The Rocco Report: 33 Weeks

Buenos Dias, squeezers! Hope you all had a very lovely weekend! I'm bringing you week 33 of the Rocco Report and today's post comes chock full of OB updates and a taboo talking point- those dreaded baby blues experienced by some new moms. But let's start with my check up! 

Yesterday was my first appointment (actually two appts)  since getting back from New York so there's lots to update you on. The first appointment was a sonogram to check Rocco's weight and measurements and the second was a regular OB apppointment to go over those sonogram results and to see how I was doing overall. By the way, I have become an expert at peeing in a cup. I could basically aim and shoot with my eyes closed at this point. I'm like the Lebron James of urine samples. Every OB appointment you will have from the moment you find out you're pregnant, you will be peeing in a cup. 

As of yesterday, Rocco is weighing 4lbs and 11oz, growing big and healthy and still within average weight but we will still continue to monitor his weight gain for the sake of my vagina. Though it was a 2D sonogram, we still saw him moving around and putting his hand in his mouth and touching his face. I just can't wait to meet this baby boy! He's already stolen my heart! Funny story to share. So while we are doing the sonogram, I have minimal view of the screen, so I'm anxiously waiting there while the technician finishes doing the measurements so I can get a better view of the baby. As I'm waiting, the technician screams, 'Oh my goodness! You have to see this! I have to show you!' and the other nurse in the room keeps saying, 'Oh My God!' So of course my first thought is, 'OMG there is something wrong with my baby,' proceeded by 'what if they see two babies in there?! Holy F.' Well, it was neither. Instead it was, 'Look at your baby's penis! It is so big! It's just so clear. Look! Look!' And there stood these two nurses admiring my fetus's giant penis. Slightly awkward. Clearly having a big penis is a good thing, but seriously, so much fuss at 33 weeks? Too much too soon. Then they kept saying, 'He is so proud. Just look at it.' They continued the penis praise by printing out close-up photos of his junk for me. Uncomfortable giggles from me because what else was I going to do?  We're talking about my kid's big baby penis here. I took the copies of Rocco's rocket, smiled, and tucked them in my purse. 

I spy with my little eyes...a giant baby penis! 

Now I'm off to see Dr. Bonilla, which thankfully did not involve any mention of a penis. We went over vitals- blood pressure was great and weighing in at 133 (so a 17lb gain from my 116 start). Rocco is positioned head down so all that pressure and pain I'm feeling in my lady parts is because he's pushing down at almost 5lbs so I'm feeling the effects. Overall though, the pregnancy is progressing as it should, everything looks great, and while induction date might change depending on baby's size, she expects history to repeat itself in terms of me carrying full term. 

I'll be back next week for another appointment and three weeks after that for another sonogram! Stay tuned. 

This pic was taken on Coco's birthday and if you can't tell by my swollen face and eyes, I was knee deep in my baby blues.  

This week we're going deep with our topic of discussion- one that I can speak about from experience because I went through it after Maya was born- the baby blues. Those baby blues unexpectedly hit me 3-4 days after Maya's birth, once I was already home from the hospital. I used to always say (and I still do) that what they should be focusing on in the hospital or in those useless childbirth classes you are encouraged to take that 'teach' you how to recognize contractions or how to push a baby out of your vagina (I mean, really people. Women have been doing it for centuries) or how to swaddle your baby, is that emotional upheaval that new moms can experience after having a baby. No one tells you in these 'wonders of birth' classes that sometimes, you may cry non-stop for no reason. That's called baby blues. Anything from a commercial to a baby's burp might reduce you to a blubbering mess. One minute you're happy and cooing with your baby, the next you're in the shower sobbing uncontrollably because you 're just inexplicably sad. That's what they should be educating new mothers and fathers about at the hospital and classes- how to survive and work through those baby blues. I can figure out how to swaddle a newborn thanks to You tube and sheer common sense. Thanks.  

