Everyone likes to Snoogle

Most of you pregger (or prior pregger) people (or partners of) are familiar with the Snoogle pregnancy pillow. It's a curved body pillow for pregnant women. It's been pretty helpful for me these last 8 months and since I am a back sleeper, it forces me to sleep on my side (like I am suppose to!). Leon has found it to be quite comfy and tried it out a couple times.

Tank, however, loves to sleep in my Snoogle any chance he can get. Whether it is before bedtime as Leon and I go through our nightly routine, or right after I wake up, he's back in place.

Get your Zzzz's lil' Tank because we both will be missing out on them soon!

Visitors from AZ

Last night we were lucky to get a visit from the Chans! They were up here visiting family and friends. I was so excited to finally meet their little one, Kingsley. Those cheeks! It is hard to believe that we are going to be joining them in parenthood shortly. Didi always has some great true and tested mommy/baby things to recommend. Q always funny, but nice to see him in the Dad role. Terri and his wife Mona also swung by, but unfortunately I didn't get to snap a pic. Thanks for stopping by guys!

Momma Didi & Kingsley

Dad Quentin & Kingsley

Getting Showered

What lucky people we are to have such loving family and friends. This post is past-due with all the "showering" our family & friends have brought upon us. We really are blessed to have such generous people in our lives!

(3.27.10) First shower was thrown by my sisters, Mom, and a couple close friends. Thank you Nga, Hong, Marifi, Janet, & Mom! The sun decided to shine on this weekend and all came to see our new pad. We had lots of little ones running around and enjoyed some good food. Everyone was so generous - we barely fit the gifts into the nursery and wondered after this first shower if we already didn't need to get an even bigger home :)

(4.3.10) Next shower was hosted by our dear friends Jeff, Sam, Karen, & Jake. The theme was March Madness and everyone had to wear their favorite college team t's. They even had a small b-ball hoop hooked up in the back for those who wanted to participate in "brackets". Congrats to Tom & Michelle who won Snuggies :)

(4.6.10) The gals at work treated me to a special night out. It started with pedicures, followed by some good food at Maggianos. I was relaxed and full by night's end and ready to roll home...literally!

(4.11.10) Now came another REALLY special treat. Miss Ann P. decided while our boys were away in Pismo for the weekend, the girls needed some R&R and treats for ourselves. So, Ann, Shannon, Angie, and Angie's sis Courtney treated me to the Ritz Carlton brunch in Half Moon Bay. Wow, what a treat! Although the weather was less than stellar, the food and good company more than made up for it. Some of us even squeezed in massages the day before - I felt spoiled, but certainly wouldn't turn any of this down. Thanks girls!

(4.13.10) Last, but not least, came a shower thrown by Leon's company. It was hosted at one of the partner's very nice home in Hillsborough. Don't know that I ever mentioned it, but one of my pregnancy "cravings" has been salads from Sprout in Palo Alto. They were so nice, they had it catered by Sprout! We even had some Kara's cupcakes for dessert. The highlight was a blown-up pic of Leon as a baby that was hanging up when we entered. These folks were so generous, and we had a great time.

Whew! I think we are now more than stocked up on baby gear. Now it's countdown time until the little one arrives. Thanks to everyone for the gifts & kind words - we really are grateful for the people we have in our lives :)

Same shirt - bigger belly

This is me at a little over 32 weeks (I am now 34 weeks along). This is a beyond bump now :)

Swaddling skills and more baby bump

Happy St. Patty's Day! No crazy bar hopping or drinking green beer for me. Instead, today marks my 30 weeks along...that is 7 1/2 months! Sheesh time flies. I celebrated by getting a mani-pedi.

I am a little bummed that this past weekend Leon's side of the fam came to visit along with Wes all the way out here from Beijing...and NO CAMERA...what's wrong with me? Bummer.

Though nothing new to report in this post, thought I'd share some things with you as Leon and I practice our parenting skills on Tank.

Ahhh....this is Tank most nights. Chillin' and relaxing in front of the boob tube with us as we catch up on DVR. See how he is so well-behaved? Can we manage the same with our new little one?

Last week we attended a newborn care class. Leon learned to swaddle. Here he practiced on Tank. How do you think he did?

And here I am at 30 weeks. No doubt that belly is out there. I feel like a buddha. Just don't rub me for good luck. :)

Walk walk fashion baby...work it

Couple weeks back we had the honor of attending the JLSJ Fashion Show. Our dear friend Angie has worked so hard on this event the last 18 months, so it was great to see it all come to fruition. Although I was the sober mama, I didn't mind. It was wonderful hanging with friends, but I must say the highlight was of course, Brett's modeling debut. Work it Brett!

Lawrences came up from LA and the rest of the "married mafia" attended from around the bay.

The married mafia plus baby Hank

The beautiful Angie with her show-opening speech

Brett workin' it on the runway. Look at that snap!


The Paulson's all decked out

Little Henry

Wiley'n Out!

