37 weeks!

Two weeks from this very moment I will have Landry Grace in my arms!  O-m-i-g-o-s-h!!!

That is, of course, if she doesn't turn in the meantime.  Yep, learned Friday at my weekly doctor's appointment that she's still snug as a bug on the upper right side of my belly.  As each day passes, there's a smaller and smaller chance of her turning.

At this point, I've accepted the fact and have embraced having a c-section.  On the bright side, I have a fairly precise target date (aka deadline to get things checked off the pre-baby list) and was able to book my mom's flight with somewhat certainty that she will be at the hospital for the birth.  (My dad is planning to visit Friday after her birth to be able to spend more quality time with Landry, me, and Michael once we're out of the hospital grind).

This weekend was very productive at chez Cobb.  We finally cleaned out the garage to make room for storing the stroller and other baby loot (and also to ease my crazy-organization mind right now).  I completed decorating the outdoor cabana (tres modern-Moroccan-chic!) and it is just perfect.  I plan to spend a ton of time with Landry relaxing in that space while the weather is nice this spring. 

My mom gave Landry a cute piece of art a few months back and I finally found a frame and hung it in her bathroom.  I organized a few last drawers in her nursery and installed a second changing station in our master bathroom for the first couple weeks that I can't walk upstairs (our master is downstairs; her nursery is up) due to my c-section recovery.

As far as delivery logistics, last week I got pre-registered at the hospital so we are ready to go.  Surprisingly, I'm not nervous at all about labor.  I think I have so much on my plate that I don't have time to worry about it.  I also haven't read too much so I'm not overwhelmed with info.

The main emotion I'm feeling right now is excitement.  Although I am thrilled to have two more weeks before baby (hopefully), I'm looking forward to life with her and the new chapters about to unfold for me and Michael.  During brunch on Sunday I told him we need to come up with something great for our "last supper."  Since my mom arrives Saturday before the birth, I think we'll actually do something special just the two of us the Friday before.  

I'm going to start slowing down work later this week to complete a few freelance stories and get tons of things done around the house and for the baby.  I also have a few fun things planned for the next ten or so days including lunches, dinners and coffee dates with friends knowing it will be a little while before I get back on track with my social life and think it's important right now to live a normal life and not hole up at home.

Today I had lunch with my friend Kari; tomorrow I'm grabbing a bite with Paula.  Wednesday night is a foot massage and dinner with Ariana.  How life is going to change!  Luckily, most of my friends have kiddos on the way so we'll all be in the same boat.

36 weeks!

I officially made it to 36 weeks (aka nine months in preggo land) on Monday.  Woohoo!

Overall, I feel really great.  I'm still working full days and attempting to work out once or twice a week but I am definitely slowing down and feeling some minor aches and pains.

I've read that around this time you tend to not eat as much but I'm hungry and often.  I'm eating more now than ever and feel like my belly is growing by the day.  Dressing the bump is becoming quite the comedy act but I'm still managing to pull together fun looks and not bum around in a muumuu (nighttime at home is a different story, however).

I'm fortunate to not have any indigestion, heart burn, etc. but I am experiencing sciatic nerve pains in my lower back a few times a day.  On long client shopping days, like yesterday, I also find myself getting tired and sometimes even winded if stairs or a brisk pace are involved.

I'm sleeping pretty well with the exception of Phoebe snuggling so close that I wake up or am afraid to roll over on her.  She's still attached at my hip!

We're still working like crazy on pulling the house together so it's a little paradise once we're holed up with Landry.  Last week was a biggie: we finally got the trees trimmed (what a difference that makes!), landscaped a section of the side and front yard, and started the back apartment bathroom's remodel.  I've also started pulling together our outdoor cabana in hopes of hanging out there with my mom and Landry on nice days instead of being cooped up in the house.

I'm still in crazy organization mode, too.  We've organized our master closet, kitchen pantry and kitchen "party closet" (a funky space under the stairs that's enclosed and hides everything from tools to appliances and linens) and Michael has installed tons of cool contraptions around the house that make life just a little easier (love my new closet hat rack and kitchen pullout drawer for cleaning supplies).

