way to end the week.

I got a lot done for the nursery this weekend in between parties and fun. I finally finished spray painting Landry's bamboo bookshelf which I found years ago at the Fort Worth Flea. I had been waiting to find it the perfect home and it looks darling in her nursery. I started to accessorize it a little bit but will wait to complete it after my baby showers.

I started her book collection this weekend, too. I found some classic favorites that I can't wait to read to her. I also ordered her a giant stuffed giraffe to go next to the crib and took some fabric to my upholsterer to have some custom changing table pad covers made from the same material as her bedskirt (it's a really cool graphic gray and white pattern).

The big project this weekend, though, was making a template for a custom mural I'm making from wallpaper for one wall in her nursery. I have been lusting over this one British company's cool safari animal wall decals made from vintage-inspired wallpaper. I would buy one but they are all too big for the wall space I have to work with. So, I took matters into my own hands and created a custom design from butcher paper.

I have it taped to the wall right now to make sure I love my design (think a whimsical tree trunk, branches, leaves, monkey, love bird). It's really cute and I love the fact that it's handmade and my little gift to her. I have some left over ikat wallpaper from my dining room I plan to use for the design once I muster the strength to finish. I never wanted a theme in the nursery but have decided that if there's a unifying aspect to everything it's "global-inspired."

A couple weeks ago I found a beautiful antique Murano glass lamp for her changing table. I finally found the perfect shade and it looks so glam in her room. I made a little pact with myself that anything I buy for her nursery that isn't a necessity (lamp, bookshelf, accessories, Moroccan pouf-cum-ottoman), would be able to grow with her when she graduates into a big girl's room. This lamp is so gorgeous she should want it until she's old and gray (and if not, her mama will gladly take it off her hands).

Although the pact is partly just my budget-savvy way, it's also to keep me from falling into the junk pitfalls that come with having a baby. It's crazy to me all of the toys, gimmicks, etc. they sell for infants that will never even remember such a thing. I'm trying to keep the toys at bay during the baby stage and the decor simple, meaningful, and purposeful.

I'm really happy with the way things are starting to turn out in her room. So is our kitty Phoebe! Every time I walk into the nursery Phoebe is perched on the rocker or laying on the cozy shag rug. Tonight when Michael took my 22 week photo she was hugging the pouf (pic attached). We are convinced she knows something is going on. It's amazing how in tune animals are.

- - - - - -

Last Thursday I had a doctor's appointment. They listened to Landry's heartbeat and she has a perfect pitter patter. They also took my weight, which I have to say surprised me at only 14 pounds more than pre-baby. I was shocked, really, given that Halloween and my birthday were just before and I had my share of treats.

They said I should start feeling her kick soon. For the past two weeks I've started feeling her move around but not a definite kick. It's such a strange feeling but I love it at the same time.

Last night I really felt her when Michael turned on our music system really loud to play this new Chris Brown song he loves (yes, he loves cheesy pop songs). Anyway, I swear she was dancing in my belly. It was so crazy but as he turned up the music (he was getting a kick out of the whole thing, too) she was moving more and more. When he turned it off, she stopped. I'm not sure if she's a pop music fan or was trying to swim away from it! Hopefully she'll have my taste in music, not his!

Birthday roundup

Yesterday was my 29th birthday.

Morgan arrived at the office (we work from my house when we're not on a job) with my absolute favorite iced latte in the world from Corner Market. For those of you not in Dallas that's a good 20 minute drive out of her way!

Later she surprised me with a meal at Cafe R+D, one of my favorite spots. We had a lovely lunch and just when I thought we were leaving our waiter brought out two strawberry cupcakes from my favorite place, Society Bakery! I am so lucky to have such an amazing business partner, I love her so much!

Throughout the day little goodies arrived at the house including a dozen Sprinkle Cupcakes from my friend Joanne, who I just found out is also expecting a little bean. But the best present of all yesterday was a call from my friend Ariana. She's pregnant, too! I swear something is in the water!

Ari has wanted a baby for many months so this was such good news, not to mention that our babies will be just a few months apart (she's due July 10th). Tomorrow we're wedding dress shopping for her (she went a little out of order ;) and then to dinner to celebrate my bday and her big news.