Our friends Annika and Brett welcomed a baby boy into the world last week...what a cutie. These two make beautiful babies. Brooks and li' Wiley are gonna' be chick magnets (actually they are already).

Congrats A & B on the new addition!

wiley steven
20 january 2010 :: 5:04am :: 7lbs13oz :: 19.5 inches

Oh boy..a baby bump

A few friends had requested "bump" pictures - so here it is! Yes, that bump just sprang out in the last couple weeks. I am 22 weeks along and doing fine. Feeling big, and I can't believe I get bigger from here.

We also found out we are having a boy! It's cool to know and imagine what raising a little boy will be like. If he is anything like he is in utero, he will be an active one.

We also closed on our new home in December, but gave the prior owners a rent-back option. So we'll be moving out first week of February, and we are super excited. It will be nice to finally say bye to this little one-bedroom apartment we have called home the last 6 months. Lots of changes for the Chens right now :)

Kingsley comes early

A little late on this post, but our dear friends Quentin and Didi welcomed a baby boy into the world on December 23rd and the bugger is too cute! Congrats you two and I can't wait to meet him in person :)

Kingsley Morgan Chan, born 12/23/09, 7:58am, 7lbs 9 oz., 20 inches

And so that next "Chapter" is coming...

Sorry for the non-blogging. It's been pretty busy for us. I finished school (yay!), we bought a new house in which we will move into in February, but the biggest news of all is that we are expectant parents!

I don't know the sex of the baby but hope to find out next week. This is still sinking in, but as my belly grows (which happened in a spurt this week) it seems to become more real.

I am 16 weeks and 5 days today. We are due May 25, 2010.


Ultrasound at 12 weeks and 3 days

Welcome Hank :)

Our friends Angie and Brett brought a new little boy into the world yesterday and he's a cutie! I am really excited for them and have already offered babysitting services. Can you blame me? Just look at him!

Congrats to you guys and cheers to your new family :)

Henry Carter Paulson. Born 12/3/09 at 11:30am. 8lbs 1/2oz, 20 3/4 in. long.




Pictures from Daddy Brett

Late post - Anniversary Weekend

Ahhh...wish I was back in HMB at the Ritz. Not many instances in which I can say that...lol.

Last weekend (10/9) marked the five year anniversary for Leon and I. Leon was such a sweet hubby and spoiled me all weekend at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay. We arrived on Friday and the weather was PERFECT. So sunny and nice. While we were waiting to check in, we walked around the grounds (which are beautiful if you have never been). Tank was lucky enough to tag along and he was lovin' life.

After checking in, a beautiful bouquet of flowers was delivered to the room (from Leon of course!). That evening we went to dinner at Pasta Moon in downtown. We came back and snuggled up next to the fire pit on our patio and made some s'mores. Yum!

The next morning we took a trip to the beach and Tank was having a really great time. Highlight was seeing a whole lot of dolphins playing in the water. Later, we had massages and manicures (even Leon), then dinner at Navio. They were very sweet and brought us an anniversary gift (truffles) at dinner.

Sunday came and we indulged in the Ritz's famous Sunday brunch. Quite the spread! If you are a seafood lover, this is the place for you. We stuffed ourselves and it was time to head back from our paradise.

Here's to five years with my hubby - love him! :)

Leon and Tank enjoying a walk

Tank has his eye on the beach

Beautiful view

View of main hotel from our room

Our anniversary truffles that came with our dessert of sorbets

Tank checking things out from our back patio

A's b-day & retirement celebration

Not for me, but I am jealous. Yesterday marked the last day of our friend Angie's working life...FOREVER. It was also a belated b-day celebration for Angie from last week. We had dinner at Calafia which was yummy. The staff thought we were joking about Angie's retirement, but the smile radiating from Angie told us that for sure, she is looking forward to the non-working life. Congrats Angie and happy belated!

Me, Angie, Ann -photo courtesy of iPete :)

Concert Weekend

Very late posting, but a couple weeks back I had a fun-filled concert weekend thanks to Leon's company. It started off on Saturday 9.12.09 with the Killers. Ann P. made a very good concert partner and we had alot of fun. The Killers put on a great show too

Me, Ann, before Jack Daniels

Ann found that VIP bar (and Jack Daniels)!

Killers

more Killers

B. Flowers

Finale

The weekend wasn't over yet. Weezer was on tour with Blink 182. I am not too much of a Blink 182 fan, so Leon and I stayed and watched Weezer, who I am definately a fan. It was pouring rain, but we were lucky to have our seats under the canopy. We also almost got in a fight in the t-shirt line - but all is well. Let's just say this was a VERY different crowd at this concert. Even so, we had a great time. Weezer is so geek-shiek and full of energy. Luv them!

Ahhh Leon and I dry and out of the rain

Weezer

That crazy Rivers

more Weezer

Finale

Don't know if I can do back-to-back concert nights again anytime soon, but it was a blast.

People of Walmart

Funny and sometimes disturbing stuff :)

http://peopleofwalmart.com/

A little catching up

Well, I haven't forgotten about updates resulting in posting random things, just needed to upload pics.

