ibaby!- Baby Buccio Update- Week 27

Season's Greetings baby lovas!

Maya is now over 2lbs and the size of a MACbook laptop computer. Weird measurement, I know. But when I was reading the weekly growth email to Coco, I said to him, "She's literally the size of this laptop computer screen. It's 15 inches!" Hence, my ibaby. She's getting SO big and so are her kicks and movements in my ever growing belly (see pic above and btw, my belly button has no where else to go!). Watching the grooves in my stomach is very E.T and yet I love every second of it. My uterus is now the size of a basketball, which is fine as long as my face doesn't look like one. Let's put something into perspective here. Can you believe I have less than 13 weeks before Maya is born???? In 3 months, I will have a baby girl in my arms, under my roof, in a crib in the room which was formerly a guestroom. We will now be Buccio party of 3. When we fly, it will be two adults and one child. When we go out to eat, we will be three instead of two and I'll need one of those communal brown high chairs (those are so ugly.) And when we file our taxes, we will now have one dependent. How bananas! I was telling my bff Vivi that sometimes I stop and think to myself "there is a human baby inside of me right now." It's like I got the memo and I read it, but I need to keep re-reading it because either I forget or it hasn't registered!

Besides it being one of my favorite times of the year, today is one of my favorite baby updates because we have new photos of Lady M to show off! This is the reason you did not get your usual Monday treat. I wanted to wait one more day after we went to our 4D sonogram so that I could send some beauty shots of our beba. And boy, are we glad we did! Our bff, Javy, came along for the 4D experience and I think I can say he was blown away, as were we! What new things did we learn about Maya on this visit? Well, our baby girl is VERY active. She was constantly moving, flipping, turning, kicking her legs, fist pumping, and then she settled into her placenta pillow. This translates to a lot of work for her lazy mama. So based on energy alone, she's just like her papa. Another fun fact? She already has a ton of hair. Between Coco and I, we have a little Rupunzel in the works. I mean, have you seen Coco's hair?! He makes Patrick Dempsey look like a Rogaine commercial. (thanks for the hair genes Jorge!) And my personal source of pride, Maya is uber flexible! Don't believe me?? Take a look at the picture attached. Ladies and gentlemen, that is a leg. She can already kick her leg higher than her mother and possibly touch her toes. She's mastered downward facing dog, round off back handsprings, and side hurkeys. She also has long fingers. Do you know what this all means??? That I'm going to be the best stage mom EVER! Piano, cheerleading, gymnastics, hair model, and fly girl- there is no limit to the extracurricular activities Maya will be involved in. Crazy or proud?! I'm going to go with proud.

We got to watch her in her element for a good 15 minutes and every move she made was met with "ahh's, omg's, and she's so beautiful!". What really took our breath away was when she opened her eyes! I have to admit, my eyes welled up. It was so magical and surreal. So many things go through your head- "what made her open her eyes?" "does she hear me and know me?" "is she looking for me?" "what did she see?" Especially since she can now recognize her mama's voice! All I know, is that it was a terrific moment! Watching her yawn (see pic above) and rubbing her little hands across her face was also so unbelievable. I know that so many other babies also put on these little performances, but when it's your baby, it's like the world is seeing it for the first time. By the way, have you seen the lips on this beauty queen?! Angelina who?! I think her lips and nose are a mix of Coco and I! We were trying to decide who she looks like. We can't decide. I say its a good mix but a little more like Coco. Coco thinks she looks like me. Regardless, she's healthy and she's beautiful and that is all that matters!

Her room is almost done. Waiting on a couple of furniture pieces to complete the look and we have to hang some prints and artwork, which I will do when I become a lady of leisure. I'm so looking forward to time off to enjoy some alone time and enjoy the last trimester of my pregnancy. I want to savor every little moment because before you know it, she'll be making her grand entrance. I also booked her photographer this week for her newborn pictures, 6 months, Christmas, and 1st year! I didn't know how in demand baby photographers are and how quickly they book up! I am so excited to get her in front of a camera! She's going to be a ham!

Quick update on how I'm feeling. Overall, great. If you would have told me I would be enjoying being pregnant, I would have called you a liar and punched you in the face. Never did I expect to be so in love with the pregnancy journey. I feel very thankful and lucky to so far have had a fantastic pregnancy considering that my mother had a horrible pregnancy with me (which my grandmother likes to constantly remind me about) and hence why I am an only child. No prayers for other siblings changed that for me. Now, that's not saying I haven't had my share of complaints. (Remember the first trimester and my never ending nausea?) My only big complaint is my back. I definitely have some uncomfortable back pains. And this last week, I have felt firsthand the effects of sciatica. While at the museum in Amsterdam, my left leg fell asleep while standing up. Of course, I thought I was going to be paralyzed but once I came down from crazy land, I knew it had to be a nerve. And it was! The sharp pain and the numbness I've been feeling down my left leg is a product of sciatica. It's so not fun. Because of these back pains, sleep hasn't been the best. I'm still getting my beauty sleep but with lots of tossing and turning to find a comfortable spot. Sometimes I feel like an old woman when I need to push myself or ask Coco to help me up. It's kind of funny though. And without getting too graphic, hello hemorrhoids and unwanted flatulence you can't control! A not sexy side effect of pregnancy.

