Miami Style Map: White After Labor day and Celebrating 'Citiversaries'

Squeezers! Are you happy to see me?! 

I'm back with my first fashion post after baby! And we're still talking maternity style, though this dress is perfect whether you're pregnant or not! When Miami based, Venezuelan- American designer, Lisu Vega (a fellow momma-to-be as well), reached out in hopes of collaborating, I was excited (www.lisuvega.com). Her designs are unique, contemporary, and what I like to call, 'achievable avant-garde.' When she delivered this white shift dress to my apartment, I was in love. I'm a big fan of shift dresses and this one was stunning- from the textured fabric to the peek-a-boo details on the sleeves. It was literally a blank canvas and open to so much styling potential! 

This dress was a departure from my usual urban-bohemian wardrobe and I'm always up for a style challenge and for tapping into new looks that still speak to me, especially when it comes to white. My go-to color has always been black, so to get to add some white in my closet is a sweet perk! Plus, I don't follow that 'no white after labor day' rule. Hello, I live in Miami! Even if I didn't, though, white is a color for all seasons. In New York, I used to take my white maxi dresses and lace dresses from season to season with the help of tights, booties, and leather jackets. There is no need for them to be stored away until that first summer breeze. White injects freshness and vibrancy to a look, no matter the weather du jour! 

This Lisu Vega dress was simply glorious to wear while pregnant! It took 'maternity chic' to a whole new level. Besides winning some extra points in the comfort department, I love that it's effortless and it stands out. I kept everything else- from the hair to the accessories- simple, because I wanted the the dress to be the focal point. In addition, photographing the dress in the iconic aqua and white New Yorker Hotel in MiMo (www.hotelnewyorker.com) with Chris from the Ra-Haus team (www.ra-haus.com), really made it pop in this real-life postcard setting. I love how the modern aqua hues of the building blend so ceremoniously with the outfit. That's the thing with MiMo's architecture and pastel-hues- you don't mean them to be storytelling elements in your fashion story, but they definitely become part of the conversation! 

I styled my hair in a sleek low ponytail and added a vivid shade of bright coral on my lips to compliment the dress. The rose-gold platform wedges only emphasized the prominent 'streamlined contemporary' style of the look, and the coral envelope clutch was a bonus pop of color. How fantastic is this clear plastic snake-like statement necklace from H&M?! It's definitely an out-of-the-box piece! 

It's appropriate that the backdrop of our shoot is at the Hotel New Yorker, since I want to chat a little about openly celebrating my two-year Miami 'citiversary.' I hesitated to make mention of my two years back in the MIA, because it didn't compare to the level of excitement and pride I used to experience when I would post about my NY 'citiversaries' for almost 13 years. September 3rd quietly marked the second anniversary of being back in Miami, a move that came with lots of resistance and tears on my end (I thought marrying a born and bred NYer would keep me happily grounded in the city). Instead of shying away from acknowledging these two life-enhancing years, I've decided to be proud of them (maybe not with the same level of excitement), because two years in the Magic City have been defined by a momentous amount of growth and resilience as an individual, wife, and mother. It has come with a new set of wonderful opportunities and life goals (for myself and my family). It has made our family unit stronger and happier and most importantly, it has allowed us to cultivate new and old friendships alike. We never expected to come across such a unifying support system in Miami, and our hearts have been full of gratitude for those special people who welcomed us with open arms. 

I'm a big believer in the 'everything happens for a reason' philosophy- and our 'refueling pit stop' in Miami, as we like to call it, has slowly been revealing itself. Rediscovering and reconnecting with my hometown, and getting to share so many childhood memories with Maya, Rocco, and Coco, without losing our core happiness has been cathartic and refreshing. We've learned to love the city in a whole new way, through a different set of eyes, maturity, and appreciation. Will New York ever leave my mind and my heart? Never. Will we ever move back? Possibly. That city is a big part of who I was and who I became.  As my best friend (also a Miami transplant living in the city) says, 'I was born and raised in Miami, but I was made in NY.'  

But Miami, despite its highs and lows and absurdly hot weather, has been good to us; a life's refresher that was more needed than wanted. New York will always be my home and my family's home too; but, so will Miami. We've taken advantage of what she has to offer and we've found a new kind of happiness and ease that has allowed us to enjoy each other in another capacity. For me, it has been further proof that no matter the unexpected, I will work hard to find the beauty and the positive and use it to push myself to another level of success and perseverance. And for that, I thank you and love you, Miami. 

