Papaya Queen- Baby Buccio Update- Week 23

Another week another fruit! This week, Maya is the size of a papaya!

Hi Everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend! Seems like there was some wacky weather in store for all of us- from Snowtober in NY to floods in Miami. Coco and I got lucky this time! We spent our weekend in sunny LA visiting our friend Maureen and enjoyed being tourists and taking in the sights. And happy to report Coco and I finally purchased our baby glider! Had to go all the way to Lalaland to sample some floor models and it was so worth it! (see pic attached. no real babies were hurt during this demonstration) Thank you Momo for being an amazing hostess to us three and thank you chuck and jenna for watching over the devious pups this weekend! =)

So much to discuss this week. While there are no doctor visits to break down, some unexpected life changes popped up. As many of you know, I was laid off last week. (Thank you to all those that emailed and texted me messages of support!) Big bummer but if there is one thing that life has taught me is to not to stress the insignificant- there are far more terrible things that can happen, and I know first hand of one of those, and if I survived that, everything else is peanuts. I loved working at Access for many reasons- for starters, I'm doing EXACTLY what I wanted to be doing when I graduated and how many people can actually say that? Literally. When I was still in school living in Miami, I used to watch Access religiously and say "That's what I want to do and where I want to work!" And with determination and quintessential Kathy aggressiveness, I made my own dreams come true. Access was my first job out of college and I have been here for 8 years. I learned so much about the business at this gig. But more importantly, I learned so much about myself as a person. I grew up at this job and much of who I am and my work ethic come from following a passion that means the world to me. I also got one of the biggest surprises and gifts at this job- my husband! I met Coco at the fresh age of 21 working here so I am forever grateful to Access for introducing me to my other half and baby daddy. I really do think the weirdest fact to swallow of this new change is not getting to work with Coco anymore. It'll definitely be odd, but as Coco says "well, now you don't have to throw me out of your office anymore. You're going to miss that." Indeed. But let's face it. It was time to move on and deep down I knew that. There was no more room for growth. And no matter how much you love a job, if you can't get better at it or take advantage of more opportunities, the job has given you everything it has to give you. I compare it to a boyfriend you're kind of in love with but not really and you know it's time to break up because you are just comfortable in the relationship. Access was that kind of boyfriend. And I have to say "thank you" to that boyfriend which dumped me last week because it gave me the kick in the butt I needed to wake up and move on. I'm a firm believer in everything happens for a reason, I truly am. And I know that there is something bigger and better out there for me so I'm not worried, plus it's not the end of the world. So what shall an unemployed preggo aspiring supermodel do with her time off? Leisure of course! I'm going to enjoy the rest of my fabulous pregnancy, visit museums and exhibits that have been on my list for some time, pick up some freelance work, watch a lot of movies, read a lot of books, and maybe just maybe, if I'm feeling inspired, cook in my new kitchen. But that's a big maybe. Also, get some subscriptions to both Vanity Fair and the NY times so my brain doesn't shut down and I feel dumb. And when Maya is born, I am going to savor, love, and obsess over every single moment I have with my baby girl! Get some good and uninterrupted Maya and mami time because God knows nothing will be more important than that. I am so looking forward to it. Sometimes, change comes in the most unexpected forms. I'm ready for it!

Renovations! Are we still talking about it?! Unfortunately yes, but it looks like by the end of the week the Buccio kitchen will be 90 percent running so I ain't gonna complain! We had a couple of issues with appliance deliveries but today we get our new stove, Thursday our dishwasher or as I like to call it my saving grace, but sadly, our refrigerator is back ordered so we will have to make do with our obnoxiously BIG white one. It will temporarily do the job! The kitchen looks insane! Like I said, almost makes me want to cook if you can believe that. I think the vision that both Coco and I had for our dream NYC kitchen was seamlessly brought to life by our talented super, Frank. And we are looking forward to inaugurating it this weekend at our NYC Marathon Buccio breakfast in support of Coco's sister, Gina, who will be running the big race!

Let's talk Maya! I'm in love with her and I haven't even met her! Coco and I get a kick out of my alien belly that happily jolts with her punches and karate kicks. I constantly dream about her and just thinking about meeting her, makes me smile with delight and excitement. I got some new bows in the mail and one of Maya's Miami besties, Jolie, sent her the cutest ballet slippers and zapaticos charol. Mama Slenzak in LA gifted her the most poshest fur vest and I almost melted! Like mother, like daughter already! And momo gave me such a special gift- a nameplate necklace with Maya's name so I can wear close to my heart! So special. Thank you all! These little gestures mean so much to me. As far as weight gain (see below), still rocking my non-maternity duds (besides jeans bc I desperately needed those!) and gaining weight appropriately but thankfully not on my face. Phew! Basketball face = dribble dribble not hot.

