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!

18 weeks!

Today I'm officially four and a half months along!

I just got out of a hot bath after a LONG day for Farrow & Cobb. Morgan and I had a huge install that kicked my pregnant booty (hence the glow and hair on top of the head for this bump pic pre-tub time).

From morning until night, we staged a gorgeous Turtle Creek high rise with a couple's blend of furnishings. It was a lot of hard work (luckily we had two movers on hand so I could avoid some heavy lifting), but the place really came together and looks amazing -- we'd call it Ralph Lauren glam.

Although I'm far less tired that in my first trimester, I'm still pretty whipped by the end of a long work day. I took my first bath in ages (and my first in the new house) to relax my swollen feet. It felt great!

Michael has been really great about giving me leg and foot massages when I'm sore. Last night he treated me to a yummy lower back rub. Hoping he'll do the same tonight!

The Big Apple

For the past five days, I have been in New York City with my mom and grandma to celebrate her 75th birthday.

My grandma had never been to the city so we made sure to visit all of the major neighborhoods and must-see spots such as The Met, Ground Zero, the Flatiron Building, Broadway, and the Public Library. Since I have lived in NYC for a year, I was able to show her some fun hot spots, too, like Pastis for lunch and Eataly for a rooftop dinner of wine and cheese.

My favorite stops during the week, though, were the times we just plopped down at a local cafe and enjoyed the cozy weather (it was drizzly most of the time we were there) while catching up. I miss my family so much and its the relaxed times together enjoying a hot coffee or glass of champagne I enjoy most.

We did get a little shopping, too, of course. Landry scored big time in the clothing department between Century 21 and The Gap Baby. NYC is clearing out their summery styles so I scooped them up for cheap since Landry will be born in March and have a long way to go until it gets cold in Dallas.

I got back to Dallas late last night and this afternoon hit the mall for some maternity wear while Michael watched the Cowboys game with his best friend Kyle (this is their weekly tradition during football season). I really needed some cute maternity bottoms (jeans, leggings, etc.) b/c my pants are no longer comfy and I can't seem to keep them up with the belly band.

I was surprised to find some stylish options by Heidi Klum at Macy's. While at NorthPark I also discovered Peek, the cutest kids shop! I bought a dozen or so hippie blouses, bloomers, and leggings on sale for Landry.

Tomorrow marks 18 weeks and I am just starting to feel very pregnant. My clothes are getting tight, my feet are swelling by the end of the day and I'm constantly running to the ladie's room. However, with each day I'm getting more and more excited to meet the little bean!

17 weeks

Today marks our 17th week! From now on I plan to post a photo of the growing bump each week.

Today also marked the first day I had to take scissors to my clothes to make them fit! I'm still wearing my normal wardrobe (sometimes with the help of a belly band or undone button) but my tights are no longer comfy around my waist. I had to cut the seam a little on my black tights to make them fit.

Luckily, it was well worth it. When I was checking out at a store today the clerk told me I looked really cute -- words worth a million bucks to a preggers girl! (Disclaimer: the outfit in the photo is NOT what I was wearing. Michael took a photo of me in that outfit but you couldn't see the bump so I did a little outfit change to help out). I have found that I love dressing my growing bump. I've always been a fan of loose fitting clothes so it's been fairly simple and a fun fashion challenge to stay cute while comfy.

This afternoon, Michael and I had our first appointment with our regular doctor since my initial eight week appointment when she confirmed I was pregnant. Just a week later post blood test results, we had to go to a specialist to address the toxo. It was great to be in Dr. Hagood's office again. She didn't perform a sonogram but checked Landry's heartbeat, which was really strong.

She said everything looked good and that I was making perfect progress in my weight gain, etc. What a relief to hear good news -- and only good news -- after the last two months!

Tomorrow I leave for New York for a girl's trip with my mom and grandma to celebrate her 75th birthday. This will be Landry's second trip to NYC (the first time I didn't know I was pregnant). This time will be extra special as we will have four generations of our family together!

Happy Anniversary!

I can't believe that a year ago today, Michael and I walked down the aisle.

To celebrate our first anniversary, we booked brunch at The Mansion on Turtle Creek, which is where we got married. It was fun to walk in today and remember that incredibly magical night. The staff was so sweet and brought us a card and dessert tray as a toast.

Afterwards, we had a couple's massage at Exhale Spa. What a treat! I had my first prenatal massage and loved it. My therapist told me I had a lot of tension in my hips (she said this is normal from the stress of carrying extra tummy weight) and should have regular massages during my pregnancy. Luckily Michael was there to hear it! (Full disclaimer: Michael gives me regular massages and is very good at it but I loved the endorsement for a professional one every month ;)

For dinner, we were planning to grill our favorite meal outside that we learned on our honeymoon in Turks and Caicos: grilled jerk pork with veggies. Unfortunately, it was raining so we opted for a cozy meal at home courtesy of Central Market. For dessert, we had our wedding cake from Society Bakery, Italian Cream. It was delicious!