Well that's a wrap peeps! I hope you enjoyed this week's update as much as I did! Maybe next week I'll get Coco to do an update from a "dad's perspective". He seems to be learning a lot from the baby book he's reading! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends. So much to be thankful for!

MILF in training,
Kat

SilhouPETte, Darling!

I'm not big on buying chucherias when I go on vacation. Usually, I like to purchase something that is timeless, that I'll either wear or use or display in our apartment. Coco and I recently travelled to Los Angeles to visit one of our very good friends, Maureen. We did so much sightseeing in 3 days, that I almost feel like an Angelino! (keyword: almost). On one of our stops, we went to the very eclectic and boho chic neighborhood of Venice Beach which we loved. And while walking down the street and stopping in at some shops, I fell in love with a little boutique pet store (because nothing says fancy like a $10 dingo.) But it wasn't just the cuteness of the exterior that drew me in, it was actually a display of dog silhouettes along the wall. I wouldn't consider this an impulsive buy. I would consider this a heartfelt and meaningful investment that will live on my wall forever and forever. Well, in this case, it will live on Maya's wall because it fit so perfectly with the vision I had for her eclectic vintage wall of mix and match frames that I'm putting together.

So next step. I purchased a $99 gift certificate to get a silhouPETte done by the local artist! I have 3 delicious havanese but I decided I wanted to focus on Chacha Marie. She's the baby and since the portrait is going in Maya's room, it's only appropriate. Yes, Chacha is far from a baby but I can't see her beyond that. She has the cutest personality- she's spunky, mischievous, loving, and perky. She LOVES to sleep and lounge. She loves to get on the bed while I put away clothes and then she glamorously doses off, like if she's had the hardest day. She's my canine idol. Honestly, I have never understood people who don't love animals. I don't trust them. I mean, how could you not? Even my bff Javy, who is not particularly loving towards felines or canines, will sometimes in secret, give my Ito a little love on the hush. I love catching him in his DL love affair.

The whole process was done over the phone with artist, Jessica Hallock. Let me just say, I have never had a more positive and easy going experience with an order than I had with Jessica. Her love of animals is infectious and she is a sweetheart! She is beyond patient and really listens to you in order to get your vision and give you exactly what you want. And you can tell she is genuinely excited to bring your portrait to life. Her love of animals (which started with her cat!) and design talent allowed her to create this very unique special business that animal lovers can enjoy. It was such a treat to work with her. I sent her a couple of images of my bear and she captured her essence and personality to a T! I was so happy with the result.

See above for Chacha's masterpiece! Thank you Jessica!

Here's to you. Here's to Me.

Kathy.


To get your own SilhouPETte, contact Jessica at:
jessica@silhouPETte.com
424-259-2738

Read My Red Lips.

When you think of the color red, you think sexy, seductive, confident, and fierce. So its undeniably appropriate that when you see a luscious red pout, you are automatically captivated by it's boldness. The fact that red lips can make such a statement about a woman's demeanor and attitude is simply powerful.
Red lips exude class and if you notice it never never goes out of style. A good red lipstick that works accordingly with your skin tone and facial features is the only accessory you need to stand out. Just imagine for a moment the Old Hollywood starlets who vamped up their image with a sultry red lip- Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, Rita Hayworth, even Joan Crawford. They were strong women who silently screamed with a gaze or a peck, "Look at me!" Nowadays, we rarely see Gwen Stefani, Madonna or Christina Aguilera, who like to channel the former starlets of the silver screen, without their signature red.

But everyday women sometimes get overwhelmed picking a red shade that best suits them due to the mass selection at their local drugstore or department store counter. I agree, it can be too much. But fret not my fashionistas! There is a perfect shade of red for you out there and I'm here to choose a few that might rev your fiery engines. Red is a versatile color and anyone can wear it. I personally love a red lip. When I'm feeling a little less than confident or sleep deprived, a red lip is the perfect pick me up that turns my look and my mood around. I suddenly feel like I could conquer the world with my tube of rouge!

The key to a red lip is to make that the focus of the face. Don't draw attention to heavy smokey eyes, or over blushed cheeks (yikes!). Let your lips do the talking. Literally. Also, if you dread the unappealing lipstick "bleed", here's a little trick-- try adding some concealer and powder to the lips before applying your shade, so that way the color stays in place and not all over your mouth like a vampire who just finished its feeding.

Here are some of my top picks!