Last on the agenda, a really insightful email newsletter I got from my pregnancy site- pregnancy and friendships. Before I was pregnant, many of my mom friends or mom-to-be friends, often discussed the evolution of friendships that happens when you are travelling on your own baby journey. I was very aware of their discussions and pretty much understood where they were coming from. Personally, I found it sometimes annoying and daunting to be in a conversation with other women/friends who only talked about their babies, kids, goo-goo gaga lingo, etc. I didn't have a kid nor was I interested in the time so to me, I was bored out of my mind listening to it. Let's be real, sometimes I still am even as I await Maya's arrival. You have to be able to talk about more than just babies. Don't get me wrong, I'll be talking up a storm about my muñeca but I'm also aware that I have to know my audience. And this is what I am getting at in terms of pregnancy and friendships. It's inevitable that friendships and relationships will change. It's a natural progression of life and as human beings and friends, we are all on different life paths and sometimes those life paths take a different turn organically. It requires a lot of effort on both parts to maintain a normal friendship, so now add a baby into the mix, and that effort is amplified. I completely accept that many of my friendships and relationships will change as my priorities get rearranged and my free time is limited and I am okay with that. It is what is meant to be and eventually things will fall into place in a different way.

So that's all folks for week 23 update! Again, thanks for joining me on my "pregnancy for dummies" journey. It's one hell of a ride!

MILF in training,
Kat

Hello Dolly!- Baby Buccio Update- Week 22

Happy Monday baby peeps!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Hard to believe we are nearing the end of October already! Before you know it, I'll be holding a beautiful little girl in my arms. The hottest accessory for spring 2012!

I'm 22 weeks pregnant (5.5 months) and Maya is now the size of a doll!!!! My muñequita linda! She's also the size of a papaya for all your fruities, but I love the doll comparison more. Not only is she getting bigger, she's weighing more. Maya is officially a one pounder. No more ounces, this baby is happily putting on the pounds, all of course, while watching her girlish figure. Last Monday, Coco and I went for our monthly check up at the doctor last week and the Wu was delighted to inform us that the baby is looking fantastic and all the results from her anatomy sonogram came back perfect. Nothing is more important than a healthy baby and we are so blessed and happy about that. I've gained 12 pounds so far into the pregnancy (123lbs!) so there is hope I won't be looking like a sumo wrestler or I'll have basketball face anytime soon. Phew for that! I feel phenomenal overall which is really amplifying how much I'm enjoying being pregnant. The back pain is still there, it goes up and down on the pain scale, but it's tolerable. I'm sporting a very sexy waddle in my walk. A combination between how my grandmother struts her 4'11 frame, the Geico insurance lizard, and an oompa loompa. Anyone turned on yet?!

Maya is kicking up a storm in my belly! The other day while taking my daily baths, I noticed my stomach moving around each time she would kick! My first reaction was "Oh sh@#t! (insert nervous laugh here)" but it was purdy freakintastic. Reminds me of those carnival Whack-a-Mole games where the little animal pops up and you just don't know where it's going to surface next. My stomach is like a mini Whack-a-Mole play station. I love it! Funniest moment was feeling her kick while I was doing intvs at a premiere downtown. Coco says she's just like her madre, "producing" her own dance routines and one woman shows in her cave! This week, besides our daily belly buds bonding session, Maya went to her first invitro musical- Wicked, and her first Halloween party, where she was fashionably enclosed in a sequined bodysuit. She's fierce! Did I mention that Maya already has over 50 headbands, bows, and clips in her closet?! Divine! Did I also mention her mother is slowly going broke buying said headbands, bows and clips?!

Happy to report that this week will hopefully be the last week of renovations at the apartment! I cannot even begin to express how relieved, excited, anxious I am to have our home back. So many little things you take for granted that you would never think about when you do not have a kitchen, starting with the most important, a home cooked meal! The floor is all done and between today and tomorrow, cabinets will be going up. By the end of the week, appliances and marble counter tops will be going in. We can finally empty out Maya's boudoir of kitchen appliances and set up both the kitchen and her room. I can't wait to see i and I have a feeling it's going to be so amazing! This weekend the Buccio's are headed to LA to visit our friend, Momo (and this will be Maya's 4th travel adventure!) so we are pumped for our little getaway! Besides, we have to get Maya started young on her frequent flyer miles!