So many women never speak up about the feelings and emotions that come with baby blues. From the many I have spoken to, they feel guilty and ashamed for having them. We're conditioned to think that as soon as you pop out that baby, it's all rainbows and butterflies from there on out- 'You should be happy with your new baby?!' 'Motherhood is amazing so why are you crying?!' But sometimes the adjustment and the life-changing experience throws you a bit of a curve ball in the form of the blues. And of course you feel this way! You go from having a childless life to becoming a parent overnight-literally. It is undeniably the biggest life adjustment you will make and it happens in an instant even though you've been prepping for it for nine months. When reality sets in, there's no turning back. And guess what? These feelings that come with that startling adjustment and that "what now?" moment, are completely normal and expected. And don't even get me started on the hormonal surge women experience after giving birth that still lingers in your system post-baby. Add that to the mix and well, you have a recipe for a weeping and disoriented new mom.  Baby blues are often confused with Post-Partum Depression, which is also normal. Baby blues, however, can last from a couple of days to 2-3 weeks after birth and slowly dissipate by themselves. If you find yourself experiencing baby blues for longer than three weeks, your doctor will recommend a consul to check you for signs of post-partum. 

I had the baby blues for 10 days. I can tell you exactly when they started and the day they ended. They turned my world temporarily upside down. I thought something was wrong with me and I couldn't explain it. I went from being completely fine, to waking up one day in a puddle of tears. I was inconsolable. I didn't know what was happening. I was riding the most terrifying roller coaster of emotions I had ever experienced. I thought, 'I should be walking on a cloud of bliss, instead I'm non-stop wiping tears from my face.' I compared it to my emotional breakdown two years after losing my mom- when my boyfriend and I at the time- broke up for two days and I woke up in an anxious panic of tears and fears (bless his heart). That temporary break-up triggered an outpouring of pent up grief and feelings of abandonment I had never dealt with when my mom passed, and here I was now, dealing with those same tears and fears but for a whole new reason. I was terrified. 

I cried because I was sad. I cried because I was exhausted. I cried because I couldn't understand why I was feeling this way and because I felt I was being a bad mother. I had 1000 what-ifs and thoughts racing through my mind. I kept saying to myself, "What if I'm not a good mother?" "What if I fail?" "I'm responsible for this human for the rest of my life." "What if I drop the baby?" "What if something happens to the baby?" "This baby depends on me for everything from now until forever." "There's no turning back." "I have a baby." "What if I don't know what I'm doing?" You name it, I thought it and that vicious cycle during such a vulnerable and precious time kept repeating itself like a jammed record in my head. It was exhausting. All I wanted to do was hold my baby and be with Coco. Coco couldn't leave my sight or I would have a breakdown. Holding Maya or just looking at her would reduce me to tears. I would think, "This little girl is all mine. I can't lose her." "I can't imagine life without her." "I don't know what I'm doing." "Don't leave me alone with her because I don't know what to do." And then I would cry. Coco's presence was reassuring. He confessed that at times he just didn't know what to do or say except let me cry and hug me and tell me it was going to be okay and that this was normal.  We would go for walks in our neighborhood, grab breakfast or lunch at one of the outside cafes, and I would see all these city moms pushing their strollers, laughing and talking on their phones, and I would think, "Am I ever going to be able to do that? Because right now I can't see it." And then I would cry. 

My mother's absence was also a signifying factor in my baby blues, something I didn't learn until recently. While reading my Motherless Mothers book a few months back, there was a whole chapter dedicated to motherless daughters making the transition to becoming motherless mothers without the presence of their own mom. These moms (moms like me) tend to be at a higher risk of experiencing baby blues because they are entering a new chapter without the support, love, and reassurance of their own mother at their side. I never thought about that. When you're a new mom, chances are you have your own mom right by your side helping you through those first couple of days, weeks, and even months of taking care of a new baby. If you need to cry, you have your mom. If you need to call her to ask about why your baby doesn't stop crying or how many ounces you need to give him or her in the middle of night, you're probably calling your mom. Because that's what moms do. No matter how old you are, or how many babies you have, you will always be their baby, their little girl, and they are there to help you through your motherhood journey. And I didn't have that and never did it cross my mind how much it affected me until I read that book. And I was crushed. But I also realized that thought I didn't receive that motherly support myself, I would one day be able to give it to Maya. I missed out on it with my own mom, but I would get a second chance of doing it with Maya the day that she has her own children. And I'm very much looking forward to that (just not anytime soon)! 