So for whatever time we decide to stay in this tropical paradise (enjoying its beautiful beaches and vibrant neighborhoods) before jetting off to our next adventure, we are excited and hopeful of what life in Miami has in store for the Buccios!  

On Me: 

Dress- Lisu Vega

Necklace- H&M

Shoes- Steve Madden

Clutch- Love Shopping Miami

Sunnies- Forever 21 

In Style, 

Kat 

NYC Style Map: Forever 21 Makes an Appearance on Charles St.

I'm dreaming of Manhattan sidewalks and West Village streets! And I'm loving this Forever 21 overall dress, which I wore several times while I was in the city in July. It's so practical! 

I bought these as an alternative to my overalls. God knows I love those overalls, but as I got deeper into my pregnancy and my urge to pee was now coming every 15 minutes or so, it became a really big pain to unbuckle and buckle those overalls at lightning speed in order to avoid any accidents! Hence, this amazing overall dress- it was the most chic and fashionable solution! 

I love that I can wear them while pregnant and also after I give birth. I'm already envisioning them for fall with tights, a jewel-toned blouse, maybe even my Janessa Leone navy felt hat, and my oxford heels. Take me back to New York! This dress deserves to be photographed in fall foliage! 

Another perk about this overall dress is that I have been able to wear those 'stored away' crop tops underneath the dress because it cuts high on the side. My crop tops no longer have to cry at being shunned during the pregnancy- this denim frock has saved them from extinction! 

I paired it with a navy and white striped crop top also from Forever 21, my Marc by Marc cross body, and my super rad metallic wedge platform from Steve Madden! I love the rose gold finish on the wedges because it's funky while still maintaining that classic element. And can we talk about my braids?! It's the one braided hairstyle I learned how to do on my own and I'm so proud. I'm sure I'm going to tire out that braided look because it's just so easy to do (and that says a lot coming from me) and it's playful! 

When we lived in the city, one of our favorite things to do on the weekend (besides brunch), was take the train down to the West Village and just walk around, take pictures, pop into bars and restaurants, and explore the neighborhood. Coco grew up coming into the city and the West Village was always his favorite neighborhood to hang out in. There are so many families, so many beautiful townhouses, picturesque tree-lined streets that are very quintessential New York. It's a bustling yet quaint creative hub that feels like a tiny suburb within a city. And when it was just Coco and I and the weekend would roll around, we would jump on the train or on the bus and hang out all day in the village- eating, drinking, and finding our 'million dollar townhouse' that we would one day live in with an army of kids! That dream has definitely not died. 

And with Maya in tow, we incorporated a lot more parks, ice cream shop visits, and expanded our fantasy real-estate hunt! Is a five million dollar townhouse on Charles St so much to ask for?! Ha! 

Even when we come back home to visit, a day or two in the village is always on our 'must-do' NYC agenda! I already have a list of restaurants and parks I want to check out. And this time, we'll be doing it as a family of four!

I can't wait to explore the city with Rocco! We're going to start our city boy young! 

On Me: 

Overall dress- Forever 21
Crop top tank- Forever 21
Crossbody- Marc by Marc Jacobs
Wedges- Steve Madden 

In Style, 

Kat 

Rocco Report: 38 Weeks

You know that saying, 'We plan, God laughs?' Well, God was surely rolling on the floor laughing, and then laughing some more for good effect, this past week. Because if getting ready for a new baby in the coming week wasn't enough of a stressor/adjustment, lets throw in a ruptured Achilles tendon to the mix. 

When Coco got back from New York a couple of weeks ago, I thought to myself, 'Awesome. Now he can take over and I can take it slow and do some nesting. We can get stuff organized before the baby comes and spent some quality time with Maya before she starts school.' Instead, I get a phone call from Coco telling me he injured his foot and couldn't move it. You hear that? It's the sound of deflated dreams. Fantastic. He was told at Lenox Hill that it was merely a sprain and after a week, his foot would be back to normal. Unfortunately, his foot only got worse by the time he got home. So after a visit to an orthopedic surgeon, we learn that he actually had ruptured/severed the Achilles tendon and needed surgery (I can hear God laughing as I write this). Here we were, ten days away from a baby, and we get this news. Talk about throwing a wrench into the plans. Forget slowing down- now I was forced to kick it into overdrive because there was still much to do on top of taking care of a 3 year old. Coco's surgery would basically have him immobile and on one leg for the next 4-6 weeks. He's expected to start physical therapy two weeks after surgery, and he will go from a hard cast to a soft cast as the weeks progress; but, he will still need the knee scooter to get around. Thankfully, he will be able to drive without a problem since it was his left Achilles that was affected and not his right. Oh, did I mention we're having a baby like this week? 