Let's talk about tummy touchers before I wrap up this update. Tummy touching can be a little invasive sometimes. A woman's pregnancy is her own personal and emotional journey and she has every right to set the rules and boundaries of all her experiences. So I can definitely see why some women are allergic to being belly molested. Strangers touching my belly is a complete no-no. If I don't know you, please don't touch me. I really do appreciate the friends/acquaintances that ask before they touch. I let those people linger for a couple of extra seconds because of their courtesy. If it's friends and family, I usually don't care as long as you aren't screaming into my belly or making out with it because I think its plain weird and gross because technically you aren't kissing the baby, you are kissing me ewww. (unless you are Coco and that's the only person allowed to kiss my belly). So now, I finally understand this very specific pregnancy topic/issue that I often heard about from pregnant friends and reading magazines way before being pregnant myself.

Well, that's it and that's all for this week! I've attached a picture of my belly at week 22. Get a load of THAT baby! Thanks for sharing with me this week.

MILF in training,

Kata

POP that wardrobe!- Ann Taylor Spring 2012 preview.

I stopped by yesterday at the Ann Taylor spring preview and their collection was impressive. God bless the vision of head designer, Lisa Axelson, who brilliantly transformed Ann Taylor from a corporate uniform store to a modern woman's trendy yet sophisticated walk-in closet.

The upcoming spring collection is extremely varied with the focus on bright pops of color on everything from tops to jewelry. Lots of jewel tones- cobalt blue, kelly green, bright pink, fiery orange, and neon yellow- all mixed in matched into cardigans, skirts, wide leg trousers, and blouses. Even the their faux skin flats were decorated a hint of color at the tip. Their costume jewelry were some of my favorite pieces with hints of neon blended with traditional vintage inspired metals. (I.e. Statement necklace in silver with neon yellow, chunky gold cuffs, etc).

For those too shy to sport such boldness, there was also a beautiful nude collection that was classic, conservative, but also sexy. Different textures and fabrics all made this look less dull.

Lots of mod black and white pieces with emphasis on red (dresses, jeans, pants). And a small wedding collection that looked slightly similar to J.Crew's but with friendlier price point.

Over all, something for everyone! Check it out.

Here's to you. Here's to me.

Kathy

NYC Wine and Food Festival - The Buccio Edition

Why hello, y'all!

A couple of weeks ago, Coco and I had the pleasure of attending a couple of events for the NYC Wine and Food Festival. It's a foodie's paradise with over 100 events throughout the city. Some of the country's best chefs come together to hold seminars, cooking classes, parties, and demonstrations that hungry amateur food lovers like Coco and myself, can enjoy. And what does this all mean? Well, Coco was happier than a pig in sh#$t! SNL often spoofs Food Network segments with the tag, "Food Network- porn for fat people." And gosh, that is SO true. But don't leave us skinnies out! I'll take food over sex any day!

Of the events we did attend, only one made our stomach excitedly grumble (in a good way)- Good ol' Paula Deen's Sunday Jazz Brunch held at Gotham Hall. I love Paula Deen. Not only because butter is just as sacred to her as the baby Jesus, but because she has an infectious personality, y'all! It's hard to believe that this spunky woman once suffered from agoraphobia.

The setting though nicely spread out, still felt intimate, cozy, and scrumptious! Add a little jazz in the background and the comfort food that spread from wall to wall, and you have the perfect combination for a Sunday brunch meal. And guess who was there to eat with the guests and give witty speeches that sometimes were long winded but still entertaining?? The Queen of Southern Cooking herself, y'all- Paula Deen! (i love that word especially when you do it with the draw!)

So the menu consisted of dishes made by Paula Deen in partnership with Smithfield. But there were also some participating guest chefs from Cookshop, Norma's, Bubby's and more that got to showcase some of their signature dishes. As you can imagine, an empty stomach was a requirement for these festivities. Coco and I tried EVERYTHING. ( I unfortunately had to pass on a couple of dishes that were pregnancy no-no's)but based on my three times around the buffet, here are two dishes that rocked my world!

1) Paula Deen's Tomato Spoon Bread- Oh Em Geeeee. I had two very generous servings. Explosive taste. First of all, I'm a sucker for corn bread and the cornbread used for this was orgasmic. The juicy tomato and cheddar mix was so flavorful and had the perfect temperature for enjoyment. It was crunchy and creamy, not too salty but just a bit so. Delicious down to the last bite.

