3 months old

Max turned 3 months old yesterday. How did that happen already?

I'm really gonna' miss this kiddo when I go back to work!

A last summer BBQ

On Sunday we had a few friends over for a last of the summer BBQ. Can you believe September is just around the corner? It was nice to have a few peeps over for some good food and conversation.

I also start work next week (yikes!) so I better get in the good socializing before I am exhausted again :)

Story telling

Leon helps get Max down for a nap

Hank & Angie

How cool is this?

I saw this infomercial and told Leon I NEED to have one. Help me convince him...it's so cool! :)

SoCal Reunion The Final Episode - The Stanford Baby Boom in SC

The last part of our SoCal trip we spent in San Clemente. Brett & Annika were such generous hosts and gave up their own bed for us to sleep in! Thanks so much you guys, really. We had a great time and it was great to see you both and your beautiful boys. 

Annika is a true super mom. Before I was even downstairs in the morning she was fully dressed, her boys were fully dressed, breakfast was being served, and she was out the door for a morning walk...seriously! 

Also in attendance were Brett P., Angie, & Hank as well as Brad, Heather, & Maya. We are already in talks for a reunion like this next year!

So fun to see everyone's kids together and how they all have their own little personalities. In one moment while all the little ones were awake, we were able to line them up on the couch for a photo shoot.

Max tries to woo the only girl there, Miss Maya!

Hank, Brooks, Max, Wiley, & Maya (How cute is it that Wiley is holding Max's hand?)

Hank, Brooks, & Max

Angel Baby

We had quite the week in LA. I don't want to jinx it, but I have to say that Max has been an angel. Feeding every 4-5 hours, smiling and talking, and even sleeping some five and six hour stints!

More to come on the last part of the trip, but for now, here is my angel :)

The baby who makes us into liars

SoCal Reunion Part III - Max meets Uncle Joma

While Tank slept the day away...

Leon and I headed out to Culver City to meet Joma for lunch at Kay n Daves. I have known Joma FOREVER...since 2nd grade. He's been down in LA for awhile now teaching high school. It's always fun to catch up and although we don't talk often, it's like we always pick up where we left off.

Joma got to share stories of his single life...while we let him know to live it up, or else he will be going to bed at 9:00pm as Leon and I did last night! Or the highlight of his day may be having a margarita, as I did at lunch. My my, how times have changed :)

Joma, Leon, & Max

SoCal Reunion Part II - Max meets the high school crew

Yesterday was a reunion with a couple of Leon's high school friends and their kiddos. I am so bummed I forgot my camera, so I took what pics I could from my iPhone. I didn't even get pics of the hosts! Shameful. Genevieve & Dave hosted a get-together at their home and we got to finally meet their little one Isabelle. Jake & his wife Gillian joined the fun with their two - Lennon & Nico. Also, Dave's sister & Mom tagged along.

I have to say that Gen & Dave as well as Gill & Jake have just the cutest kids!!! I couldn't get enough of them, they were too precious. Seeing them playing, I couldn't wait until Max was at that stage and more interactive...however, I may eat those words later :)

It was a fun time and we were all joking about how much our lives had changed since last year. Gen was recalling their trip up North to see Leon and I and how we were drinking on a rooftop in SF then playing Rock Band (our band name? 5 donuts!) into the wee hours of the morning...now look at us! Lol...we wouldn't change any of it though.

It was great to see all these guys and hopefully next time it is not so long in between visits.

Linda, Judy, Leon, & Jake

Isabelle

Lennon

Nico

SoCal Reunion Part 1 - Max meets the Chen side

Leon and I made our way down to LA this past Saturday for a week long trip of visiting family and friends.

Sunday started off with a banquet lunch hosted by Leon's parents as a celebration for Max's arrival which also happened to fall on the Chinese Father's Day (8/8). We ate lots of food and everyone took their turn to meet Max. The great-grandparents were especially enamored with the little one. It was great to spend time with everyone!

Aunts, Uncles, and Great-Grandparents

More Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins

Great-Grandparents & New Grandparents

Max in the hood

Just posting a couple funny pics of the little one. :)

After bathtime a face peeks out from the towel

Sleeping in the hood

2 month 1 week stats

First off...Moms, how do you deal with the shots? Breaks my heart to see Max screaming in pain (even if only for a minute). I think it hurts me more than him. Thank goodness we don't go back again until 4 months old...or does it just get worse? Nevermind, I don't want to know. All I can tell myself is it is for his good health!

Anyhow, speaking of healthy, we got one very healthy Max on our hands. We'll call him our little butterball. Doc says that most breastfed babies will gain alot of weight in the first 6 months and then lose it later - guess it is the fat in the breastmilk. For now, we'll enjoy our chunky monkey.

Head circumference: 41cm - 69th percentile
Height: 23 1/4 in. - 54th percentile
Weight: 13lbs 14 oz. - 88th percentile

Here was Max right before our appointment today...I didn't take an "after" pic!

"I have no clue what's in store for me!"

More time with Grandma & Grandpa

Yesterday my parents visited and brought alot of goodies with them for us and for Max. We spent some time together here and had lunch at The Creamery in downtown PA.

Always nice to see them lovin' on their Grandson. In a couple weeks Max is going to get to visit the entire Chen side of the fam in LA. I am sure they'll be surprised with how big he's gotten'.

Max has fun with Grandma

Rupa & Sara meet Max

Rupa & Sara headed down from SF this morning to meet and greet little (well...BIG) Maxwell. We even decked out Max in his Cal onesie just for Rupa!

We all had a great lunch at Cafe Barrone, heard about Rupa's adventures at the World Cup and Sara's consulting gig. Max even woke up to spend some time with the ladies.

