But by the time they were coming 10 minutes apart she decided ''we had better get the Christmas presents opened and eat'', in case her second child decided it was on its way.
Her predictions were correct, and Mrs Foggiato and her husband, Robson Pacheco, welcomed their new daughter, Elena, at 2.50am yesterday at Alexandra's Charlotte Jean Maternity Hospital, having finished eating their Christmas meal and opening their gifts at home not long before.
The couple, who are from Brazil, have lived in Cromwell for about 10 years but still observe the Brazilian tradition of having a Christmas Eve dinner. About 10 friends were at their house for the Christmas celebration when Mrs Foggiato went into labour.
They said yesterday they were thrilled with their Christmas baby, although they predicted Christmas would be ''very busy'' from now on.
The family thanked their midwife, Suzanne MacIntosh, and nurse, Glenda Bernhardt.
Elena was not the only bundle of joy to arrive in Otago yesterday.
Down the road in Dunedin, Waverly couple Mallory Anderson and Jamie Coppins welcomed happy and healthy baby girl Pippa Grace Coppins yesterday morning at 2.37am.
The new dad, who could barely take his eyes off Pippa Grace, said he was in awe of his partner, who entered Dunedin Hospital's Queen Mary Maternity Centre at 7pm on Christmas Eve.
''She's handled it well. A lot better than I have.
''I don't know how Mallory's handling it because she did all the work.
''I literally haven't slept since 6pm.''
He paid tribute to the services of their midwife, Fiona Heares, along with hospital staff.
''The Christmas spirit was definitely evident last night.
''We couldn't have asked for a better Christmas present.''
-Additionally reported by Pam Jones