When we took Maya for her first pediatrician appointment, the doctor asked me, "And how are you doing?" And I just unleashed everything I was feeling on this poor man. And he just sat and listened and said to me, "what you're going through is normal. You will feel a little better as each day passes but this happens to many new moms." My OB at the time, Dr. Jennifer Wu (she's a rock star), also said the same thing. She said, "I know it's a little tough right now but give it some time and you'll be feeling like your old self." It was reassuring, but I just couldn't shake off the feeling that this was permanent. Thank goodness for Coco's two week paternity leave because his support and presence were crucial in dealing with the baby blues. Thankfully, I'm not one to stay quiet. I'm a 'speak-up-ask-questions' kind of girl and I use it to my advantage.  I reached out to a few mom friends as well as some fellow Access Hollywood co-workers that were moms as well, and I can't even begin to tell you how cathartic that was. I am so happy I did! So many of them shared their stories with me- how they would cry in the shower, or before going to bed, while nursing their kid, while running errands- also feeling the same feelings and asking themselves the same 'what-ifs' I was. I was not alone and yet, if I wouldn't have asked, I would never have known how expected this was. I spoke to these moms everyday via Facebook or email and I started to feel better. When Coco had to leave me alone for the first time to go to Apple and get our computer checked, I was a mess. I begged him not to go, not to leave me alone, and he kept telling me, "you are going to fine. I will be back in a few hours. You know what you're doing because you've been doing it. Call me if anything." I was dreading him going back to work after his paternity leave. But in those those few hours of him leaving me, I realized I was going to be okay. They were the baby steps I needed. After a 2-3 hour absence, he came back and I thought to myself, "I did it and I'm fine." And that's how I started building up my confidence. 

Sharing my feelings, talking with other moms, and having Coco's support, were huge in working through those baby blues. Everyday I was a little bolder and felt a little better. Coco would go run errands and leave me at home, which I pushed him to do so I could get acclimated to being by myself. I also went out on my own and those happy-go-lucky stroller moms were no longer a distant illusion. I was becoming one of them too. I was relieved. On day 10, I woke up feeling like me again. I was happy. I felt refreshed. And when I didn't shed a tear that day, I smiled. I was going to be okay. Coco went back to work one day after I was feeling back to normal and I was no longer worried. I was ready. Now, those 'what-ifs' and plaguing thoughts that I was having were still there but they weren't consuming me and they weren't driving me mad or making me cry in despair. I knew they wouldn't go away because as a mother, you never stop worrying and you never stop thinking about what you can do to keep your child happy and give them a healthy and wonderful life. The day you become a parent, you become emotionally raw. You will wear your emotions on your sleeve and you will spend everyday of your life worrying for the well-being of your child figuring out what else you can do and what more you can do for him or her. You will look into their eyes, or see them laugh or cry, and all you will think about is how you will protect them and how you will love them from here until eternity because that's what parents do. 

And I'm okay with that because it's the best feeling in the world. All those tears were worth it. 

Bumpin' love,

Rocco's mom 

NY Style Map: Rocking BCBG Maternity on Cedar Beach

I'm surrounded by blue everywhere! From the bay's deep hues to the dress's different shades of azul splattered across its flowy canvas, it's a color that took center stage at Rocco's NY sprinkle last week in Long Island. 

I had the pleasure of partnering up for a second time with Destination Maternity (www.destinationmaternity.com) for an exciting bump post, featuring this breathtaking BCBG caftan dress (http://www.destinationmaternity.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=250140527&MasterCategory_Id=MC28)! I had no idea that BCBG had maternity wear, let alone such a vast and versatile collection of trendy ready-to-wear pieces  available at DM. 

I knew that for Rocco's NY shower I wanted something completely different from the boho-chic look I wore to his Miami affair. I fell in love with this breathtaking tunic dress and the unique firework-like print in the most perfect shade of summer pastels. 

I teamed up with Lauren Elizabeth of Lauren Elizabeth Photography to photograph this spectacular maternity dress (www.laurenelizabethphotography.com)! Lauren came recommended through a friend and after browsing her website, I instantly loved her shooting style. When I showed her my look, she went straight to work at finding the most perfect location that would really make this dress stand out. 