- L'oreal Paris Colour Riche Nurturing and Protective Lipcolour in True Red $8.95- Not only is this lipstick very budget friendly at nine dollars, but it's a creamy and classic shade of red. Not too deep and definitely not a bright red, this is a good beginner's red for those taking their first plunge.

- Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Scarlet Siren $24- This shade is a bright red with subtle hints of berry. So if you are looking for a healthy mix, this color will boost your sexy yet flirtatious factor up a notch.

- Poppy King for J. Crew $18- The lipstick queen teamed up with J.Crew to release this sizzling orange-red shade. It's considered a best-seller and with good reason! The color is universal and works well whether your fair, olive or dark skinned. The orange element gives it a nice burst of color.

- Nars Heat Wave- $24- I basically lived in this shade all summer. Like Poppy, it is a bright orange-red that lives up to it's name. It's hot and a quick attention grabber. This shade is not for the wall flower trendsetter. It has the power to stop traffic and turn heads!

- Nars Jungle Red $24- This lipstick is one of my personal favorites. I love the way this feels on my lips. It's silky, matte, and I can't help but feel like a vixen with this glamorous red. It's a true red and I often use it as my secret weapon.

- MAC Dubonnet Red $14.50- Va-va Voom! This red is rich, deep, and vampy. For those that prefer a darker, almost burgundy-brick red, this color is absolutely divine. It's a throwback to a retro-vintage era. If you want to command a room with one glance at your pout, this color will do the trick.

OYE, ABRE TUS OJOS! - Baby Buccio Update- Week 26

Greetings baby lovers!

Hope you all had a restful weekend. Coco and I enjoyed a much needed weekend of nothingness just us two!

While I'm sitting at my stripped down office writing this, Maya is having an all day rave in my belly. Last night she was kicking up a storm ala Karate Kid and Coco was loving every second of it. Clearly she is using my muscles (or lack thereof) as punching bags. Sometimes her little jabs actually hurt. But how can I be bothered? I think it's simply adorable and I relish every little move she makes! She loves anything cold- that's when I notice the most movement. And she definitely reacts to load noises and music. Yesterday when Coco and I went to the movies, she was going bananas! She has the making of a very outgoing baby, just like her papi. She also weighing in at 2 pounds!

Baby development is mind boggling! I am blown away each day by what the human body can do. I'm also blown away by the fact that there's a baby inside of me. We have created a little human. Hello, like an actual living thing is living rent-free in my uterus. What a freeloader! hahaha! Maya is opening her eyes this week and not that she'll have much of a scenery, but I think all these milestones are uber-amazing. I always wonder if babies remember anything about being in the womb? I'm so in love with her. I can't wait to see what she looks like or what kind of personality she'll have. And the fact that already I'm thinking of her needs before mine is surreal. It's like if you automatically go into "selfless mode" (a mode which I rarely used). I was telling Coco yesterday that now when I think or plan ahead, everything stops in February for me. And for those that know me well, I LOVE and LIVE to plan. I don't speak procrastination. I speak itineraries and to-do lists. So this feeling of not being able to plan anything beyond that is scary, control-wise. Yet on the other hand, I'm counting down until my new life begins with my daughter. Wow! I wonder if I'll ever get used to saying that, "daughter". So fresh.

Kind of a depre Daria subject to talk about, but Coco and I are also working on our living will. Yes, it's totally depressing and morbid but it's also a responsibility we have to ourselves and to our baby girl and other future kids. I know first hand how life can change in an instant- your whole world collapses and you are suddenly numb. Imagine that at 16. Because my mother raised me well and I had amazing family support, I was able to make decisions at 16 that most kids at that age would be clueless about. If God forbid something were to ever happen to Coco and I, or to one of us, we want to make sure Maya is in good hands. We want to make sure she continues to have the same lifestyle and upbringing that we want for her, with people who adore her, and that she won't ever have to feel like she has to make every decision herself. Hopefully we will NEVER have to even experience any of this, but it's better to be prepared.

Let's wrap this up on a cheery note! The holiday season is here! One of my favorite times of the year, especially in New York which is the quintessential Christmas backdrop- snow, puffer jackets, department store windows, creepy Salvation Army elves collecting money, Serendipity 3, Home Alone, mountain people selling Christmas trees on every corner, and ice skating rinks. I'm very much looking forward to starting our own holiday traditions when Maya gets here! Mix the Cuban with the Italian! Because this year we will mostly be in Miami for the month of December, we decided to downsize our tree and keep it tiny. Tiny, but still festive as evident by my very holiday-esque Christmas station! Voila! Let's hope the dogs don't mistake the ornaments for balls. ( I don't need a trip to the Animal vet ER.) It's easy to take down as well, which was Coco's one request. I completely overwhelm him with my hundreds of Hallmark ornaments that take hours to take off the tree. And he didn't want to be left with that task! I don't blame him. I wouldn't want to either. I blame my over the top National Lampoon Christmas tree obsession on my mother. Celebrating Christmas in Miami, usually meant fake trees with fake snow in can, which I don't mind. My mom always put up the most beautiful fake white tree but red accents only. Now, as beautiful as this sounds, it was also kid-boring. I use to wish I could hang something other than a red felt bow or a red glittered ball on the tree. I remember thinking "When I have my own tree, it's going to be different colors and I'm going to put whatever I want on it and no one can stop me! bruhahahah." So hence, the non boring Christmas trees, whether big or small, that now occupy our Manhattan apartment.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family wherever you may be! There is so much to be thankful for and please take time to acknowledge those blessings that we all take for granted sometimes, especially things you don't think about like hot water, electricity, a warm coat, etc. Coco and I have so much to be thankful for this year, starting with our growing family and each other! We will be in Amsterdam this year continuing our travel tradition during Turkey Day and we can't wait until Maya joins us on our next expedition!

