Rocco Report: Two Weeks, Two Kids, And a Knee Scooter.

Hello, boy! 

Here are a few things I learned my first two weeks at home with a new baby:

1- Projectile poop is a thing. A really disgusting thing, as my three year old would say. And it will shoot out like a machine gun and cover you from head to toe in smelly, pasty poop, and it will usually happen right after you've used up all your energy to take a shower. FAIL. 

2- Baby penises are a loaded weapon. Oh yes. Don't be fooled by that cute face (I'm talking to you, Rocco). But a baby penis will douse you in urine. He will make it rain. It's a foreshadow that even cute, little penises transform into bigger and badder penises, that go on to make babies that will pee all over you. This baby penis is taking my diaper skills to new levels. 

3- Those hormones are here to stay. At least for now. It doesn't matter how many times I watch Tangled and Frozen, I will still cry in those last scenes. And by cry, I mean snot-heavy sobs. Thank you, hormones, for making me look like a completely bent out of shape new mom with a weird Disney princess obsession. 

4- That first poop after giving birth is still one of the scariest-holy shit (literally)- moments you'll go through once you get home. Doesn't matter if it's your first kid or your fifth. It's terrifying. That toilet is your nemesis. You will never be so petrified and your butt will freeze up the second you feel the urge to go because you just won't know what kind of pain is coming your way. But when you do gather the courage to sit and pray on that toilet seat, you'll let out the biggest sigh of relief heard around the world- and you'll live to tell the story. Maybe on a blog. 

5- Once you have a second kid, a compact car is the equivalent of a clown car. A minivan never looked so appealing. Two massive car seats in a 4-door BMW, plus Rocco's stroller, Maya's travel stroller, beach toys, and all the amassed kiddie litter (think Goldfish, Cheerios, stickers, coloring books, sippy cups) strewn all over the car seat floor, makes car rides very crammed and very uncomfortable. And forget about anyone else riding with you because there's just no vacancy. There's barely room for your own thoughts. It'll just be you, screaming kids, and Disney songs forever and ever. Or at least until they turn 18. 

6-  Each time I say 'my kids' or 'our kids' it's like a happy shock through my body. Kids- plural. Like, am I really saying 'my kids?' Holy crap I have two kids. It's pretty damn cool. And surreal. 

The Snuggle is Real. 

Suffocate you with kisses. 

The first two weeks at home with two kids has been an exhilarating roller coaster of emotions. My heart is bursting with love when I see Maya and Rocco together. It makes all the exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and anxiety, worth it. We've been fortunate, so far, that Rocco is taking after Maya. He's a pretty textbook baby- an absolute angel. He eats like a champ, usually every three hours, and sleeps pretty well too. He likes to grunt. It took us a couple of days to get used to it and realize he wasn't really awake, so we just let him be. Unlike his sister, he's still waking up to feed in the middle of the night. We got really lucky with Maya because she stopped waking up in the middle of the night after 2.5 weeks. Rocco also eats a lot more. Maybe it's a boy thing. Thank goodness for Enfamil Ready to Feed bottles! Those suckers live next to my bed and make those dreadful middle of the night feedings a lot easier and manageable. 

I grew up as an only child (I credit my extensive imagination and independent spirit to that), and even though I had a wonderful childhood with close cousins that could have passed as siblings, I knew that I wanted Maya to have a brother or sister in her corner. It's only been a couple of weeks, but to see her excitement over Rocco, warms my heart. She constantly wants to hold him and touch him and she loves giving him kisses in the morning when she leaves to school. She even gives him a rundown of what's on her daily calendar ('Rocco, today I have soccer, so you stay here with mommy while I go to school.') Granted, we do have to keep an eye on her because as the saying goes, 'love hurts,' and sometimes her hugs may be a little too tight or his head may be dangling a little too much because that's just what happens when you're a three year old. And when we gave him his first bath, she wanted to make sure all the soap was out of his hair and she innocently, yet unknowingly, sprayed down his face with the shower head and we had to tell her that water boarding her little brother was probably not the best idea.  