2) The other dish was prepared by Chef Jeff Lutonsky from Mable's Smokehouse and Banquet Hall in Brooklyn. I love meat. Give it to me any way. I'm a carnivore til death. So when i took a bite of the Slow smoked brisket, i thought the food ambulance was going to have to come take me away. The key to good meat is flavor. Nothing is more disappointing than a bland, chewy, and tasteless slab of meat. Well, not this slab! It was flawlessly smoked, fell apart at the touch, and it was ma-ma-ma-moist! It was garnished with Mable's Secret Sauce and Texas caviar (aka beans). Finger lickin good! I have to make a pilgrimage to the burg to try the rest of the menu at Mable's!

Well, we were stuffed by the end of it. Between my real baby and my food baby, I felt like a contestant on the Biggest Loser. But it was so worth it! Needless to say, Coco and I walked 20 blocks downtown to help our cause and we would do it again in a second. This is one event I will not be missing next year, y'all!

Here's to you. Here's to me.

Kathy.

Mister don't touch mi BANANA! - Baby Buccio Update- Week 21

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How big are your Cantaloupes??- Baby Buccio- Week 20

Hello Baby fan club!

It's a beautiful day in the east coast and so much to talk about in this week's newsletter. Hope you all had a kick ass weekend!

And we have a new photo shoot to share today! (see above! first pic is a 3d/4d close up of her face, second pic is her 2d profile pic, and 3rd pic is her once the ultrasound was done saying "thats enuf for today folks." )

Let's start with the most important person- me. No, jk! This email is all about baby. This morning, Coco and I went to our 20 week ultrasound at the hospital and we were both so giddy to see Maya. Seriously, I don't know which one of us is worse! We have both been counting down the days to get to see her mug on the big screen. First off, Maya is doing great and growing by the day! She's healthy and good-looking! Phew! She was awake-again-so we got to see her move around while they measured all her organs. Can we talk about the beautiful brain this baby has?! Even the ultrasound technician said how cooperative and nicely developed she was! (i mean, I'm sure every parent hears this, but since its OUR baby, we think she is the next leader of the free world. lol) We got to see her little feet and hands, her beating heart, and her gorgeous little face! She has the cutest petite button nose and lips. But you know what really blew me away? How photogenic this baby is already! She was literally posing when the technician went to 3d/4d. She had both her little hands under her chin like if she was striking a pose for Sears portraits or Glamour shots! Or maybe she wants to be on the next season of Toddlers and Tiaras. She is already making me proud! I'm constantly feeling her move and felt the first official kick on Friday while watching Parks and Recreation. She's a funny baby! Coco also felt her move when we went to see Cirque's Zarkana and as you can imagine, Coco was beyond thrilled that he has a future Cirque du Soleil fan to drag to the shows. Also, she seems to enjoy le meatballs because after munching on a foot long meatball sub from Subway, I can feel her doing somersaults in my belly! Feeling her move never gets old and each time is just as amazing and surreal as the last. It brings a smile to my face. To even think there is a baby in my belly is just bananas. And to know that I'm never alone anymore in a sense, is comforting, especially when Maya is very respectful of her mama's alone time.

At 20 weeks, I'm feeling fantastic and halway to the finish line! Maya is the size of a cantaloupe and weighing 12 ounces or as my dad says, almost as big as a vegetable can. My back is still in pain but the weekly chiropractor and pre-natal massages are a HUGE help. My belly is big and beautiful! Looks like a swallowed a basketball. And as long as my face doesn't look like a basketball, I'm a happy girl. Eating plenty but noticed i can't go too heavy at dinner because it affects my sleep and causes major indigestion and heartburn, which I wasn't too familiar with before pregnancy. Oh, I also purchased my first pair of maternity skinny jeans and they look and feel fab!!! Its like pregnancy spanx. Sexy. I'm loving them.

Next up- renovations. (cue dramatic music here). I'm going on my third week of being away from home and living with Boni, who by the way, has been a superb host to a pregnant friend! I am so eternally grateful to her for allowing me to stay here and maintain a sense of normalcy. The hardest part has been being away from Coco but I have to say, he's been AMAZING handling the whole project. It's not easy to live in one room with extra furniture, boxes, and 3 dogs (think Hoarders.) and he's really keeping it together for both of us despite the stressful living conditions. BUT we know in 4 more weeks, it will ALL be worth it! It's all for a good cause. Maya's room is getting painted today and the shelving is going in her closets and by tomorrow her shabby chic chandelier will be hanging! This week is do or die at the apartment with all the painting and plastering getting done, our new kitchen being delivered, and hopefully by the end of the week, I'll be back in there sleeping in my own bed and getting the house somewhat together! We still will have no access to the kitchen but at least I can be back in the apartment. Makes you really appreciate a home cooked meal amongst other things one usually takes for granted. I cannot wait to see the finished product of our cozy home!