Once I finished internally freaking out and going through every possible scenario in my head (how much will he be able to do when Rocco is here? Who's taking Maya to school if I'm out of commission and he's out of commission? What if I go into labor and he can't drive me? etc). I took a deep breath, got it together, and went into 'problem-solve mode.' 

Remember my two week 'no visitors at home' rule? Well, that's going to have to go out the window. We're going to need reinforcement, at least for the first 2-3 weeks (or until I get tired of people being in my house), and then I'd like to figure it out on our own. 

Coco went into surgery last Thursday and on a positive note, the surgery went extremely well thanks to the amazing team at Doctor's Hospital. I was relieved! I've been playing nurse and taking care of whatever he needs, and I was fortunate enough to be able to bring in a support team this past weekend to help me take care of him and Maya while I ran some last minute errands. And as of Monday, Coco's been 'ridin dirty' on his fancy schmancy knee scooter around the apartment and he's been able to help with a few things here and there around the house (making breakfast, dressing Maya, doing bedtime, etc) so I can take a break and put my feet up. Literally. And I'm very grateful for that. 

Needless to say, it's been challenging and slightly overwhelming, and sometimes I don't know whether to laugh or cry, but laughing seems a lot easier. Despite the insurmountable hurdle, I don't like to complain because it can always be worse- so much worse- so I feel fortunate despite the frustration. So if juggling (temporarily) a one-legged limping husband and a new baby is our obstacle, then I'm perfectly fine with that. I thank God it's manageable. 

At least Maya is getting good use out of Coco's cast! And, she gets to put her Doc McStuffins skills to the test and cover daddy's 'big booboo' with Frozen band-aids. 

In this week's blog post, I'm going to be talking about parenting advice! I'm sure we all have our own 'eye-rolling' stories of parents, non-parents, books, doctors, and even strangers giving us unsolicited parenting advice. They all start with those two loaded words, "You should.." followed by some two cent nonsense you didn't ask for (or that doesn't even work for you) like, "You should think about feeding the baby every 3 hours because he seems hungry," or "You know what you should do? You should let him cry it out when he's colicky." And the list will go on and on. It's annoying and I know some people mean well, but; let's be frank. You really don't want to hear it.  That's why when I read this story on the Internet a few weeks back, I had to laugh because it was pure genius. (https://www.scarymommy.com/geniuses-turn-annoying-parenting-advice-into-baby-wipes/). The folks at baby goods company, Tommee Teepees, decided to print all that unwanted advice onto baby wipes, hence the name, 'advice wipes.' You will literally be wiping your baby's ass with all that advice you didn't ask for! it's part of their new campaign that helps parents navigate through those first-time insecurities and being confident enough to figure out this parenting thing on their own, because at the end of the day, isn't that what we're all trying to do? 

However, amidst all the noise, there may exist a gem of wisdom that you can actually put to good use on a rainy day, and maybe, just maybe, it will work for you. Or what if through your own experience, discovery, and growth as a new parent, you stumbled upon an 'aha moment' that really helped you take control of the unpredictable parenting minefield and you wanted to pay it forward (when someone asks you, of course)? Good advice exists- it's just better received when you're the one asking for it! 

I tapped into my Facebook arsenal of friends to get some feedback from moms and dads on the best advice they ever got or learned along the way as new parents. As for Coco and I, when anyone asks us for our parenting two cents- we usually share this: Let the baby adapt to you and your world, not the other way around. I learned this from my mom. She used to say this when I was growing up and my parents lived by it (do you know how many Julio Iglesias concert I had to sit and sleep through?) I adapted to their way of life and when Maya was born, we made her a part of everything we did. Our life didn't come to a complete stop. We threw her into the mix and soldiered on. That worked for us. It may not work for everyone, but for us it did. The second piece of advice I like to give new parents, which seems to be a very popular one amongst moms and dads in this blog post, is do whatever works for you. Who cares what everyone else is doing. At the end of the day, no one knows your baby, your family, and your lifestyle, better than you. What works for one parent, may not work for another and vice versa. As annoying as it can be, when someone doles out some words of supreme wisdom, just smile with all your might and nod. Discard what you don't want, and hold on only to those words that may end up being parenting gold. 