It helps that Maya is in school during the day because it lets Coco and I spend quality time with Rocco, considering we are still getting to know him. We make sure, though, that we give Maya that one-on-one time so she doesn't feel neglected or shut out of the circle. We don't want her to grow resentful of the new baby. During those first few days, we set up some play dates with her school friends, I took her to a press screening to watch Hotel Transylvania, and we went to the park. This kid's social calendar will put yours to shame. 

Our 'no help' rule went out the window since Coco's Achilles surgery got thrown into the mix. I have to say, even though his mobility is limited, Coco has stepped up to the plate more so than I expected. He's determined and persistent (and that's why I love him) and he helps as much as he possibly can, juggling two kids, a knee scooter, night feedings, and still manages to cook a roasted lamb dinner! I can't even do that with two legs. He's our Superman! But back to the help. I'll admit, the day I got home, I cried. I literally face planted (God, it felt good to sleep on my stomach) and cried in my room. I was initially overwhelmed. How was I going to take care of two kids, keep my house in order, walk the  dogs (hello, dog walker), help Coco, fit a bath somewhere in there, and so on and so forth?! Plus, having someone in my space was not something I planned on or wanted. We're all about doing stuff on our own. But I have to say, having my aunt here for the first five days was huge. She did laundry, cooked, kept the house organized, entertained Maya, picked up some of the daytime feedings with Rocco, kept Coco and I company while we did school runs, helped with groceries, and cleaned the house. I had friends who brought groceries (I love you and your easy meals, Trader Joe's), friends who took Maya for an afternoon, friends and family who brought lunch or dinner so we didn't have to cook, and one friend who actually did my laundry. Coco's mom came from New York for a week and helped us so much with the baby. She even gave us our first date night- at her encouragement! Coco and I were able to grab dinner at Lincoln Road while she took care of the kids. We were eternally grateful for the support! And to all you new mommas out there (and old, because God knows it gets a tiny bit more challenging when you have more than one kid), here's one advice I can give you.  If help is offered, take it. Especially if you have a limited network of support (like Coco and I do). Also, there's a big difference between visitors and help. Unless you're coming to my house to cook me a meal, do a load of laundry, or watch my baby while I nap, then better you save your visit for another time, preferably when the new parents are somewhat settled. It doesn't make me a bitch. It doesn't mean I don't want to see you. It just means my sanity is a little more important right now and we have to do what works best for us. Those first couple of weeks are happily chaotic as you find a routine that works, and that's okay. So if someone throws a little help your way that can make life easier, swallow your pride, and take it! 

A winning recipe for a happy post-delivery vaj.

The doc is in! Drying up the breast milk.

My secret weapon. 

Let's talk about what happens to your body (and your vagina) after baby, because it's a whole big, ugly mess down there of monstrous maxi pads, sore muscles, and swollen goods. Oh, it ain't pretty. I do have to say, however, that I bounced back with Rocco a lot quicker than I did with Maya. I credit that to only having to push for 14 minutes as opposed to two hours. Hell, I was doing a Selena Gomez interview one week after delivery. I felt like a rock star. My bathroom looked like a geriatric nursing home with hemorrhoid creams, Tucks pads, cortisone for my episiotomy, pillow sized pads to wear with those unattractive (yet really comfortable) mesh panties they give you at the hospital, all lined up on the bathroom counter. And let's not forget the peri-wash bottle, which was like having a portable bidet at your fingertips. I couldn't live without it. Every time I went to the bathroom, I had a consistent routine that included all those gadgets and because of them, the soreness and pain were tolerable. Then came an unexpected UTI. Holy Jesus- that was painful and apparently very normal, especially if you had a catheter. It felt like I was peeing fire every time I went to the bathroom. Thankfully that only lasted three days. Amen. 