With my mom planning to stay six weeks or so, we've been working out some of the guest room kinks installing a full-length mirror, closet shelf, etc.  I thought I found a dresser for the room but it fell through so I'm back on the hunt...

Landry also got a few new additions to the nursery recently including a noisemaker (her daddy still uses one every night), monitor (swapped the Apple one for another brand after finding out it had to be attached to a modem.  Really, Apple?), and a plastic tub for bath time.

Last Friday I met with a second pediatrician and I really liked him.  He looks like Santa (for real), is super nice, and seemed to share my philosophy on parenting and meds.  He said due to Landry's breech positioning, he will peform an ultrasound on her hips around six weeks to make sure everything is okay.  

Afterwards the appointment, I raided Wal-Mart for tons of post-baby stuff like granny panties (I've been told these are a must because the waistband avoids any c-section stitches), months worth of toiletries (Michael said we look like we're expecting the apocalypse), an extra changing pad since I won't be able to walk upstairs for a week or two to change Landry's diaper in the nursery, and slippers for cozy days around the house.

With the baby due just a couple weeks from now, I've been filling my days with fun friend time as well.  Friday night we had dinner with Paula and Todd at a cool new restaurant in Oak Cliff.  Tonight I caught up with my friend Karla over a pedicure and Pei Wei.   This weekend I'm looking forward to having lunch with my college girlfriends.

I'm trying to pack in a ton of things before Landry gets here from chores to fun stuff like coffee dates and foot massages.  Luckily, my busy schedule makes time fly.  Hopefully taking time off and hunkering down at home with my newborn baby will feel a little bit like a vacation.  Yeah, right!

 

My little shadow

Michael is out of town tonight on business so Phoebe is on tight bump watch duty without dad around.  Sweet girl hasn't left my side since the minute I walked in the door tonight from some client merchandise returns.

Had to post a few photos (yes, that big dark gray bump is my tummy).  I swear she thinks she's a 100 pound watch dog!

Let the countdown begin!

Today was major.  Michael and I visited Dr. Hagood for my regular weekly appointment (this is standard as of about 34 weeks).

After she felt my stomach, we decided to schedule the c-section in case Landry does not turn.  She wanted to wait until I was 39 weeks, which is officially as of Monday, March 12th, to deliver.  That day happens to be my great grandma's birthday on my maternal side.

If I had to schedule the birth, this was the day I was hoping for and luckily it all worked out.  Dr. Hagood was wide open that day and agreed that it was the perfect time to deliver Landry Grace if she decides to stay put in her uncomfy breech position.

So, before leaving the office we set up the date with the labor and delivery department.  The first available appointment was at 7:30 a.m., but they told us we had to be there two hours early.  Well, if you know my husband or mother, that hour is simply inhumane so we opted for the 1:30 p.m. slot which puts me in the hospital at 11:30 a.m.  So, they should have plenty of beauty sleep before the big moment, which is just 26 days from today.

I joked with my mom on the phone today that everyone's needs but mine have been considered in this delivery.  Oh well, as long as a healthy little girl is the result, I'll go along for the ride.

Speaking of the bean, I forgot to mention last post that Landry has hair!  Last week during the sonogram the nurse saw white lines which indicates strands of hair.  She said it looks like she has some hair, not a ton so we won't have a total baldy after all.

After our appointment today, Michael and I grabbed a quick bite and then he dropped me off to get my car so I could visit my Papa.  He was flying through Dallas on his way home to California after a week trip visiting his brothers in Florida.  

The timing couldn't have been more perfect as Landry's probable birthday is his mother's big day.  He had a three hour layover at DFW so I picked him up for a snack in the area and to spend some time together.

As soon as I picked him up I told him the big news and he was thrilled.  We went for ice cream sundaes at a nearby diner and I told him all the latest on Landry and he caught me up on his trip.

Growing up, my Papa lived just a few miles down the road from us and was a huge part of my life.  I miss him and the rest of my family so much living in Dallas and am sad that they won't be a part of Landry's everyday life.  That said, when they are around the bean I know she will be so spoiled by their love and support.  And, in the end, she's simply lucky to have such an extended family when so many little ones don't even have grandparents around.