What's been your best parenting advice? Read below to see what some moms and dads are saying! 

Tracy- It's not about establishing and enforcing rules, but rather enabling decision making. All decisions, big or small, have consequences. We just make the decisions and consequences age appropriate so he becomes the best person he can be. Oh, and consequences that involve chocolate, help! Also, there's no such thing as holding your baby too much. 

Jen- No one told me this, but I plan to tell everyone- don't let the baby sleep in your bed. Yes, they fall asleep quicker, but Olivia is two and still hasn't left! 

Angela- Don't listen to anyone's advice. Ha! But it's actually true- but more like 'follow your instincts' would be a nicer way to put it. 

Maru- The first advice I received was to sleep when the baby sleeps and it was totally true. 

Evelyn- Always stay positive so your baby gets that happy energy. Things always turn out better. 

Krizia- Make it really dark when the baby is sleeping and open everything when the baby is awake, so they can learn the difference between day and night. 

Tony- P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E

Lisa- This is a hard one for me because I don't like giving advice on the subject because it's so personal and every parent has their own way, so honestly I've never sought out advice. I just take it one day at a time and do my best to nurture this little human so that he's a loving and productive member of society. 

Karla- Don't let others tell you how to parent your baby. Every baby is different and you do what works best for you. 

Candy- Don't use the word "no" use the words "don't" or "can't." If a child acts out in public, don't stop what you're doing because of them. They need to know it's your time and not theirs. Remove them from the store or wherever they are until they calm down or let them cry it out. Who cares who's watching. 

Kelly- You do what's best or what works for you. 

Sole- Make sure you set out quality time with your child with no distractions. 

Pam- Feed them every two hours no matter what so they sleep at night. Worked like a charm for me! 

Jessica- Do whatever works for YOU. 

Aimee- We figured out that taking shifts overnight worked best for us. No sense in both of us being completely sleep deprived. 

Jennifer- Trust your instinct. You know yourself and your baby better than any book, relative, doctor, expert, etc. If someone's advice or suggestion doesn't feel right, don't feel compelled to follow it. A happy mom and happy baby are the most important things, much more important than following any rules or advice. 

Vanessa- You really only need a crib, diapers, boob/bottle, and love. Also, if Britney Spears did it twice, I can certainly do it! 

Christy- Never believe in absolutes. There are A LOT of ways to parent...always drove me nuts listening to 'you should' advice. Every baby is different. Mine were the polar opposites and responded to different things. 

Suzanne- Hear what everyone says, but listen to no one and follow your gut and heart. 

Adriana- Trust your gut. Be patient. And you really don't know until you know. 

Jenise- As the mom, you're the one who knows best even if you know nothing at all. And at the end of the day, all moms make mistakes and that's okay so don't be too hard on yourself. And a major hospital tip I have for everyone is to let the nurses teach your husband how to do everything: change diapers, swaddle, etc. Let him become the "pro." You're going to learn, but he won't necessarily, so this is the perfect time to get him involved. Making him think he knows better because he learned first is a great way to keep dad involved. And take everyone's advice but don't put it all into practice or you will drive yourself crazy! I did that. 

Meredith- As a new stay at home mommy, I found myself sleep deprived and frustrated every now and then. My mother was over one day and saw the chaos first hand and told me to always remember who's in charge of the children. Me. That can get lost in the overwhelm sometimes. When she said that it empowered me so much!

Kristin- If you are guessing whether that stain on your shirt is chocolate or poop....always go with poop and get some Shout, stat!

Jess- Being a mom is the hardest job on earth and there's no right or wrong way. There's your way and it's always the right way. When things are going terrible, especially health wise, ALWAYS be grateful because there is always going to be someone in a way worse situation than you, and they're probably wishing they could be in your shoes. 