On 8.22.09 we we headed out to Stockton to visit the Estacios for little Aleah's baptismal. She is a cutie! Always nice to see the whole fams and visit the lil' D's (Deston, Devin, & Dillon). Marifi has been a friend for years and was the Matron of Honor at my wedding. Can't believe she was pregnant with her first at our wedding and now she has four! (If you want to do the math, Leon and I will be celebrating a five year anniversary this coming October).


Then came Peter's B-day weekend extravaganza! Friday, 8.28.09 started with a reunion dinner of sorts with the Chammas' up from LA, Paulsons, Kavals, and Chens meeting for dinner and drinks at Milagros. We sang to Peter and he received a lovely bread pudding thing (not really a cake???) with a candle in it. This is the only pic I had...and Brett was not injured with the beer bottle - just optical illusion there!


Saturday morning the Paulsons played along while we surprised the pants off Peter (literally) with some Stan's donuts. Wish I had pics from that, but totally forgot my camera.

Saturday night came party time. Ann set up a great dinner with drinks to follow at Medjool in San Francisco for Peter's big 3-0 celebration. We had quite a good time (as the drink bill seemed to prove). By night's end, we were on a quest for a slice of pizza, but came up short.


Since we were trying to live it up that night, we got a hotel room in the city. Tank made himself at home on the Heavenly bed and ordered room service. :)

And another

People seem to like to dedicate songs to food...but I dig this one. Plus I like G. Love :)

Because it's addicting

Visit from AZ

This past Wednesday, I got to see a few old friends from my junior high/high school days. Quentin and his wife Didi were up here from Arizona visit family and friends while trying great food up in the wine country. I was lucky enough to be a pit stop on their way, and they got a slight taste of Palo Alto. Didi is expecting and is about 4 months along, so super cute. She was rockin' her lil' bump.

Another friend, Terri came to join us from the East Bay. We all headed to NOLA's for drinks before a very yummy dinner of Japanese-style tapas at Gochi.

Terri and Quentin proved they hadn't changed much from high school - which Didi and I got to witness:)

It was nice to take a break in the middle of the week and spend it with friends.


Photos courtesy of Didi - thanks Didi!!!

Really bad wax figures

Pretty funny...

Julia Roberts looks like a man dressed in drag. That can not POSSIBLY be Cher (not in THAT dress anyhow). Poor Sandra Bullock looks more like Chris Angel, the Vegas magician. Tom Cruise could use a better wig....and Barack Obama...REALLY? Oh they are all so bad, but it makes them so good!

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/31-really-bad-wax-figures/

Apartment Living

Still adjusting to being back at work after a vacation, but more so, apartment living again.

Since we had one crazy week before leaving on vacation, I had almost forgot that we sold our townhome and that we would be returning to the apartment we moved into shortly before we left.

It's been quite awhile for us having lived in an apartment. This is also the smallest apartment I have ever lived in since it's a one bedroom. We did put alot of furniture in storage and sacrifice closet space.

There are many upsides though:
1. It's cozy (no sarcasm...really, I like cozy)
2. When I need to get a glass of water, I don't have to feign dire thirst to guilt Leon into making the trek all the way downstairs to the kitchen. I can open my bedroom door, make a left, and viola!, the kitchen is at my disposal
3. Less to clean
4. No stairs (except to get to the garage for my car)
5. A shared gym? Haven't used this feature yet
6. Short commute
7. Close to alot of restaurants (including some of our fav Taquerias....hmmm, on second thought, that can be a downside too)
8. Closer to alot of friends for more impromptu dinners, lunches, drinks...whatever
9. We are paying 1/3 in rent of what we used to pay in mortgage! This is affordable Palo Alto living.

and last but not least....

10. We get a HOUSE after moving out of here :)

Yeah, those are all really good reasons for apartment living. It also is kind of nostalgic like the old days when Leon and I were first living together.

Sand Drawing

Long...but amazing to watch.

Granada & Estepona

Ahhhhhhhhhhh....that's how I felt today. As relaxed as ever. Spent the entire day at the beach, reading a book and occasionally napping. I will miss this!

I do miss Tank alot though, and by some coincidence, every book we brought on this trip contains a dog as a major character! Can't wait to see him.

So, we spent one day in Granada (that was Wednesday) and the one thing to do there is see the Alhambra. Before then, we were itching to try paella, and it was GOOD.


This was some beans and pork fried in olive oil, and that lovely paella. YUM! We were a bit spoiled by the food in Paris, so it was nice to have something like this on our plates.


These are from the Alhambra, which one day used to be a Muslim mosque before the Christians invaded the area. It was quite beautiful and we were glad to see it. Then we were off on a 3 hour drive to Estepona.


As you can see from the above photos, Estepona was all about relaxation and not really site seeing. It's been nice to do nothing here and to get in a little relaxation before we know we have to head off to the real world again.

So tomorrow we have a very early start in the morning and will be spending our 4th of July on a plane. Hope everyone else is BBQ-ing :)