My breasts didn't become painfully engorged until about the third or fourth day I was home. I rolled up to that hospital with my head of cabbage and those sweet nurses knew I meant business! I used cabbage to dry up my breast milk after I gave birth to Maya and it worked immediately! I think my milk dried up in three weeks. I did the same for Rocco. The nurses kept it refrigerated for me and whenever I would ring the call button, they would bring me my cabbage so I could apply them on my breasts. I didn't smell all that great, but it worked. I kept it up at home and interchanged it with ice packs. I found these Disney themed ice packs at Babies R Us and I thought, "These are the perfect size for my lady parts!" So I got Minnie Mouse covering the left, and Doc McStuffins covering the right. 

I've been blessed with good genes. Let's start with that. I don't have some secret remedy or some magic pill that has let me bounce back to my almost pre-pregnancy weight. The fact is I'm pretty lazy when it comes to exercising. There are other things I like to do with my spare time. I hate sweating. I like eating and I like my wine.  And even though I'm skinny, my body is jiggly in certain spots and that's cool. I have a small muffin top leftover from Maya's delivery and I'm honest with myself. I stepped up my 'body after baby' game with Rocco and got a belly bandit for that muffin top. So between that belly bandit, time, and prayer, I'm hoping it goes down on its own. That's my big plan. Our bodies made a baby, let's remember that, so let's be kind with ourselves! 

One of the things I did have to be mindful about when I got home were those unwanted baby blues. I was worried they would hit again, so any time I felt weepy or slightly off, I made a note to check in with myself to see how I was feeling. Even though this wasn't my first rodeo as a parent, it all still felt very new. Two kids is a whole different ball game! And now a boy! Thankfully, I was spared from the blues, but I made sure to do little things for myself- things like making my bed in the morning or getting a manicure and a fresh blowout. Yes, I spend most of my days in pajamas, and sometimes I don't even brush my teeth, but there are days I make it a point to get all gussied up, pack on the concealer, put some red lipstick on, and go out into the world. And again, because I bounced back a lot quicker after Rocco's delivery, I've been able to pick up some freelance work, have an outing with Maya or with friends, and that makes me feel a bit more human. It's got to be something worthwhile to get me out of those pajamas! 

Our new (and temporary) normal. Bye, Target. 

The famous knee scooter. AKA Roll-anda. 

One of the biggest adjustments I've had to deal with is getting used to having a baby in Miami. Having a baby in a new city almost feels like having a baby for the first time. It probably sounds silly, but once I explain why, you'll understand. I had Maya in Manhattan, in the winter, and never had to worry about driving with a newborn in a car or extreme heat. My Uppababy was basically my mode of transportation, and Maya and I would roll out of the apartment everyday and venture out. The city was our oyster. If we rode in cabs, I would just hold the car seat. The only time she would ride in the car as an infant, was when Coco and I would head to Long Island or we were traveling to visit family. The whole 'put the baby in car, take the baby out of the car' ritual was not part of my day to day. Having a baby in the city, contrary to what people think, is relatively easy. Here, its more of an effort. For example, if I want to go to Walgreen's, its a freaking production. I have to get the kids in the car, drive to Walgreen's, park the car, take the kids out of the car, then back in the car, then drive home. Then take the kids out again. I'm exhausted just writing this. Having kids in suburbia is a whole other giant compared to city-living!