We went to Cedar Beach on the South Shore of Long Island- a small beach with a beautiful marina and a picturesque landscape of beachgoers, surfers, and fishermen (and now a fashion blogger)! I loved working with Lauren! She was sweet, easygoing, and stopped at nothing to capture exactly what she was envisioning- like making sure we incorporated these boats in our style story! I was her first foray into photographing a blogger and I think she did a stupendous job! Every single image becomes its own storytelling capsule. 

 I felt so beautiful on Rocco's special day, and it has a lot to do with getting to experience the greatest miracle of life. But I would be lying if I didn't say it also had to do with this smashing BCBG stunner! 

I accessorized the dress with these metallic platform wedges that are really a summer classic as well as a metallic clutch from Avon (yes, Avon)! The metallic pairs beautifully with the airy light palette of the tunic. 

I added a hot pink tassel necklace and a one-of-a-kind quartz knuckle ring to add a dash of  edginess to a rather feminine look. And we can't close down this post without talking about these amazing braids I got from Lisa at Off 7th Salon in Centereach (http://www.off7thsalon.com), my sister-in-law's go-to salon. We got braids and buns- two of my favorite things! 

Pregnancy never looked so good thanks to BCBG and Destination Maternity! 

On Me: 

Dress- BCBG Maternity 
Shoes- Payless Shoes 
Clutch- Avon Insider 
Tassel- Only One Wing Boutique (Coconut Grove) 

In Style, 

Kat 

The Rocco Report: 32 Weeks

We are coming down to the finish line, squeezers! And I am one anxious and supremely excited momma waiting in the wings! 32 weeks and we are down to the single digit countdown. It's all full speed ahead from here! 

We've been in New York now for the past two weeks (hence my post lateness) and I'm actually writing this week's post from the plane while Maya sleeps on top of me (two Disney movies in and she's down for the count). We've had an amazing time celebrating Gina and Guapo's wedding, Rocco's sprinkle, and even squeezed in Coco's 20 year reunion amongst all the sightseeing, family and friend visits, and the restaurant hopping we did. Because really, we did A LOT of eating on this trip. We checked off a ton of restaurants on our list and even managed to have date night at one of our favorite West Village spots- Buvette (http://www.ilovebuvette.com) (thank you tia Boni for babysitting)! The Buccios were everywhere- from Long Island to Brooklyn to Fire Island- we did a mini tour of NY! 

But I gotta tell you, I'm so ready to head back to Miami and get settled and sleep in our own bed and in our own place. We are so thankful for everyone's generous hospitality, and for those who gave us free room and board wherever we went, but six places in two weeks with 6 bags of luggage, is pretty exhausting! And as you can imagine, I'm ready to nest! 

I'm so happy to share with you a little recap of Rocco's NY sprinkle that my sister-in-law, Gina (also Rocco's godmother)  and my closest friends and family organized! And a big thank you to my friend and fellow hot momma (and cousin by marriage), Michele Vespi, for documenting the perfect luncheon. Because of her, I'm able to give you a sneak peek of such a special day! 

Table overview!

Hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers and I love how the hints of blue in the flowers tie-in to the 'ready to pop' sign! 

Rocco's sprinkle was held at North Hills Country Club in Manhasset, Long Island (http://northhillscc.com). The country club has special meaning because it's where Coco and his sisters grew up. His grandparents were one of the first members to join, so Coco's mom and aunt also grew up coming to the club. Coco was part of the swim team, he would play tennis, and many of his childhood friends were also from the club. So it meant a lot to him and his grandmother that we were able to do something nice for baby Rocco at a venue that has so much family history! 

I'm not big on surprises so I knew when and where we were having the sprinkle. However, I did give free range on decorations. My sister-in-law, Gina, took the lead in organizing the shower, which was extremely kind of her, considering she had her own wedding the week after. My BFF Javy, my other sister-in-laws, Coco's grandma, and some of my closest friends (Momo, Karla, Jenna, and Bonita) helped put together the cutest mustache-themed decor for the festivities! And the decor was all a big surprise to me, so seeing it for the first time really took my breath away! It was gorgeous and very much my style! 

I was literally that excited and happy to see all the details of the sprinkle for the first time. 