Before dinner last night, I got a birthday blowout at Drybar, this cute salon just down the street from the house. My hair looked fab for the delicious steak dinner Michael took me to. We gorged on steak, lobster mac 'n cheese, bacon-wrapped scallops -- you name it! I even had a little rose champagne to toast the big day. Boy, I can't wait to have big girl drinks (and pours) again!

Smells like school spirit

Courtney just sent me these photos from tailgating this weekend.

Look at that bump -- and SMU booty! Miss my buddy already.

21 weeks!

Sorry for the lag in posts lately. Last week I was sidelined by a pesky cold. Luckily, I kicked most of it by the end of the week when my best friend Courtney arrived in town.

She and her husband visited us for SMU's homecoming weekend. We had so much fun! We visited several of our college standbys -- Bubba's (best chicken and homemade rolls), Wild About Harry's, La Duni, SMU Bookstore, etc. -- as well as some new places that have popped up since she left six years ago.

Courtney showered Landry with gifts, too. She gave her the most beautiful baby sling by Serena & Lily. Funnily enough, I had just drooled over this piece while in NYC with my mom and grandma. I cannot wait to use it (and see Michael sporting it) next spring!

Saturday we went tailgating at SMU and saw several old faces. I was so excited that I still fit in my SMU embroidered jeans that I got when I first found out I was pregnant. They were a big hit on the boulevard! So was my bump. I ran into some old friends that didn't know the news. I was particularly showing that day due to my Chanel fanny pack that I know have to belt above the bump to fit!

Afterwards we had box seats at the game, which we won. That night Michael and I hosted our first official party at the house with about 20 college friends. We've had several dinner parties at the house but this was our first big fete. I served Tex Mex for Courtney since it's her fave and she doesn't get it much in Louisville, where she now lives.

Last week I started to feel Landry move. I haven't felt a kick yet, but some days I feel her shifting around. It's such a strange feeling! Courtney's husband Robert is a OBGYN and said that by the looks of my sonogram, Landry is sitting far back in my stomach (I forget his technical language for this). He said because of her positioning that I might not feel her entirely for a little longer than some due to my stomach lining, muscles, etc. in front of her.

Today marks 21 weeks. I'm feeling really good other than the new gotta-get-to-a-ladies-room-or-else urgency that's just started in the past couple weeks. Since I was under the weather last week, today was my first day back in the gym for a while and it felt great to get my booty in gear again. I ran into one of my best friends Jon who couldn't believe my belly since the last time he saw me.

I'm looking forward to spending Friday night dinner with him and some friends to celebrate my 29th birthday, which is tomorrow. I started the celebration off tonight with a wonderful pedicure after Morgan and I installed a client's entryway. No big plans this year. Saving that for next year's big 3-0!

Half way mark!

Today I'm 20 weeks! I'm so excited to be half way there.

Have to make this post quick, lots of trick-or-treaters at chez Cobb tonight!

Can't wait to dress up the little princess next year.

Weekend wrap-up

I've been a little MIA lately because Morgan and I have been working like dogs! This week was one of the busiest to date (if it doesn't take the prize). One day we even ate Wendy's in our storage unit to save time!

So, when Friday night rolled around all I wanted to do was kick up my feet. Michael and I watched the final World Series game with our friends Kyle and Lindsey. Unfortunately, the Rangers blew it big time and lost the chance to have a world championship under their belts.

Saturday I did several errands for the nursery including getting a throw monogrammed and registering at Babies R Us. What a crazy place that store is! I had no clue what I was doing but looked for key words (the foreign moniker "Boppy" being one of them) my friends have mentioned and scanned them as I walked dazed and confused through that zoo. I did find a cute car seat though and some baby hangers for her growing closet.

Speaking of, Michael and I worked on her room a bit Saturday. We hung an extra clothes rod in her closet since her clothes are so small to get extra room in our cute-but-cozy 1930's upstairs closets. We also did several house chores this weekend from finally settling on an office built-in design with my wood working guy to fluffing our outdoor cabana for a party we're hosting next Saturday.

Between Landry's early spring arrival and my best friend Courtney coming into town this Thursday, we are very motivated to prepare our home to nest with friends and family come 2012. I actually started a very scary spreadsheet today of all the things we need to complete by March 1st since I know life will dramatically change once she arrives and I'll have much less time for chores and decorating.