Having a baby in Miami, gives me major anxiety. And while rationally I know it's the norm for many (and it will eventually become my norm), right now, it's still a work in progress. One of my paralyzing fears at the moment, is the thought of forgetting a kid in a hot car (it doesn't help that the news stations continuously report on these stories). It makes me not want to leave the house. And because Miami has no seasons and we live in an eternal summer, my anxiety is heightened. It's something I have to work on and overcome. I've gotten lots of helpful tips from friends, my pediatrician, my OB (can you tell how I've let this consume me?) like leaving your keys, wallet, phone, or even a shoe in the back seat for checks and balances. I even told Coco I wanted one of those 'baby on board' signs I hate, just as an extra reminder. And I've taken ridiculous to new heights by asking him for a bell to attach to the car seat so any time the car is moving or the baby is moving, that bell will annoyingly ring and serve as another reminder for me.  Hence, this is why I haven't ventured out with Rocco so much. I'm trying to work out my own kinks first. So what did I do? Well, to 'ease' my anxiety, I told Coco that I wanted to do a family Target run all together- knee scooter included. That was a not-so-brilliant idea. It was stressful. We looked like a hot mess: Coco on one of those electric scooters driving Maya around and me pushing a stroller with a four day old baby, looking like I was about to pounce on someone. Then Rocco got hungry and I had to feed him in the Starbucks/Pizza Hut sitting area. Ew. Seriously, what was I thinking?

Thankfully, as with anything, all we needed was a little time- and patience.  We have slowly and somewhat gracefully settled into a nice routine as a family of four. While those first few days were filled with nerves and worry, I'm definitely feeling a lot more confident, reassured, and settled as a momma of two! I'm loving every second of it- even when I'm not. And everyday I look forward to the next adventure. My heart is full and happy because of those two meatballs! I'm thankful for a wonderful partner who supports me in everything that I do. Even with a knee scooter, Coco is unstoppable. We make sure to stay connected, to help each other out when the other is running on empty, because it can get hard. Without that marital teamwork, parenting as a unit becomes disastrous and joyless. You need to have your partner's back, and yes, its challenging, especially during those sleep-deprived moments when all you want to do is strangle one another. But that passes and there will be more moments of love and happiness than moments of annoyance and burden. 

Remember the love and remember those beautiful and perfect little babies you both brought into this world, because there is no greater blessing, no greater gift, than family!  

My men.

My heart. My soul. My everything.

Momma's Boy.

Bumpin' Love,

Rocco's Mom 

The Rocco Report: 39 Weeks

My dear Squeezers- our time together on this pregnancy roller coaster will soon be coming to an end and it has been such a wonderful experience sharing it with all of you! I hope you've all enjoyed reading my momma-to-be adventures. I hope some of my entries made you laugh. I'm sure some made you cry. But more importantly, I hope that they were helpful in some way. It makes me so happy when I hear that something I wrote really resonated with you and you were able to relate. That is the whole point in sharing my journey with you; to be able to pay it forward and help other moms find some solace and comfort! 

It's been a couple of days of heavy contractions and I wanted to make sure I got this entry out before things got a little crazy! I've been having so many feelings about Rocco's birth and I wanted to share those with you. We've had three and a half years as a family of three, and in a few short days, we will be 'Buccio party of four.' We are so proud of the little family we have created; and we could never have imagined how much this tiny human has changed our lives for the better. We were thrown into this parenting abyss blind, learning as we went, laughing, crying, growing, only to wake up each day better people, better spouses, and better parents. Some days as new parents were easier than others, some left us scratching our heads, some left us with that euphoric 'I can't stop' smiling feeling, but everyday has been a gift and we thank God that we get to grow and learn together as a family unit. 

You can say that Maya was our first official parenting instructor. She was our first foray into Parenting 101. She was the most instrumental (and forgiving) teacher and she has better prepared us for the arrival of Baby Rocco. So thank you, Maya, for all the learning experiences- the baby charades before you could talk, the poop explosions in the middle of a city sidewalk that left us laughing and scurrying, and for our all those special and unforgettable 'firsts' that took our breath away.  

 I hope we passed your 'parenting crash course' with flying colors! 