After dropping him back off at the airport, I was thinking that I hope one day Landry and my dad will have as good of a relationship as my Papa and me.  I can't wait for her to meet him and the rest of my grandparents.  What a lucky girl to have all four of her great grandparents alive and ready to scoop her up in their arms and shower her with love.

She's so blessed!

35 weeks!

Hello, 35 weeks!  Wow, just a few more until Landry gets here.

I've been very busy since my last post.  On Friday Michael and I visited the doctor for our last specialist appointment.  Unfortunately, my regular doctor was out of town but the on-call doctor was lovely, too.

He checked Landry's heartbeat, weight, length, etc. and all looks good.  Mama got a great grade, too.  He said that everything is right on track for her target due date; no signs of early labor after looking at my uterus, placenta, etc.

Unfortunately, Landry is still breech.  He said her positioning is called Frank Breech, which means her arms, legs and head are all bunched together near my ribs and her booty is sitting on my bladder (no wonder I'm always in the ladies' room!).  He said that with her growing size and lack of space in my tummy, she will likely not turn.  Which, of course, means I will probably be headed down the c-section route.

Tomorrow, Michael and I are meeting with my regular doctor to figure out our plan.  If we have to schedule the birth, we will plan to deliver in just four weeks once I hit the 39 week mark to ensure Landry is well-fed and developed.  

We took it pretty easy over the weekend.  Michael had to work a little in the office so I spent time running errands (new iPhone, door screens ordered...) and even pampered myself with a manicure and foot massage.  

Sunday was a big day.  We started with brunch with friends and then interviewed a nanny.  I'm going to take some time off from Farrow & Cobb once Landry arrives but plan to get back to work late spring.  Our housekeeper recommended this woman close to her family and she was really great.  We' plan to offer her the position after a little background research but are very excited to have her help us with Landry (and housekeeping and light dinner prep!).

Sunday I also gave Michael an early Valentine's Day gift: a massage at the house with his favorite masseuse.  Afterwards I made him a fancy French meal and we watched the Grammy's while snow fell outside.  It was the perfect night!

Yesterday I interviewed a pediatrician for the bean.  I'm on the fence if I want to use her and have decided to interview a couple more before committing.  She was really smart and capable, but she was also very high strung and the front lobby was about as attractive as a tire shop.  I just pictured Landry going to a Santa Claus type doctor with a cheerful office that had some cheesy rainbow or some childish mural on the wall.  This place didn't have a single piece of art hanging! I know it's a silly reason, but I just didn't get warm fuzzy vibes.

Tonight Michael brought home some beautiful flowers for Valentine's Day with the sweetest note saying he's excited for our real rose to arrive soon.  Ahhhhhhhhhh.  We had planned to have dinner at home tonight and take it easy but I had a major Mexican food craving.  I can count on one hand the amount of times we've had Mexican food during this pregnancy because I normally get so sad that I can't have a margarita (you try to eat enchiladas without one!).  But tonight I enjoyed every bite of my Chuy's meal even though I had to wash it down with Diet Coke instead.

Some other recent news:  Last week we took Phoebe in for her annual lion's cut.  Translation: a haircut that shaves away her mane from her neck to her paws but leaves her head, feet, and tail furry.  We hate doing this each year but she's so stubborn about getting her hair brushed we don't have a choice by the end of winter.  Ever since she got home, she's been my little shadow.  She even sleeps with us every night curled around my tummy (or on it, if I let her).

At first we thought it was to keep her new, hairless body warm but now we think she's starting to prep for baby, too.  (Michael think she smells some sort of hormone or something.)  She won't leave my side and sleeps so close that I've rolled onto her a couple times in the middle of the night.  Normally, she'd be skittish but now she just stays put if I move or shift.  Last night during my regular 3 a.m. bathroom break I accidentally tossed the duvet over her and she didn't make a peep.  I didn't realize it until I got back into bed (I'm not used to her sleeping with me unless Michael is out of town and even then, she's at my feet) and curled back up with the blanket to find her right by my side ready to snuggle.