MILF in training,

Kata

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

There are a couple of things I look forward to each work day. Some of these are having my cup of jasmine green tea with a piece of sourdough bread with butter (what started off as a pregnancy craving is now part of my morning ritual), watching a very decrepit Willard Scott on the Today Show babble about other old people who have successfully crossed the 100Th birthday mark, and my personal favorite, email chains with my criticrew. Oh, and somewhere in there I get some work done too. I would have to say that emailing with my crew is up there on the list. There's nothing we don't or won't talk about- it ranges from the superficial to the deep. Usually we start our conversations on one topic and 363 emails later, we are in a completely different arena of discussion and that really brings a smile to my face or sometimes, uncontrollable pee-inducing laughter. One of our frequent topics of conversation are the ever so entertaining facebook status updates (I'll be blogging about facebook do's and don'ts soon!) that people are stupid enough to share and post. We thank these people for providing countless hours of ridicule for us. You have made it SO easy. As my friend Jenise would say, some people need to stop using Facebook as their "Dear Diary", but really, don't, because again, we love making fun of you. But lately all we have been reading are depre Daria fBSUs and those are seriously waa waa and macabre. So in light of all the social media depression, I wanted to turn things around and came up with an idea to really step up the happy. The thought came to me as I was munching away on my recently purchased lil carvel cake. So I proposed the question to my criticrew- what random things make you happy?? Ten to be exact. It could be anything! A food, person, place, thing, event, feeling, etc. And boy did that elicit a VERY positive and enlightening read! Here are mine in no particular order. (obvi, I went over the 10 cap by sneakily calling them "honorable mentions")

1- Holiday scented candles like pumpkin spice, cinnamon latte, Christmas tree, etc. Usually anything by Yankee Candles or from TJ Maxx really hits the spot. I pretty much unofficially kick off the holiday season when I light that first wick. Holiday candles make the holidays seem imminent or make it feel like Santa Claus is coming to town through my fire escape since I don't have a chimney, even though I've always wanted one.

2- KFC biscuits. No biscuit will ever compare. Not Pillsbury, not Red Lobster's cheese biscuits, and not Cracker Barrel's either. The colonel nailed that biscuit recipe because I've been eating it for over 20 years. Besides their buttery, fatty taste, they remind me of afternoons with my abuela Maya walking to the KFC on la calle ocho in Little Havana and going to buy my leg and breast combo pack with 2 biscuits. As an underweight child, fast food was a guaranteed way to get me fed and the biscuits did the trick.

3- The smell of pool chlorine. Don't wince. It smells like an antiseptic but it triggers so many childhood memories for me. I grew up going to the pool and the beach. My dad, who doesn't know how to swim, taught me how to swim, and that's why I still can't swim all that well. Go figure. I wasn't like those strange Miami people that don't like to go in the water or never visit a beach (those people exist weirdly enough). I can't think of my fondest childhood escapades without picturing a pool, wrinkled prune pool fingers, and monokinis. BUT the pool smell that I most love is the smell of the chlorine from the indoor pool that seeps through the grates when u walk down 5th ave past the Peninsula Hotel on a horribly cold day in Manhattan. What I would do for that indoor pool and pruned fingers.

4- Carvel cake. I could literally sit and eat a whole cake by myself, which I just did yesterday. Don't judge me. I'm eating for two, right?! I'm particularly fond of the little personal ones at the grocery store since I hate to share my cake or anything, really. My love runs deep for Carvel. I'll give you an example. When I turned 29, we did a small cake cutting at my BFF Javy's house and my one request was Carvel cake. Well, Carvel closed by the time Javy got there and he got me a Baskin Robbins cake. I love you Jav, but I almost cried, actually I did get teary eyed. Because how do you even compare the two?? BR cake wishes it was in the same ice cream league as Carvel. BR doesn't stand a chance. It's like drinking Ritz cola instead of Coke. It's just not the same.