All the 'ready to pop' signage, and the Instagram cut outs, were courtesy of my friend Momo! She's based out of LA and couldn't be at the shower but her presence was surely seen and felt with her creative designs! (Shop her Etsy store here (https://www.etsy.com/shop/SincerelyMomo?ref=hdr_shop_menu) I love the whole concept and the personal details that were spread through out! 

Love these personalized Instagram photos made by one of my BFFs, Momo. Such a unique touch! 

Baby breaths and mason jars for any occasion.

I loved the aqua mason jars topped off with baby breaths and detailed with the mustache ribbon! It was such an adorable touch! I also had baby breaths at my Miami shower but I love how they offer a different feel and style at this sprinkle. We combined them with an assortment of hydrangeas throughout the main table and it was absolutely lovely! Hydrangeas command such presence. They are such exquisite flowers- for some reason hey remind of my lazy afternoons, fresh starts, and happy summer celebrations. They went perfectly with the sprinkle's theme! 

I present- the sweets table! Stocked with dessert and bubbles! 

Don't you just love those mustache toppers?! 

The Cookie Monster! 

No shower is complete without a sweets table and mine was definitely a hit with partygoers! I love sweets and I love bubbles and I got to have both at the sprinkle. I have must have had three of those sugar cookies (courtesy of Melanie's Sweets in Long Island) because they were to die for! I loved the light blue icing and fondant mustache detailing on them. It was so perfect! Even Maya got in on the cookie fun. We also had chocolate cupcakes with the mustache toppers (beware of blue icing that stains), and as favors, each guest got to take home a mini bottle of Freixenet for their personal enjoyment! I took home four- which 'll be taking with me to the hospital for celebratory purposes! 

Did I mention how much fun and how beautiful everything was?! We feasted on pasta, prosciutto and mozzarella paninis, salad, and veal Milanese and washed everything down with the most delicious champagne punch (of course I had to try one)! My sister-in-law and my 'sprinkle party planning committee' as I like to call them, did such a great job putting together a lovely affair for a very popular baby boy! Words can't even begin to express how thankful and how overwhelmed with love and affection I am that Rocco is already so loved and wanted by an adoring fan club. 

Blessed is the understatement of the century. I cannot wait to meet him in just seven weeks (seriously, cue the waterworks)! 

Rocco's godparents- Tia Gigi and Nino. 

One half of my party planning committee!

Bumping Love, 

Rocco's Mom 

NY Style Map: Maternity Florals in the city

Hello Squeezers! So excited to share this look with you that I shot with NYC photographer, Lindsay Madden (www.lindsaymaddenphotography.com)! It's actually one of my favorite shoots to date! I love Lindsay's whimsical shooting style and working with florals in any capacity, is her strong suit. She really did an excellent job of capturing the flirty and feminine essence of this maternity look! Maybe it's the city in full bloom or the floral frock, but combined, it's the perfect fashion recipe! 

We went back to my old hood- the upper east side- to photograph this look and it was just so picturesque with the tree-lined sidewalks, the flowers in full bloom, and the brick townhouses and stoops. Its just waiting to be a part of this maternity story! I love the upper east side (UES) because it feels like a suburb within in a city. It's fairly quiet (as quiet as Manhattan can actually be), it's packed with kids and families, and there's a ton to do in the neighborhood! I'm going to share some of my favorite Upper East Side hangouts with you, which I still frequent when I come visit! 

But let's talk fashion first! Maxi dresses are a definite must-have during pregnancy. Not only are they comfortable, but they come in so many cuts, patterns, fabrics, and prints. I find them versatile because you can effortlessly take them from season to season (think sandals in the summer, a denim jacket and booties in the spring) and from day to night with the right accessories. More importantly, they cater to a growing baby bump! 

This particular dress happens to be one of my favorite maternity dresses from A Pea in a Pod maternity ( http://www.apeainthepod.com) because I love the empire-waisted silhouette, plus it has a lot of black amongst the florals, which makes the pinks and greens of the florals really pop! I love the black sash that ties right below the breasts and it accentuates that yummy baby bump a bit more! Plus I love how my boobs look with this neckline! Hey, why not flaunt it?! 