Buccio party of three. (Suna Photography)

It's been really hitting me these past couple of days that there'll soon be another baby coming into our house! Another kid in our domain. Sh#$%t is about to get real. The co-sleeper is all set up. The glider is ready for night feedings, and the Momaroo is waiting for some baby action. I got formula stacked in the kitchen, a pimped out tummy time mat waiting in the wings, and my Tucks and Preparation H cream at arm's reach. My nails are done, my hair is blown out, and I got all the labor text chains ready to go. Coco's been working on his mobility and he's like Tony Hawk on that knee scooter, popping wheelies around the apartment and setting up any last minute gear for Rocco. Even Maya has been hosting her own one-woman infant classes - feeding and burping her Disney princess dolls in preparation for her big sister duties. If you haven't figured it out already, we're ready for you, Rocco! 

Many years ago before becoming a mom, I had this crazy feeling, which is a bit hard to describe, that felt like I had connected with the idea of Rocco in my dreams; that he was meant to exist. Like I said, it's difficult to put into words; but, each time I heard that song from Savage Garden, specifically the lyrics, "I knew I loved you before I met you, I think I dreamed you into life. I knew I loved you before I me you, I have bean waiting all my life," it perfectly puts into words what I was feeling in those moments. And it's surreal to think that he will finally be here, in our arms, in our hearts, and in our home. I can't wait to meet him.

Yes, there are still those occasional thoughts that go through my mind, "How will I love him more than I love Maya? Is it even possible? Can my heart and affection be divided, or will it grow tenfold? How will our dynamic change? Will he steal my heart?" And I guess I'll have those answers soon enough. They seem intangible right now, but I'm excited and terrified to experience a new level of unconditional love. My heart exploded when I held Maya for the first time- like all the air was sucked out of me and yet suddenly, I was reinvigorated with new life. It was a momentous. How will number two compare? I get butterflies just thinking about it. 

And so here we wait, semi-patiently, for our world to be flipped upside down again in the most joyous and chaotic way. A new chapter will begin for the Buccio family, and we can't wait to see how this story unfolds. 

** Stay tuned next week for Rocco's birth story. If its anything like Maya's, you won't want to miss it! **

Getting ready for Rocco. 

Bumpin' Love, 

Rocco's Mom 

Rocco Report: 37 Weeks

How many of you are familiar with that catchy (and by catchy I mean it will be annoyingly stuck in your head until the end of time) song from the Lego Movie, 'Everything is Awesome?' Because right now, my theme song sounds more like, 'Everything is Swollen,'- like everything.  Starting with my vagina, which looks like an inflated party balloon, my unintentional Kylie Jenner plumped lips (this one I don't mind so much), my cheeks, and oh, my feet, which could belong to a baby elephant. Thankfully, I'm still pulling off this pregnancy with style, but seriously, it's getting tougher to get around without feeling extreme exhaustion! I'm taking it easy as much as possible, keeping my feet up, and catching up on last minute writing assignments before Rocco gets here. 

Thursday I have another appointment with my OB to check my cervix and just see how I'm feeling overall. I'm up 20lbs from my 116 start and Rocco is probably over the 7lb mark, closer to 8, at this point! Oh boy.

I've got a severe craving for anything sweet. For the past two weeks, it's become an unquenchable addiction! Ironically, all I craved at the start of this pregnancy was salty foods; now, the more sugar the better. One day it'll be caramel frapuccinos, the next it's sundaes from McDonald's with hot fudge and caramel. My lowest point came when I had an insatiable craving for condensed milk. Oh Em Gee! I drove to Publix, bought a can, cracked it open with a knife (my can opener failed me. Maybe it was a sign?) and I guzzled half that can and then threw it away. For a quick second I contemplated taking it out of the trash but thankfully, I came to my senses. Ew. 

With just a couple of weeks away from delivery (two, actually, but who's counting?!), it's important for those mommas-to-be to get in a little alone time and some 'pregnancy pampering' before the big day. Whether it's a prenatal massage or a quick manicure, there's always something new moms can do to treat themselves (and still keeping budget in mind)! I was very fortunate to indulge in a few prenatal massages along the way. Next week I'll go get a mani and a pedi and a blowout in preparation for Rocco! But back to the massages- these were much needed and incredibly relaxing and soothing, especially when you're carrying the extra weight. And having someone work on your back, shoulders, scalp and feet is just heavenly. It's well worth the one hour of disconnect! 