I leave you with some food for thought from my BFF and soul sister, Vivi. She shared this poem, by Lebanese-American poet and writer, Kahlil Gibran, with me and said one of the nurses at the hospital gave it to her when she gave birth and it blew her mind. It's the best parenting advice she ever received. I invite you to read it! 

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.

Kahlil Gibran

Bumpin' Love,

Rocco's Mom. 

Miami Style Map: In Hibiscus Heaven at the Historic Hotel New Yorker

We're going high-end for this week's maternity style post! Because sometimes, every momma-to-be needs a little luxury in her life! I have fallen head over heels in love with this Radiant Silk Pink Hibiscus Print dress from Kinwolfe Maternity (http://www.kinwolfe.com/collections/maternity-breastfeeding-dresses/products/the-radiant-dress-pink-hibiscus). I had never heard of Kinwolfe until about last month and their pieces are extraordinarily rich, modern, and easy to wear. They're not limited to just maternity wear- in fact, they are meant to take you through pregnancy and beyond, like this hibiscus dress! Aren't the colors just beautiful?! It's no wonder women love it and comment on how bright and cheerful it is! 

What I truly love about the dress is how versatile it is. You can easily take it from brunch with girlfriends if paired with a metallic sandal (kind of how I've chosen to pair it for this post), or you can wear it for a cocktail party with a killer pair of nude Louboutins! The dress' free flowing silhouette and draped fabric, makes it comfortably chic to wear as you transition from trimester to trimester. And if you're a breastfeeding mom, Kinwolfe has you at the forefront of their designs! Their dresses are made to accommodate uncomplicated breastfeeding wherever you may be! 

Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman's life and fashion should reflect that! Kinwolfe makes sure that the modern woman is not only chic, but ready to arrive in style with their go-to pieces that will make heads turn- Hot mommas coming through!  

I was back at it again with the photo fantastic team of Ra-Haus Fotographie (www.ra-haus.com) to capture the luxe beauty of this floral print stunner! And I knew exactly where I wanted to shoot the dress- MiMo's iconic New Yorker Hotel (http://www.hotelnewyorkermiami.com). This stylish boutique hotel is an architectural dream! The hotel's signage and design take you back to a 1950's beach paradise and that's right on point with what I wanted to capture with the dress. The stark white walls and aqua accents are vibrant and eye-popping and paired with the bright pinks of the tunic, it only accentuates the print more! 

I knew I wanted a standout statement necklace but something that wasn't the usual gold/silver pieces I normally wear. H&M's latest jewelry collection feels very 'Meet the Jetsons,' and when I spotted this clear/plastic necklace, I knew I had found THE one. I stayed away from anything with color because it would just make the look too busy. The clear doesn't take away from the pops of color but it's still a bold and unique addition to the outfit! 

I kept it simple with a coral envelope clutch from a local online boutique that pairs stylishly with the summer palette of the look! 

And let's talk shoes! I've been wanting a pair of metallic platform wedges for some time now and these Steve Madden rose gold ones just stole my heart! I love the white wedge and the thick straps. You still get a little bit of height without having to wear heels and the plus side is they're extra comfortable! I've been wearing these a lot throughout the pregnancy and I have big plans for them once I give birth! One thing's for sure, this dress will not be going into my pregnancy pile! 

Whether you're a Miami local or a tourist passing through, don't forget to check out the city's MiMo (Miami Modern) neighborhood and stop by the New Yorker Hotel to experience a different slice of Miami away from the tourist traps of Ocean Drive. It's a bustling area with great architecture, restaurants, and shops! Get a little taste by following @hotelnewyorker on Instagram! 

And squeezers DON'T MISS OUT! Get 20% off any Kinwolfe purchase when you use the code FSF25- good through end of day 8/31. Happy Shopping!

On Me: 

Silk Tunic- Kinwolfe Maternity
Platforms- Steve Madden 
Necklace- H&M
Glasses- Forever 21
Envelope Clutch- Love Shopping Mia 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: It's Fashion Flashback with Maya's Maternity Shoot!

It's so hard to believe that these photos were taken almost four years ago! How the time has flown. Back in 2011, Coco and I flew down to Miami for the holidays and to spend a few days in Grand Cayman for our baby moon. We were so excited and nervous to meet our baby girl! And the only thing we kept telling one another, like we were in on this one big secret, was, "There's going to be a baby here in a couple of weeks!" 