This past weekend was one of the best weekends I've had in a long time! At the very last minute, I had the opportunity to head to Boston to meet up with some of my best friends and their families and I am so happy I went considering I'm not one for spontaneity. I was able to spend 2 days with them catching up, sightseeing, and just hanging out. It was perfect and SO needed. I miss my friends from home so much. It's one of the handful of things I miss about Miami. These girls are more than friends- they are my sisters, their families are my family and they are a big extension of who I am. I often say that I wish I could have my cake and eat it too- live in the best city in the world with all my Miami girlfriends here to keep me smiling and formando escandalo! But I think one of the highlights from my trip was a surprise visit from Coco!!! Coco wasn't supposed to come but thanks to the kindness of our awesome friend, Chuck, Coco got on a flight last minute and surprised me after we had finished lunch at Beacon Hill. Everyone was ecstatic to see him, especially Leo, the Planas matriarch. To get to hang out with him and our friends made the trip even more fun and meaningful! Oh, and we got to sleep in the same bed so that was a major plus.

Needless to say, this Monday has shaped up to be a really good day overall. Makes working until midnight tonight a non issue! Hope you enjoyed this week's Baby Buccio update! Thanks again for joining me on this magic crib ride! Big hugs to all of you near and far.

MILF in training,

Kata

Papa Loves Mango- Baby Buccio Week 19

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Baby ROCK!

If you are like many parents with a love and passion for music, I would assume that one of the many things you are eager to pass along to your new bundle of joy is great musical appreciation; along with a massive collection of records and albums you have saved throughout the years. Why wouldn't you? You want your little one to love The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, and even Madonna as much as you do!

It has been discovered that a baby can hear sounds and often feel soothed by certain music while in the womb starting in the second trimester, so why not start the music classes early in child development. Plus, its a beautiful and fun way to bond with your little bundle of joy!

That's where Rockabye Baby comes in. I actually learned about Rockabye Baby years ago before I was pregnant. (I'm now 5 months pregnant and a proud owner of Bellybuds loaded up with Rockabye Baby tunes). My first reaction was "How clever. Sure beats the alternative." Now I'm not hating on other baby music out there; but in all honesty, those tunes can get a bit too kiddy, annoyingly repetitive and a little hokey. Let's face it- they drive parents insane. Rockabye Baby has managed to adapt and re-record the original classics from artists and bands we've grown to love and admire into simple, creative and mellow lullabies for your baby to enjoy. Is it possible for songs like Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock," Journey's "Don't Stop Believin’," and even Kanye West's "Gold Digger" to be transformed into soft beats and chimes that will comfort your baby? The answer is yes. It is done brilliantly and the end result is a twist on some of music's greatest hits. Even celebrity moms and dads are big fans of this lullaby innovation!

What I like most about Rockabye Baby is the broad selection of genres and artists who have jumped on this bandwagon. There is something for every music lover. If you like classic rock, check out tunes from Pink Floyd, Queen, Led Zeppelin, and Def Leppard. Maybe you lean more towards contemporary artists like Madonna, Coldplay, and No Doubt and you want your mini maestro to jam to some "Like a Virgin," "The Scientist," and "Just a Girl." No worries, because Rockabye Baby has you covered. Country fans - there is something for you too! Hushabye Baby, under the same umbrella as Rockabye Baby, has created a spectacular selection of country lullabies from iconic artists like Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, and leading lady Taylor Swift.

One of my personal favorites on constant rotation on my baby iPod besides the Madonna soundtrack is The Beatles compilation. I play that one a lot on my buds and it makes me wonder how much my little girl is enjoying such hits as "Across The Universe," "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds." I’m just thankful I don't have to be tortured by Wiggles music now that I know Rockabye Baby has been able to come up with a magical and fun alternative for both babies and parents.

So parents, let's not underestimate a newborn's musical palette and let's expose them to the melodic world of our generation's music. Besides, some of these great artists mentioned above were born stars and who knows, maybe your kid is this generation's musical prodigy!