Normally I wear this dress with my black booties, and have even donned a leather jacket over it when the temperature drops. This time, however, I paired it with gold metallic Seychelles flats, which happen to be some of the most comfortable and minimalistic sandals I own. They were a dream for walking in the city. 

This look needed bangs for me, so I brought out my trusty clip ons, my straw hat, and my 90's inspired choker to give the look my signature lady-like edge. And introducing (for the second time) my latest cross body baby from Marc by Marc! Obsessed with this perforated white bag! I've been using it nonstop since I got it! 

After my shoot with Lindsay, I took this maternity chic dress for a stroll through the neighborhood and popped in and some of my favorite places! And now I want to share with you my five go-to spots (there are so many more but these are the five I frequent) when I'm up on the UES! 

- Carl Schurz Park- (http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/carl-schurz-park/) This is usually where you'll find me when I'm too lazy to walk to Central Park or just feel like being close to home. I love that there is so much to do in this park! It sits right along the East River and it's a great place to stroll, to meet friends, bike, and take Maya for a leisurely afternoon. It's a scenic place to picnic with friends and also Maya loves coming to the swings here. We would often take the dogs for long walks here and even took family pictures here when Maya was 6 months old! The park is also home to Gracie Mansion, the official home of the city's mayors since 1942. 

- Alice's Tea Cup- (http://alicesteacup.com) Step into Alice's Wonderland in NYC for one of the most quaint and charming tea houses in the city! A visit to Alice is always on my list when I go back to visit! We used to love getting the daily fresh scones on the weekend and I love coming in here with Maya for some jasmine tea, cucumber sandwiches, and grilled cheeses! I love this place so much, I even had my baby shower here! 

- Cascabel Taqueria- (http://www.cascabeltaqueria.com) We used to joke that Cascabel was our kitchen whenever we didn't want to cook. It's such a lively spot, with great pork tacos, watermelon-basil margaritas, and some of the best Elote we've ever had! When Maya was four days old, we came here and sat outside with her for some much needed tacos and drinks! We especially love the luchador theme decor at the place. I never really geek out when it comes to celebrities, but when Emma Watson (aka Hermoine Granger) sat next to us to munch on some tacos, I almost went Potter crazy on her. Almost. 

- H & H bagels- (http://hhmidtownbagels.com) Everyone knows that the best bagels in the city come from H&H, just take a look at the line that forms outside the door on a weekend. You see everything from families picking up bagels, to 'walk of shames' trying to nurse a hangover. Their bagels are always fresh and doughy. There's no egg sandwiches here, so don't bother. Straight up bagels with spreads and they're oh so good! They open early and close late. 

- The Met- (http://www.metmuseum.org) You are never too far away from culture in this city and The Met is one of my favorite spots. Sometimes I just come here to walk around the museum rooms and sometimes I come to see a specific exhibit that's being showcased. I especially love coming in the summer when they open the rooftop bar. I buy a glass of champagne, check out the city views, the art installations on the roof, and get lost for a little while in all its magic. The museum entrance fee is up to you- it's done on a donation basis and many people don't know that, so you don't have any excuse to not check out some fantastic exhibits while you are here! 

** HONORABLE MENTIONS GO TO: AGATHA AND VALENTINA GOURMET STORE, INSOMNIA COOKIES, AND WARREN TRICOMI HAIR SALON ***

On me: 

Dress- Pea in a Pod Maternity

Hat- H&M

Bangs- GBS Beauty

Sandals- Seychelles

Purse- marc by marc jacobs 

In Style, 

Kat 

The Rocco Report: 31 Weeks

Hello Squeezers! Coming to you a little later than usual, but I have good reason! The Buccios are back in NY  on a whirlwind adventure for the next two weeks. We couldn't be happier! So much to celebrate- from Rocco's NY sprinkle to Gina's (Coco's sister's wedding) nuptials. We've been splitting our time between Long Island and New York, and currently we have set up shop on the Upper West Side. Basically I've been eating my way through Brooklyn and Manhattan and taking Maya to lots of parks. It feels so good to be back and can't wait to share some of my favorite NY spots with you guys later this week. 