If you're looking to book a massage but don't know what spa would work best, I'm here to give you my two cents on the best spots for you! Here are my top picks for prenatal massages! And the best part? It's Miami Spa Month so all of these locations have great deals going on right now. 

Agua Spa at the Mondrian Hotel South Beach-(https://www.morganshotelgroup.com/mondrian/mondrian-south-beach/spa-fitness/agua-spa-) From the moment you walk into the pristine all-white lobby, you automatically go into zen mode. Start off with one of their nail services, like a signature manicure (hands need love too) and then indulge in a prenatal masage! That's exactly what I did. I had the masseuse focus heavily on my back and it was one hour of pure pleasure. My muscles felt less tight and she was very accommodating in regards to the specific areas that needed attention. Once you're done, enjoy some time in their relax lounge or take a dip in the pool! The Agua Spa is one of the few spas that allows you to use the hotel's facilities (like the pool) at no extra charge! So enjoy a swim by the bay and extend that pampering a little longer! 

Ritz-Carlton Spa South Beach- (http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/SouthBeach/Spa/Default.htm) If you book your prenatal massage at the amazing Ritz spa, make sure to ask for Dialys- she will put you under a spell (or at least a deep sleep) with her magical masseuse fingers. As a new mom herself, she knows exactly where to focus her time and energy and works on those testy muscles and areas with a mix of gentleness and the right amount of pressure. The lightly-dimmed lounge is the perfect spot to relax before and after with some detox tea and yogurt covered pretzels. Go ahead, close your eyes and wander off as Dialys makes all your pregnancy pain disappear! 

The Spa at Turnberry Isle-( http://www.turnberryislemiami.com/spa-and-fitness/)- There's a reason that Conde Nast named the Turnberry Spa one of the best in the country. It's a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Miami. It's located in Aventura and gives off that feeling that you're actually 'away' on vacation. Fellow preggos- the spa offers maternity-friendly tables, equipped with a cut-out for belly comfort. I opted out of this but my masseuse, Catherine, quickly got me nice and comfortable with pillows and blankets. I really wanted her to focus on my scalp and shoulders and it was no surprise I was extremely tense. She helped alleviate that quickly. After a few minutes to relax in their spa, I stopped at their cafe and had an On Juice drink and organic muffin. Yum. I was able to meet Coco and Maya at the family pool and enjoy some family time on the lazy river. Perfect day. And with September Wellness Month around the corner, the spa is offering $50 mini services so don't miss out! 

Exhale Spa at the Ritz Carlton Bal Harbour- (http://www.turnberryislemiami.com/spa-and-fitness/)- Could you ask for anything more glorious than a spa with a waterfront view in a semi-secluded location? That's exactly what you get when you book a prenatal massage at Exhale's Bal Harbour location. The staff goes above and beyond to accommodate any specific need you may have. Their signature massages can be converted to prenatal massages and between the relaxing music and aromatic oils, I was a ball of mush on that massage table. The knots on my lower back and upper shoulders slowly dissolved and I felt weightless- almost forgetting I was pregnant. I had some time before I had to pick up Maya from camp, so I decided to take a dip in their refreshing pool and treat myself to a healthy lunch! 

The Spa at the Eden Roc Hotel- (http://www.edenrocmiami.com/spa) Sometimes all you want is a good scrub and on a recent visit to the Eden Roc Spa, I opted for an exfoliating foot scrub and massage instead of a full-body massage. It was absolutely divine to have 45 minutes of attention on my calves and feet and when you're pregnant, there's nothing more indulgent. My masseuse, Lisa (she's outstanding), applied a Grotta Gusta Mud mask to my treatment to help with dryness and circulation. The Spa at the Eden Roc Hotel is being called one of the best new spas by travel magazines and it's no wonder why. I walked out feeling like a million bucks and so did my feet! Expect more beauty and wellness treatments as both the hotel and spa continue to undergo an expansive face lift. It's worth a visit! 