Yesterday we built the Bugaboo stroller.  I wanted to build it early to learn the ins and outs of how to work it.  It is so stinking cute.  It's living in the living room right now and am loving my birds eye view of it while working away at the kitchen island.

This week we are finishing up the back apartment bathroom remodel, getting the trees trimmed, finalizing our door screens order, hooking up the baby monitor and organizing the kitchen closet after adoring the pantry's transformation so much.  Getting close to feeling nested and ready for the new birdie!   

A serious case of nesting

Pantry "before"

Pantry "after." Like my merchandised fruit?

"After" wide shot that shows off my nifty new door organizer for spices and sauces

It's probably very clear by now that I'm in a serious nesting mode.

I opened my pantry this morning for my go-to pregnancy breakfast (toasted high-fiber English muffin topped with peanut butter) and felt like my-life-couldn't-go-on without tackling our messy, unorganized pantry before bedtime.

When we were remodeling the house, I sacrificed a kitchen dining nook for this large, well-lit, walk-in pantry.  And I'm embarrassed to say that since we moved in it has become a prison cell for tools, bbq equipment, random pregnancy cravings and even Landry's loot from a high chair to car seat.

So, today was the day it turned back into a pantry.  After Morgan and I finished up for the day, I hit The Container Store and loaded up on storage, shelving and organizational devices.

When I got home I blasted some music and completely unloaded the pantry in about 20 minutes.  Much to my surprise, it was all in order with my new fancy containers in less than an hour and looks amazing.

I am not an organized freak by any means.  I live for a clean house, but behind my cupboards is far from perfection.  Yet, I had so much fun organizing the pantry down to merchandising our fruits and veggies. My morning treats even have their own basket for easy grab-n-go in the early hours.

When Landry gets here, her stuff will now have plenty of room on the shelves.  I am so relieved to have this task off my plate.

Up next: getting the windows washed, installing window screens, ordering door screens, remodeling the back bathroom (starts Monday, yay!), trimming the trees, repairing two roof leaks, and the list goes on.  It will be interesting to see just how much really gets down before baby!

Quick update:  The Missoni stroller canopy arrived!  I picked it up from Neiman's yesterday so Landry's stroller is officially ready to go.  Michael is going to assemble it this Saturday along with a few other baby things (monitor, high chair, etc.).

Also, I talked to my best friend Courtney today who's officially 17 weeks preggo.  She is finding out the sex next week.  Stay tuned!

34 weeks!

Although my 33rd week started with some aches and pains, it ended on a really nice note.

By Wednesday or so, the soreness in my lower abs finally subsided.  Morgan left Thursday for a long weekend with her husband in Palm Springs, so I took Thursday and Friday off to enjoy time with friends and get some to-do list items completed.

As you know, I spent Thursday in Canton with Paula.  Friday morning I had a quick doctor's appointment for a regular ol' checkup.  I went to a different doctor in my practice (they do this in case I go into labor when my doctor isn't on call) and he did the routine stuff: urine sample, weigh-in (I lost a pound!), blood pressure test, etc.

From the feel of my tummy and location of her heartbeat, he thinks Landry is still breech.  He said that up to 37 weeks, about half of babies are breech (new news to me!) and there's still time for her to turn.  This Friday, I get to see Dr. Rinehart who will perform a sonogram and determine her position for sure. I'm so excited for this appointment to see how much she's grown and get a look at that precious face of hers.

After my doctor appointment I braved Babies "R Us to get a few things for Landry including newborn diapers, a stationery swing contraption (my friends swear by them) and a Boppy for breast feeding.  Aftewards, Ariana and I went to lunch at my favorite little urban bistro Oddfellows (love the egg salad and iced latte) and then to the DMA Gaultier fashion exhibit.  What a spectacle!  That night, Michael and I had a date starting with dinner at Medina, a local Moroccan restaurant, and then tickets to the Mavs basketball game.  He had two floor tickets just four rows from the players.  Even though they lost, we had so much fun (P.S. Khloe Kardashian was directly across from us on the other side of the court) being that close to all of the action.