It was important to me to document my first pregnancy and my growing baby bump, so I reached out to Natalie, of Suna Photography (www.sunaphotography.com), and asked her to capture all that excitement, happiness, and anxiety in a series of simple and whimsical photos. 

We shot at Margaret Pace Park, located across the street from our condo. Funny, since now that park is a part of our everyday routine. That's where Maya plays, rides her scooters, takes the dogs for walks, and goes for outings with her dad. There were no props for this shoot, no gimmicks- just a momma-to-be wrapped up in all the emotions of anticipation that come with being a first time parent! 

I wanted the shoot to reflect me in my everyday life- besides the gorgeous makeup (done by Jessie of Makeup Artistry by Jessie (www.makeupartistrybyjessie.com) this is pretty much me in my everyday (only without the extra layers brought to you by a NYC winter)! I had two looks. The first look was a pale blush dress from Forever 21. Even back then, before I started my fashion blog, I was all about non-maternity clothes during pregnancy- always keeping in mind fit and fabric! 

My second look was from Pea in a Pod Maternity, which I've been wearing on the regular during Rocco's pregnancy! I never got rid of my pregnancy clothes. I kept them in a bag and shared them with pregnant friends and family! It's the gift that keeps on giving. This maxi dress is budget-friendly alternative to a Missoni and I love how it looks with these turquoise drop earrings. 

I love looking back at these pictures and showing Maya how she was in mommy's belly and how we couldn't wait to meet her! She gets a kick out of that. She loves these photos of Coco and I. 'Daddyhood' looks good on Coco. And even though he sometimes drives me bananas, there's no limit to how much I adore this man! BTW, we're so pale! That's what NY winters do to you, but honestly, I kind of like the 'really white, no tan' look.

Little did we know at that point in time, how much our lives would change the moment Maya entered our world. And now here we are getting into the ring for the second time- clueless as to what life will be like with two kids. And you know what?! We can't hardly wait. 

Pass the wine! 

In Style, 

Kat 

The Rocco Report: 35 Weeks!

Hello, hello, hello! How are you my dear squeezers?! Thanks for popping on over to the 

blog and checking out this week's post, which thankfully, is not about hemorrhoids, but all about what you should pack for your hospital visit! 

There is a quick update on those 'unwanted friends down there,' though. Happy to report that I'm feeling so much better! Not only has the inflammation gone down, but the numbing cream is working wonders to diminish whatever discomfort is left down there. I'm a very happy preggo! Other than that, I'm feeling wonderful yet exhausted. I've been trying to get stuff done during the day while Maya is at camp, and by the time 2pm rolls around, I'm practically falling asleep. I've also been staying indoors a lot. If I don't have to be outdoors, then you'll find be nesting in my quaint abode. I'll take Maya to the pool, we'll watch movies, read books, and take the dogs for a walk when the sun goes down because there is just no way I can be outside for more than 10 minutes without feeling like I'm about to pass out from the heat. Miami, can you try your hardest to produce some sort of fall weather come late September/early October?! That would just be ideal! 

On Thursday I'll be going for another sonogram at the hospital to check Rocco's weight. Our due date is currently pending and contingent on this child's weight and size, so hopefully we'll have a better indication by the end of this week! 

Monogrammed travel bags from Pottery Barn Kids. Ready for takeoff (or for Mt. Sinai Medical Center)! 

With just a few weeks away before I get to meet Rocco Sebastian Buccio, it’s about that time to start packing my hospital bag! The last thing you will be thinking about when those contractions hit, is packing a bag; therefore, it’s a great time saver to have it ready to go a few weeks before delivery.

I started packing my bag this week! And by bag, I mean Rocco’s new monogrammed carry-on luggage from Pottery Barn Kids (let’s hope he likes dinosaurs http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/mackenzie-blue-dino-luggage/?pkey=dshop-all-luggage&&dshop-all-luggage)! In order to keep all the contents divided and organized, I rely on my Mumi packing cubes ((http://mumidesign.com/wordpress/) to compartmentalize all of Rocco’s stuff and my stuff separately.

 I’m sharing with you my very own personal hospital checklist!

Never too young to start looking good. A peek at some of Rocco's hospital outfits. 

