39 weeks

Here's a side view...he's still in there!

Nursery (almost) complete!

On Friday, Brett & Angie came over for some breakfast-for-dinner. But first, we put the boys to work hanging up shelves in the nursery. Thanks Brett for helping out Leon! Was glad to know the drywall was still in tact :) Now I feel so much better and the nursery is just about complete. I am only missing some custom roman shades I am having made which will soon be here.

Little Hank also showed off his crawling skills! Even with obstacles such as Tank licking his face every 5 minutes. This guy is going to be walking before we know it. :)

Leon & Brett celebrate their hard work with a beer.

The finished result

Changing area and a bed (so Leon and I can take turns with all-nighters)

Crib, rocking chair

Another view of the crib (Bedding is from Skip Hop, I bought different fitted sheets though in both orange and aqua)

Artwork I bought on Etsy

This spectacular quilt that Annika made for us...it is the cutest! I plan to take pics of the little one on it each week as Annika did and Angie is also doing with little Hank.

Now it's just a waiting game. I'm trying to take it easy as my OB/GYN is at a conference this week Monday - Wednesday. No more long walks for me unless I want to go into labor. I am eager to meet this little guy in person, but I am also fine with him incubating a little longer :)

Taking bets!

Ok people...had my weekly doc appt. this morning and found out I am already 2-3cm dilated! This little guy may be arriving sooner than we thought.

Any predictions? :)

Happy 6th b-day to Tank!

My little fur-baby turned 6 years old on Tuesday! We celebrated a day late with some Fred Steak and a Sprinkles cupcake...just like last year.

This year will bring about a lot of changes for our furry first-born and us, but in the meantime, he got to be spoiled for a day.

Lounging in the sun in the backyard

Patiently awaiting his steak

A cupcake for dessert

One more visit from Mom-In-Law

On Sunday, Leon's Mom came out to visit us one more time before the baby's arrival. We ran some errands, prepared some art for the nursery, and put together a gift basket for the maternity ward at Lucille Packard. She also brought a knitted blanket she's been working really hard on and it turned out wonderful!

I know she's excited for her first grand-baby. So are we. As we anticipate his arrival so close now, we are both nervous and excited.

Here's a pic we shot before she left yesterday. I'm 38 weeks along!

Graduation

I had finally completed my degree in December, but due to peer pressure, I walked in graduation this past weekend on the 8th. After it was through, I was glad I did it. As much as I was uncomfortable with my 9 month preggers self, my friend Ali was a fellow pregger at 7 months and could empathize. The weather couldn't have been better and my family came out to join in the festivities.

With Leon...with my sister...my moms & pops...and fellow classmates.

Walking...with my advisor Dr. Nyland...with my sister and her fam

GSB Reunion Weekend - late post

The weekend of May 1st marked the one year reunion for Leon's biz school at Stanford. Alot of friends from near and far were in town to visit, so Leon and I threw an afternoon BBQ/open house for everyone to stop by. It was nice to see familiar faces and bask in the good weather. Thanks to Annika for the pics!

36 weeks

Four more weeks! Yes....the countdown is here. Today i am exactly 36 weeks along.

Leon and I don't really have a pic together with my bump. Since we took one for Stanford's reunion weekend dinner slideshow thingy (something like that) I decided to post it too.

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 :)