When I ordered it this week (our original didn't make it in the move to our new house last May), they asked if we wanted anything special written on it. I told them to write "Happy 1st Anniversary" in pink in celebration of our little Landry.

It's hard to believe how much has happened in the past year: new companies, new house, new car, travels abroad -- A BABY! I couldn't have imagined it, but wouldn't want it any other way. We are truly blessed.

Thursday splurge day

Today Morgan and I had our plates full with client shopping. We are installing a University Park home and downtown corner office tomorrow.

Needless to say, we built up a major appetite! Luckily, one stop landed us near Corner Market and Society Bakery, my favorite iced latte and cupcake joints respectively. These days I crave something sweet around 3:30 or 4 p.m. so we had to take a quick break and indulge, of course!

To further add to my growing waistline one of my best friends Ariana invited me over for a feast of chicken parmesan and berry flambe over ice cream (unfortunately Michael had to miss out). One NEVER turns down Ari for a meal. She is the best chef I know! Landry and I are so grateful any time she invites us over -- which, is luckily about once a week!

When I got home I was thrilled to find a little treasure for Landry at the door -- an embroidered white leather Moroccan pouf that I ordered online. It's going in front of her rocker in the nursery. I will post photos of her little nest soon, I promise! It's far from finished but really coming along.

Hidey ho!

Tonight Landry enjoyed her first real Texas hoedown!

Our friends Paula and Todd invited us to the Nasher Sculpture Center for a outdoor Texas-themed event with a live bluegrass band, bbq (mac 'n cheese, ribs, fried chicken -- a pregnant girl's dream menu), and artist lectures featuring Lone Star State talents.

Paula is actually due with twins just four weeks after me. We are so excited to have the little ones so close! In fact, we share the same doctor's office so there's a chance we could deliver within days of each other due to her twins more than likely being early and Landry being a little late.

I had Michael take a photo of me on the way out the door tonight to show the bump but it's a little hard to tell in the pic (you also can't see my new cowboy boots courtesy of The Dallas Flea!). The western suede belt helps hide her but she's really starting to show!

In other news, we got a call from our specialist doctor today who reported that Landry got a clean bill of health from the amnio, which tests for Down Syndrome and other chromosomal conditions. She also confirmed that Landry is, in fact, 100 percent a she! Although the sonogram suggested she was 98 percent a little lady, the amnio confirmed it completely.

To celebrate all of the good news this week, aunt Morgan (that's my Farrow & Cobb business partner for my California folks), brought Michael and me a toast-in-a-basket with mimosas and delicious homemade pumpkin spice chocolate chip muffins. Already had one this morning after a client meeting. I have been lucky enough to not be sick and have a major appetite my entire pregnancy. Hence the ten pounds and courting!

2 + 1 = 3

For a while now, I've been kicking around the idea of starting a blog to keep our loved ones (especially those not in Dallas) in the loop with our busy lives.

Well, today I got a really motivating reason to start this site: We are 16 weeks pregnant with a little girl! Her name is Landry Grace (Landry was Michael's maternal grandmother's last name and Grace was his paternal grandmother's and my maternal great grandma's first name).

Although I have been feeling great the past four months, our pregnancy has been far from perfect. In a nutshell, eight weeks ago we got a call that I tested positive for toxoplasmosis. Toxo (that's what we started calling it for short) is a parasite that many people will get in their lifetime. There are no side effects, and it's not dangerous to humans -- unless you are pregnant.

Well, somehow I beat all odds and contracted it (the doctors are still completely in awe over how/where) either just before or right after getting pregnant. The doctors were so in shock that we were sent to a specialist for two rounds of blood tests and then a third test that was sent off to government labs for extremely in depth results.

After confirmation that I had a small trace of toxo in my system, we had to test the baby to see if it was in hers, too. Knowing this horrifying information (disclaimer: toxo is known to cause harmful conditions such as blindness, cerebral palsy, and schizophrenia), we had to wait until we were at least 15 weeks along to take an amniocentesis. If toxo was found in Landry's system there were only two options: antibiotics the rest of pregnancy and fingers crossed that she would have the lesser of serious deformities or termination.

But after waiting a week post-amnio -- and several doctor visits, needle pricks, and sleepless nights -- we received the call early this morning that the baby has no trace of toxo in her system!

Although the beginning of this pregnancy wasn't the dream scenario, we feel so fortunate to have a healthy baby girl on the way. This situation has made us so much closer to this baby (at times literally: we've already had five sonograms and been able to watch her twirl and kick!) and have a profound admiration for her strength.

We can't wait to meet our little warrior in March. Her due date is March 17th, St. Patrick's Day and her grandma Pat's birthday. Although we're not Irish, we definitely got some of their luck!