Massages by Aimee- (305) 720-0149- If you find yourself on bed rest or just so overly exhausted from the pregnancy that you can't muster the energy to drive to a spa, then you need Aimee Gonzalez. Voted by Allure Magazine as one of the top 'South Florida Massage Therapists,' Aimee will bring the spa services to you. Focused on giving her clients a healing experience through massages, Aimee created her own integrated massage therapy style to focus on all areas of the body. She applies the same technique to prenatal massages. Some of her clients include top athletes from the Miami Dolphins, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Chargers, and more. Her easy going natures makes her a pleasure to work with and she strives to give you muscle comfort and relief during your pregnancy. I've used during each trimester and I have never been disappointed. At $70 an hour, you can't beat the excellent price and service. Did I mention she comes to you?! 


Bumpin' Love, 

Rocco's Mom 

The Rocco Report: 36 Weeks!

Rise and Shine, squeezers! We made it to 36 weeks! Exactly three more weeks until we get to meet Rocco! Unreal how nine months has flown by in the blink of an eye! I have some OB updates for you, including a Rocco weigh-in (these weigh-ins are strangely starting to resemble a baby version of The Biggest Loser). 

Last Thursday, I went to the very 'colorful' Hialeah Hospital for a sonogram (any Miami resident familiar with the city of Hialeah knows just what I mean by that adjective- for those that don't, the city is a mash-up of interesting personalities, predominantly Cubans, old and young, who make people-watching an Olympic sport). The point of the sonogram was to get Rocco weighed and measured- they call the business of big babies Macrosomia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_for_gestational_age). Well, at almost 36 weeks, Rocco was weighing 6 pounds and 7 ounces, so basically a little over six and a half pounds. He's in the 71 percentile for weight! We got a big baby on our hands with three weeks to go! 

The next step was seeing Dr. Bonilla for my weekly check-up and going over the results from the sonogram! I love going to see Dr. Bonilla because she's got some amazing bedside manner and she takes the time to explain everything in detail to you. Coco came with me to yesterday's appointment so we both got a rundown. 

So in a nutshell, my induction date still stands for September 8th (if I'm not dilated) or September 9th (if I am dilated), unless I give birth on my own beforehand. When you are dealing with an elective induction or C-section, by law you can't go earlier than 39 weeks, unless I go into labor on my own. And whether the birth will be a C-section or vaginal birth like Maya, that will be determined as we get closer to induction date. So for now, it's a 'wait and see' game! 

And you know I wasn't going to leave that appointment without my 4D photos of Rocco Sebastian! Between my Hialeah Hospital appointment and my visit to Peek in a Pod in South Miami, I got some fairly decent shots of our little boy (http://apeekinthepod4d.com/packages.html)! Pretty evident that he's running out of room so he looks a little squashed. He's already in position and I'm definitely feeling him move around trying to find comfortable positions. Each time we put up the 4D feature, he's either laying on his placenta like a pillow or has his hands covering his face! 

It's the face of an angel or a baby supermodel- both work! But you can't deny those gorgeous Buccio lips! He's got big cheeks, and a tiny nose! I can't wait to kiss that face of his! I show Maya his pictures and she says, "Awww he's so cute! When is he coming out?!" 

My heart melts thinking of these two together. But I also occasionally freak out when the reality of 'holy sh$%t! It's two kids now' hits me. 

That's all for today's photo blog and update! Next week I'll be talking 'pregnancy pampering' and rounding up my favorite spots for pre-natal massages. Speaking of, I'm running out to get one right now! 

Bumpin' Love,

Rocco's mom. 

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.