September, you scare me

Tomorrow is August 31st, and here are the things I need to get done in September:

Seven workshops and presentations at work
Six doctor's appointments and non-stress tests
Four baby showers
Four soccer games
One trip to LA
Wikipedia-edit-a-thon
Search committee
Maternity Photos
Finish nursery and baking Ziggy

Of all these things, the last one freaks me out the most. Ziggy is doing great, but she is still breech at 35 weeks which means she probably won't turn on her own. And, before you ask, no, I am not interested in trying to turn her. I've had a c-section before, I always knew a second was an option, and I told my doctor from the beginning that I would only do a VBAC if everything was going well. Now, with a couple potential complications at hand, I'm fine eliminating variables from the equation like, "Will she turn or won't she?" Here is my birth plan in its entirety:

DO WHAT I CAN TO HAVE A HEALTHY BABY

In case you couldn't pick up the subtle sarcasm, I loathe birth plans. Maybe because my first was such a rollercoaster, and it was fortuitous that I wasn't dead set on having a water birth or powering through without an epidural, but I just think birth plans are kind of stupid. Sure, have the major bases covered like whether or not you want an epidural, but do you really need to write down a five page plan choreographing the birth -- pain relief, music, breathing, lighting, clothing, audience, position, fetal monitoring, etc. -- down to the final crescendo? Doesn't this whole facade of control ultimately just end up in disappointment when things don't go as planned? I would rather trust my doctor and let nature take its course. I didn't even know if I would nurse last time and, guess what, I LOVED it. Nursed for 13 months. I know women who just knew they would nurse and were crushed when their baby didn't latch or they discovered they hated it and quit two months in. In other words, stop trying to plan everything, ladies. There are going to be surprises and not everything will go as planned. Welcome to motherhood.

Okay, enough with the snark. Life has actually been great around here. Aidan started school and soccer. My work is getting busy again with the beginning of the fall semester. Our house is almost Ziggy ready. My belly is awesomely huge, but I still feel good. Robert has been kind and attentive. I've picked an au pair and submitted the paperwork for my maternity leave. Stan hasn't chewed up anything valuable lately.

Here are some pictures of our week:

A coworker made Ziggy a caterpillar outfit and I love it

Stan stealing my heart.

Bought a new stretchy dress to wear to a wedding next week. My bathroom mirror is filthy. 

This guy. You have no idea. :) 

Neighbors playing with Stan

Impromptu grass party

Aidan's first day of fall soccer. 

He did great, especially in goal

No pictures, please.

Could this kid be any more handsome?

Levitating

I'm also starting to get Ziggy's room together. It still looks a little plain, but all the major pieces are in place in case she arrives early.

Crib from Christine, mattress from Amy, nursery sign from Aunt Terri

Picture books! I love picture books!

A work in progress. Needs more color.

I have three baby showers in the next two weeks so expect to see lots more pink in this room soon. Also, if you come by the house, sit in my glider. It is the softest seat known to man.