Rocco is non-stop moving in his tiny man cave. His jabs and kicks are quite strong! We've gotten to the E.T. phase- as Coco and I like to call it- where we can see all of Rocco's body parts (arms, legs, butt) vividly moving through the walls of my belly. It looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. I remember Maya constantly moving as well, but Rocco's moves are a lot more sharp and actually sometimes painful! But I absolutely love feeling him, even when he keeps me up at night! Speaking of which, those Braxton Hicks contractions are in full force!  I'll get a few throughout the day, where my belly tightens and hardens for a few seconds and then releases. It's your body's way of preparing you for labor. 

I've been doing so much walking, which is great, considering how little of it I do back in Miami. It feels fantastic to walk for blocks without having to worry about 95 degree weather and humidity. But I have to tell you, the first day I was out of breath after walking three blocks and I was freaking out. It took me a little bit to regain that momentum and it feels good to get my body moving again. Hey, it's basically the only exercise I do. 

Daddy's girl in the making. 

Minutes after birth and the moment love took on a whole new meaning. 

This week, I wanted to talk a little bit about bonding with baby at the hospital and those first couple of weeks at home. This was something I discussed with Coco extensively before giving birth. Let me begin by saying how much I love a 'full house' at the hospital. I come from a Cuban family and everyone knows that Cubans (for the most part) love to be loud, love any excuse to come together, and love to celebrar! We're known for crowding spaces- especially hospital waiting rooms - and when it's a joyous occasion, the more the merrier (same goes for Italians). And we'll wait there for hours and that's okay, because we never run out of things to talk about! 

I knew that I only wanted Coco in the delivery room, especially for our first child. We didn't want to share that experience with anyone. We wanted to be the first people Maya would meet when she made her grand entrance (aside from the hospital staff). Coco and I wanted to share that happiness, that excitement, the tears, and the emotions between us.  And once she was born and the text, phone calls, and the first official Facebook photo went out, I knew I wanted all my friends and family at the hospital. I had an open door policy when it came to visitors at the hospital. I never had a problem with it and it was nice to have company to share in such a special moment. Maya was with me in that room all day, until it was time to go to the nursery. For the two nights I spent at Lenox Hill, I took advantage of the nursery and sent Maya to sleep there so I could get rest. I would then have the nurses bring her to me early in the am so I could feed her. Mornings and bedtimes were our quiet quality time. I would hold her for hours and just stare at her and play with her. I loved every second of it! After the hospital, however, visitation was a different story. For me, it was important that Coco and I had the first two weeks alone at home with Maya- that meant no visitors whatsoever. I did this for two reasons. First off, I didn't know how I was going to feel bringing my baby home for the first time and the emotions that would come with it. This was a whole new ball game for us and it was an 'anything can happen' scenario and we needed to see what was in store for us. Secondly, I wanted Coco and I to get to know Maya on our own, without any help from outside reenforcement, because the reality of our life is that we weren't going to have help. My family was in Miami and his family lived out in Long Island and it's not like they were a hop, skip, or a jump away. We didn't have the luxury of having our moms help us. We needed to figure it out on our own- the sleeping routine, the eating, the schedules, etc. It was us three- the three amigos- on this parenthood journey of 'shock and awe.' 

 A few weeks before Maya's arrival, I had Coco write an email to all our friends and family letting them know how we were running the show when it came to visitors. Most of my friends completely understood, but I also know that there were some unhappy campers in the family who didn't quite understand my "no visitor" policy once we left the hospital. I expected that, but quite frankly, I didn't concern myself with what others thought because at the end of the day, I needed to do what was right for our family- what felt right for us. We went from being a family of two to a family of three overnight and that's a mind-blowing crazy/beautiful adjustment and something we wanted to share amongst ourselves. Those first couple of weeks at home with a new baby can be overwhelming, emotional, exciting, nerve-wracking but they're also a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect with your new house guest and your new life. Little by little, you start figuring out a routine, a rhythm, and you get more confident and more secure in your parenting. It's all baby steps. And after those first few weeks, Coco and I lifted the visitation ban! My family members took turns coming to visit us, as did his family, and to tell you the truth, it worked out wondrously because it was after those first two weeks (at least for me)  that I really appreciated the company and the help, especially with Coco going back to work. I looked forward to those visits and they were well spread out so I always had a consistent flow of friends and family stopping by. 