He'll be going home in this beautiful white number and his 'I love mom and dad' hat. He's already a superstar! 

-       Toiletry bag- Don’t forget to pack a toothbrush, tooth paste, shampoo and conditioner, soap, lotion, glasses, contacts/contact solution, hair ties, face wash, hair brush, deodorant and chapstick. You will use it all the moment you feel ready to refresh. Maxi pads (even though the ginormous hospital ones are actually really good) will now be a part of your day to day for the next month or so. Make sure they can hold a heavy flow. If you’re looking to get glam and wear makeup, keep it simple with concealer, mascara and gloss, and I wouldn’t recommend these while you’re in labor. You’ll look like Bozo the clown when you meet your baby. Apply afterwards.

-       IPod playlist- I call it ambiance music. I was all about music that relaxed me. It was a compilation of Coldplay, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Bon Iver, Iron and Wine, etc. Maya was born to Adele. Let’s see what Rocco’s entrance song will be! Make sure you bring a charger.

-       Baby book- Give the memory book to the nurses so they can get your baby’s footprints and handprints when he or she is born. Rocco's baby book is from Anthropologie. 

-       Cordblood banking- If you and your partner decide to do cordblood banking, bring the box with you to the hospital and give it to your nurse once you check-in.

-       Thank you gifts- Thank you gifts go a long way. They don’t have to be extravagant. I brought small Chanel perfume samples (thanks to my friend Bonita) to give my labor and delivery nurses as well as my maternity nurses. I didn’t know how many nurses I would have so I brought eight to be safe.

Nuroo Swaddle, an Aden and Anais blanket from home, and a baby book from Anthropologie are all packed away. 

-       FujiFilm instant camera- You’ll have your smart phone, but a FujiFilm camera is a unique alternative to capture some special snapshots.

-        Comfortable Underwear- Don’t under estimate the power of granny panties (didn’t you hear? They’re trendy). Pregnant or not, I swear by them but they are of utmost importance after you give birth. You want nothing constricting since your lady parts will be very tender.

-       Pajamas- Comfortable and easy being the key words when it comes to PJs. Keep them short sleeved. Labor will make you sweat. I ended up giving birth in a bralette because I was sweating. But once I was ready to put clothes on, I kept things comfortable with PJ dresses, pants, and tops. None of these Pinterest-crazed monogrammed hospital gowns. No one has time for that.

-       Bras- If you’re planning on nursing, pack a nursing bra and/or nursing friendly pajamas. Because I don’t breastfeed, I pack sports bras. They’re tight and they hold my cabbage leaves in place, which leads me to my next item…

          Cabbage- Yes, cabbage. Bring to the hospital. The nurses are usually good about keeping it cold for you in the fridge. Cabbage leaves help in drying up breast milk if you’re not planning on breastfeeding. Be consistent.

My Mumi Design cubes make packing and unpacking a breeze! Everything is in order in Rocco's hospital bag.

Slippers- I’m a big fan of hospital socks, believe it or not, but I also pack these really soft knitted Forever 21 animal slip-ons. They feel delicious on my feet!

-       Sibling gift- If you’re giving birth to your second, third, or beyond, it’s a good idea to bring a gift for the new big brother/big sister. Consider it an olive branch from the new baby. It sort of says, “Hey, sorry I’m going to be hogging up the spotlight for a bit, but here’s a really sweet Peppa Pig toy to make things sweeter for you.”

-       Car Seat- You can’t leave the hospital without it! Make sure it’s properly strapped into your car. It will be inspected by hospital staff.

-       Outfits for baby- Unless you’re okay with the oversized white onesies the hospital provides, then you’re covered. But most new moms love to bring a few outfit choices for their newborns. Also include hats and socks, and baby mittens (so baby doesn’t scratch). It gets cold for them! If you plan to swaddle, bring that too. My swaddle is from Nuroo Baby (http://nuroobaby.com/product/nuroo-swaddler/) and I'm packing an Aden and Anais muslin blanket from home (http://www.adenandanais.com/en-us/productlanding/4615/baby/swaddles/classic/swaddle+classic.aspx)! 

-       For dads- pack a small travel bag for dad too. A toiletry bag with all his essentials and a change of clothes!

All packed and ready to go! 

See you next week, squeezers! 

Bumpin' love,

Rocco's Mom.