Last night I had dinner with my friend Paula. We started at her house because she wanted some advise on her nursery. It looks so cute! Afterwards we went to an old school steakhouse around the corner from her house for dinner and ate like two hungover fraternity boys.

To relax a tad today, I booked another prenatal massage at Exhale. I love my masseuse so much. She whipped me into shape and I instantly felt better after a crazy busy week.

This week will be a short one luckily since Courtney arrives in four days. Can't wait!

19 weeks!

Yesterday marked 19 weeks. I can't believe I'm a week shy of being half way to the finish line (although Morgan and I are convinced I'll be early since I'm so active).

I had Michael take this photo late last night after the Rangers game. Once again, I had to change into something snug so you could see the belly so don't mind the dowdy outfit. I realized after looking at this awful photo that I need him to take pictures in the morning when I'm fresh faced!

I'm starting to feel more and more pregnant by the day. My clothes are getting a little tighter with each meal and by the end of the day I'm flat out pooped.

It doesn't help, probably, that Morgan and I are going a million miles a minute gearing up for Landry's arrival in March. We are working out a long maternity leave and want to make sure we tie up a few big projects before I am out of pocket for Farrow & Cobb.

We recently landed a big job in Houston that we're really excited about. Not only because the couple's eclectic style is right up our alley but because it's our first major out of town project. This will be a big leap up the ladder for our business.

There hasn't been anything too eventful in the pregnancy department in the past couple days. But tomorrow will be a big day as I have a meeting with my specialist to give Landry one last look. I'm excited to see her in the sonogram in all her cheer leading action.

We've coined her the cheerleader because she loves to kick, twirl and move her arms each time we see her. I haven't had a sonogram in a month so I can only imagine how big she is now!

Tomorrow is also big on the home front: Landry's nursery is getting painted! I picked a neutral soft gray color since the nursery will remain when there's another baby and Landry will move into another bedroom. I can't wait to see the transformation. Next Tuesday my drapery installer comes out to measure for her custom canopy that will hang above the crib.

I already bought the fabric for it. I loved the not-your-typical-nursery color scheme and bohemian medallion pattern. I found a lamp yesterday that compliments the rich purple color perfectly.

The room is really starting to come together!

What a doll

Today I dragged Michael to help select items for Landry's registry. It's so funny because I didn't love the process for my wedding because A.) We had already acquired much of everything we needed and B.) I felt greedy telling the people I loved and complete strangers (some of Michael's distant relatives and childhood friends) what to buy us.

But with Landry I couldn't wait to find her goodies and register for them. Michael and I made a fun day of it starting with a German lunch at Kuby's (I needed fuel first!) and then Baby Bliss in Snider Plaza. I had never been in this baby store before. What a cute shop! We had the nicest sales girl and learned the ins and outs about everything from strollers and high chairs to milking devices (kinda grossed Michael out) because I plan to breast feed.

We learned very quickly that we needed to research some items before committing because features, etc. are so different per product and there are so many to choose from. We did find a high chair we both loved, though, and a cute Baby Bjorn that I can't wait to see strapped on Michael next spring!

From there we hit the mall to test drive the Bugaboo stroller at Neiman's. We're torn between it and a fun bright pink one at Baby Bliss (hence, the heap of research ahead of us). With all of the running around I do it's really important to me that we get something easy to disassemble, but I want something stylish at the same time. We also dropped in Janie & Jack, a cute kids store and scored the little lady tons of gorgeous clothes that were on clearance from a fluke 14-box store shipment. I can't even wait to get her dressed everyday!

Later today we picked up some prints I had framed for the nursery. When I found out I was pregnant, my mom gave me a coloring book from her childhood with dolls from around the world that she had colored when she was about six years old. The minute I found out we were having a girl I took three of my favorites to my framer for a cute alcove in Landry's nursery that leads into her bathroom. I just hung them up and they look so stylish; I love them for their global/boho look but even more because they are a family heirloom. I look forward to telling Landry the story about them one day.

Or, maybe I'll let her Mimi -- the name we coined for my mom -- do the honors.

Oh, forgot to mention that before Michael and I hit the streets, I ran downtown to an outdoor antique fair on Riverfront Blvd. I found several things for our home but my favorite treasure was a pair of teeny tiny leather vintage cowgirl boots for Landry. She will live in them just like her mama!