This approach may not work for everyone, and that's okay! Some new parents want a low-key hospital experience and want an influx of visitors when they arrive home. Some want visitors at both, some at none. Another option is setting up your own visiting hours. Give visitors a two, three, or four hour window of when they can stop by and meet the baby. You can even let your nurses know if and when you're up visitors. They're good about that. I'll be applying the same system for Rocco's birth. I already have friends and family asking when they can come and the same 'two week' rule applies. We're going to need some time on our own adjusting to our new family of four, and introducing Rocco to Maya. Sh@#$t just got real with two kids! 

At the end of the day, it comes down to doing whats best for you! Talk to your partner about it. Talk to your family. Expect that some won't understand your decision, but you can't care. This day- this moment- is about the life you are bringing into this world and you have to do whatever feels right for you! And if you lay out the plan before hand, it's one less thing on your 'baby to-do list!' 

Ready to go home! Say hello to our family of three. March 4, 2012. 

Bumpin' Love,

Rocco's mom

A Little Maritime Inspo to Get you Excited for Summer!

It's a summer scorcher in Miami but that doesn't mean I can't power through the sizzling heat in style! I couldn't have done it without the help of this fabulous nautical one piece from Seraphine Maternity (www.seraphinematernity.com)!

I had the pleasure of collaborating with the budget-friendly and on-trend maternity line for my latest post and I love what they have to offer. The brand boasts all different price points and offers everything from bathing suits to evening wear! And better yet, they cater to all styles- so if you're a momma-to-be whose style tends to be a little more casual and laid back, you can pick from a selection of comfortable maxi dresses, cargo shorts, and soft, cozy sweaters. If you're a momma who is on-the-go, who jumps from business meetings to late-night dinners, Seraphine's got you covered with their sleek and tailored blazers, skinny trousers, and stylish wrap dresses! You can create a must-have maternity closet with ten items from their site. 

One of the things that can become a bit challenging as you near the end of pregnancy is finding the right bathing suit that not only can accommodate your growing belly (and in my case, boobs) but is also comfortable. Yes, there are a few pre-pregnancy bikinis I can still sport; but, as my tatas get bigger, there is little to no room for them in my bikini tops or even one pieces- so finding that perfect suit becomes a need! 

I am a sucker for stripes and/or for anything nautical-themed, and when I saw this one piece on Seraphine's site (http://www.seraphine.com/us/nautical-striped-maternity-swimsuit.html), I knew that I needed to add it to my preggo stash! It's very St. Tropez. It makes me feel like I belong on a yacht on the 'Lifestyles of the (very pregnant), Rich and Famous.' It delivers comfort, style, and a beautiful silhouette, thanks to extra rouching on the sides and the most divine sweetheart neckline! 

This maritime inspired one piece needed to be photographed in a vibrant and retro background like the new Thompson Miami Beach (http://www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/thompson-miami-beach), which happens to be one of my favorite hotels. Everything from the mid-century decor to the family-friendly pool and bright cabanas, makes this a stellar little getaway in the Magic City. My talented photographer, Raquel (www.raquelzaldivar.com), did such an amazing job of making the suit pop against the colorful outdoor elements. 

I always admire those women who can get all decked out in heels, makeup, and those glorious caftans when going to the pool or to the beach. As much as I would like to think I would do that, it never happens because it's just not me and it's a lot of work! I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to getting pool ready. It always involves a great suit, a hat, some sort of bun, and lots of chapstick! Except maybe for this shoot where I strapped on a pair of wedges and newly minted hair and makeup by Glam Squad (www.glamsquad.com) like I was a Real Housewife of Something. I accessorized with a pair of cat eye glasses and teardrop turquoise earrings! 

Like I said, this Seraphine Maternity suit requires a yacht! It's my go-to swimsuit for the rest of the summer season (and my pregnancy). And if you need me, I'll be by the pool! 

On Me: 

Swimsuit- Seraphine Maternity
Wedges- Payless 
Sunnies- Pixie Market
Earrings- J. Crew 
Hair and Makeup- Glam Squad

In Style, 

Kat