5- There are certain things that go together like Brad and Angelina. One of those things is movie style popcorn and a cold coke. Add a movie and 15 minutes of coming attractions, and you have the perfect trifecta. Popcorn and coke are 2 of my favorite things in the world. Disgusting truth: I used to lick the butter off the microwaveable popcorn bags. Perfect example, yesterday I went to a screening of Breaking Dawn and I couldn't wait to cuddle up in my seat with my buttered popcorn and fountain soda. Now no one bother me please. Happiness at its finest.

6- Puppies. Enough said. Any breed. Doesn't matter. I'm a sucker for a puppy eyes, puppy kisses, and little puppy paws. I could absolutely see myself as a puppy hoarder. I can't walk past a pet store without going in, crying, and then forcibly walking out while repeating " i will not buy another dog. i will not buy another dog." When I exit the subway on 77Th street, I have to make a calculated effort to take an alternate route to avoid Pets on Lex because puppies are my crack.

7- I'm a control freak. We won't get to the deep-seated issues that make me controlling but I've always been a planner and a list person. It's a bit OCD but it brings me so much joy to write a to-do list and then scratch off things off that list when I've completed or accomplished them. I've even turned my husband on to to-do lists. At first, he found them irritating but the organization and purpose it's brought into his life has given him a new will to live.

8- Balancing my checkbook. I often get laughed at for this one since checks and checkbooks probably became extinct with such things as dinosaurs, the beeper, and US Postal mail. But I love balancing my checkbook. The feeling of entering all my receipts, doing basic math, and having it match up with my online balance is so gratifying. A perfect day is me sitting in a very quiet office cubicle/office or living room, with my purple calculator, balancing my checkbook with a number 2 pencil.

9- New car smell. I think I share this one with a lot of people. New car smell= shiny new toy. It's intoxicating. And thankfully unlike sniffing glue, it won't get you high. At least not in a druggie way. But to take a whiff of that new interior leather and plastic is so sweet. My sister in law just got a new car and I got to ride in it and for an hour I got to sit there and just smell smell smell like a bloodhound. It made me so happy. It also makes me miss having a car and driving. RIP LETTY.

10- Fat people who lose weight. I know, it's a bit hypocritical of me considering I'm not fond of fat people. I won't ever be mean to a fat person because that's not right or nice but I don't necessarily feel bad for them or their obesity since all their Twinkies and burger binging is self-induced. But it does makes me so happy when these heavy set characters find their inner strength and want to get down to human size. I literally cry when they push themselves and reach their goal. That's why the Biggest Loser is not only inspiring but its emotionally cathartic for me. Tears for pounds, people.

And here are my Honorable mentions, which are technically #11, #12, and lucky #13.

- Walking out of my house or work or any place for that matter, and the bus or subway that I need just pulled up to the station. It's like the MTA stars aligned just for me and a choir is singing a melodious chant to commemorate such a serendipitous occasion. I love not having to wait.

- The first sip of a cold glass of champers. And boy, do I miss that at the moment. Especially a nice glass of rose champagne. I told Coco that when I give birth, I have two immediate requests: three orders of spicy tuna rolls and a bottle of Moet champagne. Will Ferrell was right. It tastes so good when it hits my lips. Crisp.

- The aroma of tanning oil and my skin baking in the sun. Let's face it. I love the sun. I consider it a professional sport and one that I have wonmany medals at. The act of just laying on a towel, marinating in my Hawaiian Tropic, listening to my ipod or the waves, is the definition of absolute happiness for me. Yeah, yeah. The sun isn't good for me. But we all have our vices right?! Some people smoke too many Marlboro reds, drink way too much Bud Light, or eat too much fish and then get mercury poisoning. So what if I'm a sun worshipper and sometimes lie about it to my dermatologist?!

- Getting off a plane when I get to any vacation destination. From start to finish- the air train ride, printing my boarding pass, going through Priority Access security, getting my passport stamped (this one is a BIG favorite of mine), and then getting off the plane at a new city. I love jetsetting and seeing the world. It's fabulous. And sometimes when I'm walking through the terminal, I pretend I'm one of those celebrities in US Weekly that gets hounded by paparazzi and then becomes part of the "Celebrities are just like us!" column. A girl can dream.

So now I ask you. What makes you happy??

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

Kathy

I'll have the Eggplant Parmesan Special Please!- Baby Buccio Update- Week 25

Greetings All!

Everywhere I look it seems like tis the season for countdowns- countdown to Thanksgiving, countdown to Christmas, countdown to a wedding or countdown to baby! I'm doing my own baby countdown (actually, Thebump.com is so I'm grateful I don't have to crunch any numbers.) and I have 104 days left before I officially become a hot mom (I pray continue to look this good. No pressure, God.) That will be here in a blink and it's SO scary exciting! I'm 25 weeks, Maya is the size of an eggplant, and my belly keeps expanding and I will soon be wrapping up my second trimester (check out my belly pic above!). It's funny. You think, "how can my belly stretch out anymore than this?" But somehow it does. The human body is a marvelous little thing! Or really bizarre. Both adjectives work accordingly in this case. So far, my pregnancy has been one hell of a ride, in a good way- life-changing, emotionally charged, and spiritually and mentally awakening. I feel so blessed, lucky, and fortunate. And I feel a little bit like a vessel carrying a priceless treasure- sort of like I'm Lady Gaga's egg spaceship.

