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: 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. 

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. 

The Rocco Report: 34 Weeks!

Oh Squeezers! Do I have an update for you! My weekly pregnancy post comes to you a couple of days late for several reasons. The first being a last minute staycation/mini babymoon with Coco at the 1 Hotel South Beach (https://1hotels.com/south-beach). Maya joined us for the sleepover portion of our two day stay and she did enjoy some late afternoon pool time and dinner after her camp, but thanks to Maya's grandparents (my dad and his wife), Coco and I were able to indulge in some nice quality time together and much needed rest and relaxation just us two! It sure was sweet. 

The other not so sweet reason- these damn hemorrhoids sent me to the ER. Yep, you read right. I knew they would be a struggle and that they would rear their ugly heads during the last trimester, but this last week has been unbearable. Not sure if you all have ever read Maya's pregnancy journal on my now inactive personal blog (http://www.twocentssuarez.blogspot.com/2012/03/star-is-born-baby-buccio-update-week-40.html), but I share in great detail my birthing story, which included this interesting fact- while I was giving birth, my doctor at the time, Dr. Jennifer Wu, was concerned that if tore naturally, I would tear right through my hemorrhoids and I would be looking at a very painful recovery, therefore, she felt it be better to slice me sideways instead of straight on so I would avoid an explosion of pain. Obviously I said, 'cut away sister!' The worst part of my recovery after Maya's birth wasn't even my beat up vagina or the stitches from the cut. That was a walk in the park. The most uncomfortable and excruciating were the hemorrhoids. And what I have experienced in the last week with these 'grapes of wrath,' has felt exactly like the afterbirth and it's got me sh*&ting bricks- literally.

I can't sit because it feels like-what I imagine is- someone inserting a small knife repeatedly in my junk. I get these pangs of sharp pain that leave me breathless- and not the good kind of breathless. I have prescription creams, cooling gels, cooling pads,  and nothing really helps. Those sitz baths are a waste of my time and bath water because they're useless. The only thing that manages to give me some sort of relief are ice packs, so I sleep with an ice pack, I drive with an ice pack, and even do my writing assignments sitting on a Boppy with an icepack. 

So when I went to my weekly appointment with my OB, Dr. Bonilla, I unloaded. I was hoping she had some miracle cure that would take me out of this misery. Well, I got good news and bad news. The good news was that there's a reason why this was causing me excruciating pain- I had what was called a 'thrombosed external hemorrhoid,' which basically means that that particular hemorrhoid has a blood clot inside of it, causing it excessively swell and turn a purplish color. Usually in these cases, all you have to do is slice it to release the clot for instant relief, but I had to go see a colorectal surgeon, who unfortunately couldn't take me until the next day in the late afternoon. I was dying! I didn't know if I could wait that long and so I was sent to the ER- a complete waste of time. The only thing they could give me was a big fat hospital bill because they had no one on staff to do the procedure and because the hemorrhoid was not fully thrombosed yet, they did not want to slice it for fear I would excessively bleed. They suggested I keep my colorectal appointment. Great. 

Tuesday at the colorectal appointment with Dr. Hellinger. Don't I look sexy?! 

I was able to snag a morning appointment with Dr. Hellinger at Mercy Hospital. The staff was more than accommodating after listening to my plight. He was extremely professional, thorough, and informative. Unfortunately, I have to suffer through the next five weeks with this one painful sucker, and revisit after I've healed completely from the birth. Because it's external and not fully thrombosed, we cannot cut into it because of the bleeding, and we can't band it because banding external hems are just as horridly painful as having them surgically removed (banding is recommended for internal hems). He did prescribe a stronger medication that has 5% lidocaine ( basically a stronger numbing cream). He suggested I keep doing the ice packs since they were helping. He agreed sitz baths wouldn't offer much relief and he hopes that the inflammation will go down on it's own from now until labor. And though they are expected to flare during labor with all the pushing, he hopes that when they do heal, they'll just stay out of trouble and play dead, so we don't have to remove them with surgery (this happened after I recovered with Maya. They stayed dormant until I was in my first trimester with Rocco). So fingers crossed that my ass catches a break! 

Did I mention that despite all this butt trouble I still feel great?!

All this talk of hemorrhoids makes for a smooth transition to this week's hot topic- Sex during pregnancy. There are two kind of pregnant women- those that love having sex while pregnant, and those that just don't. Unfortunately for my husband, I fall under the 'don't even think about it' column, at least during this pregnancy. My temporary condolences to our sex life. 

I know both these women well and I wish I could be one of those women that just craves some sexy time, but I'm not. Quite the opposite. This pregnancy has made me sex repellent. And yes, I do feel beautiful and empowered and super sexy when I'm pregnant, but sadly that doesn't seem to make me all hot and bothered for some action. A lot of it has to do with my situation down there. I mean, what's going on in my nether regions is just plain gross, unattractive, and  uncomfortable. And since I'm in the business of being honest, the thought of having sex while there's a baby so up close and personal to my lady parts, feels like I have someone very tiny watching me. And even though I know (rationally I know this) that having sex won't hurt the baby or that the baby can't feel it (as the doctor says), I can't seem to shake the image of my baby possibly getting poked in the head by a penis. It's just weird. Then there's actually finding a position that can be comfortable when you have a huge basketball for a belly. Yes, you have to get creative, but I'm so tired and weirded out to begin with, that the last thing I want to do with whatever energy I have left is try to find some Kama sutra pose that doesn't feel like I'm some sort of breeding animal. 

Here's my husband thinking there was going to be a whole lot of 'Boys to Men' and '2 Live Crew' sex going on while we made this baby; but, then all his wildest dreams were deflated once I got pregnant right away!  At least we still have pregnancy sex, he thought. Poor poor man. He was disillusioned because my vagina was basically 'closed for business.' 'out of order,' 'out to lunch for the next nine months,' and simply put, 'shut down due to mechanical failures.' You get the gist.  Sex was (and is) just not on my mind. 

During pregnancy, you got bombarded with so many articles and data about how it's common for women to lose their libido along the way but then it comes back (hooray) in the second trimester, or in some cases, it doesn't come back full force. I found some of these articles reassuring, as well as reading about women who felt the same way as me. My libido left and never came back. It hitched a ride to no-sexy-town. What's interesting though, is that many men share these same sentiments. They feel weird having sex during pregnancy for some of the same reasons we do. 

If you are one of those lucky men and women that just love a good round of sex during pregnancy, I'm happy and envious of you! For those of us that don't, there's still hope! There are many other ways to connect intimately with your significant other and who knows, maybe you'll have some fun and find your groove along the way! 

I'm all about finding a happy medium to get that happy ending! 

Bumpin' love,

Rocco's mom.