Next to Michael at the game was a young married couple with a three month old little girl.  We couldn't stop looking at her, she was so cute (thanks to commercial grade ear muffs she didn't cry one peep the entire game.  Note to self: get commercial grade ear muffs!).  I seems that everywhere we go there is a couple with a baby girl (airplanes, meals, every store we walk in).  I think it's training Michael subconsciously that Landry is on her way and life goes on just with a cuter, littler, version of us on our arm -- or hip.

Saturday we had our Babycare 101 class.  It started with CPR training that was really helpful and then went into the basics for taking care of a newborn.  We were one of about ten couples in the class.  I let Michael do all of the hands on training since he is such a newbie at all of this stuff.  He did really well other than the dressing/undressing part and swaddling.

During the bathing segment, the instructor had each couple undress the "baby." All she was wearing was a t-shirt but Michael couldn't figure it out.  I told him he officially suffocated the baby with the three minute lapse it took to take the shirt over her head and possibly broke her arm trying to maneuver the sleeve (a tiny cap sleeve, fyi) over her little shoulder.  His swaddling was even worse (the pro guy next to us didn't help).  Luckily, he was really great at everything else so I guess I'll be left to dressing and swaddling.

Sunday we went to brunch and then bought supplies for our back apartment bathroom, which we tore up during our remodel to extract an old fashion bath tub for our master bath in the main house.  It's one of several projects we're aiming to complete before the baby gets here.

Last night I had trouble sleeping (not Landry's fault, I just had insomnia for some reason) and dove into my pregnancy book's eight and nine month chapters.  It said that "nesting" is very common at this stage; that it's a natural tendency in preparation for the baby's arrival.

I definitely have a huge case of nesting these days checking off big items (guest bedroom chair and dresser, bathroom remodel) to little things like getting the trees trimmed and ordering screens for all of our new windows and doors.

On top of those to-do's, I'm also working on the flea trying to get it in good shape so the month or so before the April show I can enjoy Landry and not worry about show logistics too much.  I'm nearly half full for the show so it's shaping up nicely, so far.

Today marks 34 weeks and I'm feeling back to normal with just slightly less energy.  I don't have a belly photo because Michael has a work dinner tonight (and tomorrow night) but will add one later in the week.  Look for it soon!

Flea with friends

Today Paula, her assistant Lauren (a fellow California girl!), and I went to Canton, a rambling indoor/outdoor flea market about an hour east of Dallas.

Paula and I have been several times together; she shops for fabrics, buttons, and the like for her label GAIA and I shop for my house and clients.  And, we go for the grubby food (today's vices of choice were corn dogs, saugage on a stick, and fresh lemonade).

The three of us had a ball chatting it up the whole way there and back and rummaging through treasures and junk at the market.  I didn't come home with a ton of stuff, but I did find some cool, boho-totally-Brittany things including some crocheted vintage hangers (so cute for Landry's room!), a groovy beaded bronze necklace (perfect to accessorize every outfit I own), and a vintage embroidered monogrammed hankie with a big plum "L" for Landry's diaper bag.

Update on my aches: I'm still feeling them.  However, my nurses have re-assured me that this is completely normal and probably either the baby turning or her nudging her way down south for the birth.  Unfortunately, they said the pain could even get worse as she gets bigger and bigger.  Tomorrow I see the doctor and might find out her positioning, which I'm eager to know.

Otherwise, I feel pretty good other than the new overwhelming sense of fullness I feel after an average size meal.  She's starting to take up so much room in my tummy that there's not much left for food.  I just ate a grilled cheese sandwich and cup of soup after the flea and feel like I'm going to explode.  I will have to figure out this new proportions things fast so I'm not so uncomfortable.  It's just so crazy because a week or so ago I could tackle the entire kitchen pantry and still be hungry.

I'm clearly on an uphill learning curve for this whole pregnancy thing.  Of course just as I get the hang of  it my sweet baby girl will be here.  She's worth every ache and pain!