Coco and I had our monthly check up with the Wu this morning and everything looks dandy. I, of course, had about 10 questions ready for her and she was lovely and not annoyed (at least not to my face) at answering them all for me. Looks like years after graduating, I'm still that annoying student that sits in the front of the class, with her hand up in the air, asking and answering questions, while the rest of the students, like Vivi, (before we became kindred spirits), rolled their eyes, kicked my seat and taunted me. (Yes, same Vivi who was the maid of honor at my wedding and is my best friend. I really do adore her.) You see people, bullies and their bully-ers CAN be friends! (I sound like a PSA commercial.) Back to the doc appt, the Wu even did a quick ultrasound after I sweetly asked (they really don't do that at check ups) but unfortunately it's not a good picture and looks more like an ink blob than a baby. And my baby will not and does not take bad photos. I am weighing at 126.8lbs. I have so far gained 17lbs and my doctor is very happy with my progress. She says I should not gain anymore than 35lbs. If you see me from behind, I don't look pregnant so it's reassuring to know that I'm not sporting the "wide load" look. Gross. I have to come back in 4 weeks for my glucose test, where they will do some blood work to see if I have developed diabetes and if I'm anemic. (see image of very deceiving Gatorade-looking drink above that will determine such test).

As far as how I'm feeling, I'm feeling pretty darn good. Experiencing some soreness and backache which the Wu says is completely normal. Sleeping is getting to be a little uncomfortable, especially when you can only sleep on the left or the right side. I'm a big belly or back sleeper so this has been a bit of an adjustment. I'm sure it doesn't help that I sleep with 3 dogs on the bed and I pathetically refuse to disturb them while they slumber. (can anyone guess who the pack leader of our house is?!) Why I continue to put myself in complicated or torturous situations is a bit rhetoric. Even I don't know. Other than that, I feel like a Richard Simmons fitness video- peppy, ridiculously gay, and deliriously energetic. I cannot wait to meet Maya! Have I mentioned that? I am already so in love with her and I am anticipating with anxiety and school girl giddiness that feeling I will have when I first meet this little human that's been living inside me. To even fathom that I am going to love someone more than myself is just an act of God. Thinking about it makes me smile. I've been able to little by little decipher when she's awake and the most active and it's usually whenever I eat or drink something really cold, when I play the belly buds for her (last week it was classic symphonies and the moves were nonstop), or when it's a social gathering and there is more noise than usual. I'm carrying a nosy baby que quiere estar en toda and wants to be part of the party! That makes me so proud as a Cuban mom.

I'm very happy to report that the kitchen is DONE! It was a good day at the Buccio household! First meal- delicious lamb cops and a celebratory half glass of wine. As a "callejera" who loves to go out to eat, it has been so fulfilling to be able to eat a home cooked meal every night! Many of our friends came over this weekend, to mangiar and admire our culinary digs. The kitchen is a big deal at our house- it's where everyone gets together when they come over, where Coco and I love to cook while we gossip and catch up (well, he cooks and I sit and watch). It really is the heart of our home. So to have the house come full circle and have the kitchen up and running, makes us feel whole again. Granted, we are still waiting for our state-of-the-art fridge, but I can live with that (like if I had a choice).

Before I wrap this up, I have to share that this weekend Coco and I took our Maclaren travel stroller that my dad and his wife gave us, for a practice run to Central Park. (Side note: you know what word I love? carriage. I would like to be able to say carriage instead of stroller because it sounds fancy and I'm fancy. Loo is another one of those words.) We used our gorgeous and very patient niece, Sadie, as our make pretend baby to help us learn how to navigate this carriage on a NYC bus since I'll be riding the bus and subway like an uber-trendy NYC mom. Well, that was interesting to say the least! It's good to be able to laugh about it and look at your better half and say, "Is this for real? Are we ever going to get this? You gotta be f#$%kin kidding me, right?! Where is my personal assistant when I need her!" And then when you do get it done- the closing up the carriage with one hand, carrying the baby with the other, getting yelled at by the angry bus driver because it's not closed properly, and then looking around at every other Maclaren on the bus meticulously tucked under the bus seat while you gawk with envy and jealousy (let's be honest)- it feels like you didn't completely fail in your pre-parenting SATs. Coco and I will get there. We are up for the challenge!

Thanks for tuning in to this week's update! We always love sharing our weekly "pregnancy for dummies" emails. I hope you enjoy celebrating our little milestones with us!

MILF IN TRAINING,

Kata

GOOOOOOAAALLLL! Baby Buccio Update- Week 24.

What up my baby peeps!

Hope everyone is doing glamorously well! I sure am =) Apologies for my delayed email, but I was out of the office yesterday recovering from a very eventful family weekend. And what a great weekend it was! My sister-in-law, Gina, completed the NYC Marathon and we were out on the sidelines cheering her on as she reached this momentous goal! It was such a proud moment. My mother in law and other sister in law made these great shirts for all of us to wear that said "Team Tooshie" in support of her run (see pic above). Good times were had by all. But by the end of it, I was pooped! You would think that I ran alongside her but alas, so not the case. ( I can't run one block without hyperventilating. )

I'm at week 24 (that's 6 months) and feeling faboosh! (see pic attached of me at week 24 showing off my new dress and chic baby bump!) Almost wrapping up my second trimester. Getting closer to the finish line and I can't believe in 3 months there will be a real live human baby in my arms. WTF?! Excited and freaking out that my life is going to majorly change! Baby is still the size of a papaya but also the size of a soccer ball, or two juice boxes piled on top of each other. You get the picture! My belly does look like a swallowed a soccer ball. That's as far as my athleticism goes. My belly button is a complete outie and then some. It's weird looking and protrudes through all my clothes. As baby and belly get bigger, I'm feeling Maya more and more. She's giving me quite the abdominal workout and I'm loving every second of it. As long as it doesn't mean she's practicing perretas ("tantrums" which we have no room for at Casa Buccio. Thankfully, I've inherited my mother's Hitler stare to deal with such potential outbursts), she can practice cheerleading moves all she wants that way I can live my fly girl fantasies through her. My back is still acting up but not as bad and the chiropractor sessions are helping tremendously. However, my chiro wants me to cut back on the yoga to once every two weeks bc apparently every time I go, I overstretch and then I make my muscle spasms worse. I tell him its because I don't want to be that girl in the class that still can't touch her toes especially since these overly preggo chicks in my class can pretty much stand on their heads. Embarrassing!

But there is something I need to discuss with all of you. There is a very ugly side effect to pregnancy besides mood swings, hemorrhoids, and fatigue. I'm disgusted just uttering the word BUT it appears I have been slightly affected. That word ladies, is CANKLES. Blasphemous! Nothing is more unattractive and last week while I was bathing, I noticed that my ankles were clearly binging behind my back and are now the size of a fat troll. Gross. I gasped in shock but calmed down when I realized they should subside by the end of my pregnancy. (Right?!) Don't believe me? Click on the picture above. Warning: May induce gagging. (And please don't judge my hairy legs. I shaved the next day). I don't think I have to say anything. A picture speaks a 1000 words, but in this case, it speaks 1000 nightmares.

On a happier note, I have to give a shout out to my mother in law who basically showed up to our apartment this weekend with a children's department store in the backseat of her car. For those of you that have never met her, my mother in law is a total shopaholic and obsessed with anything having to do with kids. She puts a teenage mall rat to shame! I was beyond grateful and speechless with all the goodies she gifted me- literally. All I could muster was "OMG" at every piece of clothing and doll-sized shoe she showed me. And I did that about 50 or so times. Maya has a full blown wardrobe all thanks to abuela Candy! It was more than I could ever imagine and words cannot express my immense appreciation. Just take a look for yourselves in the first pic above. And yes, she brought the rack too! (Dog not included).

Moving on to renovations, we are in the home stretch people. FINALLY. Two months and it looks like by the end of today we will have our kitchen back! Amen Baby Jesus. I.cannot.wait. After last week's refrigerator meltdown I suffered, (having a ginormous fridge in your NYC living room is not only panic inducing but an eye sore) it's good to know that I will no longer have to see that thing as an unwanted decor accent. Maya's dresser and changing table from Bellini arrived this am and it looks gorgeous in her room! Right next to the crib that Daddy B built while I stood there being bossy (that pic to come next week) The room is slowly coming along! We also got her vintage lamp. All we need is her book shelf and side table and furniture wise, we are all done!

And cut! That's all for this week, gays, guys and gals. Next Monday I have a doctor's check up so we'll have more to talk about then. Thanks again for all your love and support and for checking in on me periodically. Your emails and texts (near and far!) mean a lot and it makes me happy that you are all enjoying these emails as much as I enjoy sharing them with you.

MILF in training,
Kata la gata.

You Know what I hate??!

I found something else that I hate and that bothers me. Shocker!

People with weak handshakes. Don't be a pu@#y! Get a firm grip at my hand and show me your kryptonite shake. I'm not asking you to crush it, because that's way too intense and there should be a happy medium in the art of proper handshaking, but a weak flimsy handshake? Its a big NO. Right there, you are making a lame first impression. I am going to judge you right off the bat because of that lame handshake and you know what I'm going to say "Geez this person sucks." And maybe you don't, so maybe you should work on your handshake because it's giving you a bad reputation.

You know what else I hate? People who speak in such low volumes that it's a whisper. Speak the F$%ck up! Why are you whispering?!!!!! Why do you talk low??? Why do you sound like you have marbles in your mouth?? You are NOT Marlon Brando in the Godfather and I am positive your larynx box wasn't removed by a Disney villain, so please speak up. You know what I do to people who speak really low?? I'm a bitch. I say things like "I'm sorry, can you speak up?" and then I lean my head in with a concerned look. Or I say, "I'm sorry I couldn't hear what you were saying, you speak so low!". Um, catch my drift.

You know what's even worse?? People with weak handshakes that speak in whispers. Kill yourself. For real. Just kill yourself. You are doomed bc no one can hear you or take you seriously.

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

Kathy

Keeps Going...

Day 2 of my killer braid..

Unfortunately, it's coming off today but look at how super cute it still looks. (Please disregard all the Jlo baby hair I'm rocking. It's a Hispanic thing plus they are majorly unruly during pregnancy).

I slept on it, went for a massage, and even got my teeth cleaned. And voila! Intact.

Maybe I'll have my mother-in-law do one of her classic french braids on me this weekend!

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

Kata

Braid it up!

I'm a big fan of braids. They trigger childhood nostalgia for me. I lived in braids as a kid- side ponytail braids, pigtail braids, regular ponytail braids, and baby braids. I remember my mom braiding my hair before school or before going out to play. I never learned how to do a french braid though and that superficially upsets me because I would totally be sporting them like crazy now in my "old" age. Did you know that braids came to be because of the ancient Egyptians? Yep, same people who brought us eyeliner and Cleopatra. (They were some fashion forward trendsetters!)

Braids have been making a BIG comeback- gracing the pages of many high end magazines, celebrity red carpets, and fashion runways. Frankly, I don't know when they were ever "not cool." Braids are an easy,fun, and creative way to change up a hairstyle, make a statement, or just do a little self-expression. Oh and they are super chic!

In NYC, the John Barrett Salon has opened a Braid Bar on the ninth floor of Bergdorf Goodman. Genius! Prices range from $45 for a basic braid, to $120 for a shampoo, blow dry and braid. But don't feel limited with just this one option. You can also walk in to your favorite salon (sometimes, you don't even need an appt but I would call anyways) and request a funky braid 'do! Or maybe you are one of the lucky ones and can do it yourself! Kudos to you. Now, don't brag.

Check out my stylish braid in the pic above! Courtesy of senior stylist ,Denine, at Warren Tricomi salon in the Plaza Hotel. Oh, did I mention the best part?? These braids last FOREVER!!!!!!!! And by forever I mean like 5-7 days. Good option for a bad hair day.

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

Kathy

Rock n' Roll!

Seriously, I have no words for this. It was heaven in my mouth.
I am obsessed with Rock Shrimp (I wrote a whole blog on Nobu's rock shrimp.)
This past weekend, I hit up LA hot spot, Katsuya, and dove right into this dish as soon as I spotted it on the menu. (tastes very similar to Nobu's but has a distinct twist to it. It's not as creamy but a little more crunchy) No questions asked.

Besides having my own rock shrimp appetizer (I don't like to share certain dishes), I decided to also try the Rock Shrimp roll, which is basically a small order of rock shrimp piled onto any roll of your choice. I went for the cucumber roll so I could get some veggies in me. (Hey, that's the way my mind works, yo).

5 days later, and I am still dreaming about it! Doesn't it look so pretty?? It's gourmazing!

Here's to you. Here's to Me.

Kathy

Fashion at your fingertips. Literally.

So last week I went to a really groovy fashion show for Forever 21.

It wasn't your traditional fashion show where bazillion of fashionistas in heels rush the runway to get their front row seat for a chance to be seen and rub elbows with every socialite and fashion editor known known to man.

Granted, it's Forever 21, and while it may not be at the same level of major fashion houses, it is still a very successful clothing empire around the world that really caters to customers and their wallets without bankrupting them. Style is never sacrificed at Forever 21. It is a shopping mecca for any chic woman or man. Just ask some of your favorite celebs who are often caught purchasing some steals at the retail store.

The co-ed show featured fall looks worn by attractive, hipster models. What was different about this show? It was all done in Hologram which added to the uniqueness of the 7 minute spectacle. The hologram show has been travelling all over the world with stops in NYC, London, Brussels, and even Vienna. The visual illusion of it was very cool and you really felt that the models were literally going to walk straight into you. They climbed up and down stairs, in the rain, upside down so it was definitely different and entertaining.

Now if only fashion week as a whole could be projected as a hologram! There would be lot of angry clackers but lots of happy journalists.

Here's to you. Here's to Me.

Kathy.