Rupa & Max

Sara & Max

Max is 2 months old!

Can you believe it's already been 2 months? Alot has changed. He's sleeping in longer spurts, cooing more, and staying awake and alert but quiet. Loving this kiddo more and more...if that is possible. ;)

Max seems surprised too!

Talking back to Momma

Bumbo

Max is sturdy enough now to play in the Bumbo. (Sturdy is an understatement...this kid is getting LARGE!)

Bumbo seats are fun!

Until Tank gets in on the action...

Relaxed Sunday

Not much goin' on here this Sunday. We were graced by a visit from co-worker/friend Lisa and her husband Steve who happened to be in the neighborhood for a kids bday party. Our little fam then had an at-home BBQ.

Look at this pic of Leon and Max chillin'! Max has been in these awake alert states lately WITHOUT crying...yay. Things are more fun that way.

Hope all of you had a great Sunday too!

The old Stanford crew

This morning we got together with the old Stanford crew from Leon's PhD days. The Sandoras threw a wonderful welcoming brunch to meet and greet Max.

I had first met Leon through these guys and even knew Matt & Jason before knowing Leon. Slowly, everyone had girlfriends, then wives, then kids over the years. We are the last of this crew on the kiddie train, but can now be officially part of the "family" photos :)

So good to catch up with these guys - we don't see them nearly enough!

The Dads and kids from left to right: Leon & Max, Matt with Niklas & Brennen, Lillian (separate from her Dad, Kareem), Jason with Calleigh (Tilden his older son is missing from this shot), & Kareem.

The Moms: Me & Max, Lara with Niklas & Brennen, Liana & Lillian, Cammy & Calleigh

The bump-off

How funny is this pic that our friend Tom sent us? We went on a trip to Tahoe during Valentine's day weekend this past February with a few other couples and our lovely hubbies cooked the girls a Valentine's Day dinner.

This pic was taken before bedtime...Leon and I comparing bumps :)

A new chill spot

Hmmm...think I found a new spot that has put Max into a Zzzzzz state. On the bed in the nursery surrounded by a boppy. Napping like a champ...and I like it!

Zzzzzzzzzz.....

Little Houdini - both feet escape the swaddle

Tummy time

Happy Ann-dependence Day!

We celebrated Ann's 4th of July b-day yesterday. The Kavals didn't disappoint with a BBQ at their house. Nice weather, good food, and Max was on his best behavior! Kiddo slept like a log! Even last night...3 hour spurts. Let's hope these napping intervals last!

Max enjoying the breeze under the trees

The guys show their BBQing skills

Shannon says "I can't help that I'm SO GOOD at beer pong!"

B-day girl Ann watches her beer pong team mate go for a shot

Oops...Henry is getting this party started!

Could Peter be a tad bitter about Lebron?

The Homs hang out

Friday night the Homs came to visit. We haven't seen them since I was in the hospital with Max! Just like old times we had some dinner, dessert, and nice conversation.

Here's Max with Auntie Francie!

Max interacts

I have been trying to get Max on video cooing and smiling. Once he sees the red light on the camera though, his face goes blank. Here's a little bit though that Leon caught one night.

Hank's gotta wear shades

Another Thursday morning walk for Angie, myself, and the boys. Nothing too exciting happened except a bad momma move on my part for failing to put the brake on the stroller while trying to watch Hank clap, and then the stroller rolling and almost... Let's not talk about that though...let's talk about Henry and Momma Ang sporting those shades! Love it!!!

Mama needs to get out

As much as motherhood has been rewarding for me, it also makes you turn into a hermit - especially when you breastfeed. I get cabin fever and sometimes I need to get out and about.

So although Max decided to wake up at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30 last night, (I finally handed him over to Leon at 4:30am...that's close enough to 5am right?) I still had big ambitions to get out of the house today.

First stop was Cafe Barrone (of course right?) for lunch. Lucky for me, Ann had the day off and happened to be running errands in Menlo Park. So we met up and caught up on our weekend. Ann was kind enough to hold Max, lulling him to sleep so I could finish my sandwich. Thanks Ann!

Max then went into meltdown mode and we made a quick stop at home for a feeding before heading off to Target. I frequented Target alot before I had a kid, but now I can find alot more excuses to go. It's a good excuse to get out of the house anyway. :)

More fam

Currently listening to: Lady Gaga - Poker Face (The Cherrytree Sessions)

Yesterday we were graced with a visit from my sister and nephew (from a different sis!). My nephew Anthony is in the Marines and is on a 15 day leave. Was great to see him before his 21st b-day (yes...I am THAT old) and have him meet a cousin from the Roberts side of the fam.

Auntie Nga hasn't seen Max since he was born, so was good to squeeze in a visit here while Anthony is in town. We had a nice visit followed by a good lunch a Reposado in Palo Alto.

Cousins Max & Anthony (look at those cheeks on Max!!!)

Auntie Nga & Max

Baby-whispering Windelers

Our favorite friends from Michigan granted us with a visit this Sunday through Wednesday - the Windelers! Although it was a pretty chillaxin' time, it is always great to see them.

I mentioned in my previous post about Max being a little fussy as of late...well I think Jenn & Brahm brought some baby magic. He slept in 3 hour increments at night and even slept during the day...like a baby :) Here I was worried about him waking them all up at night and he proves me wrong. Way to go Max!

Miss you guys already...are you sure you don't want to move back to California?

Amelia enjoys the whale pool (thanks Hivelys!) while Tank checks things out

Kaija & Amelia playing games on the Mac

Jenn, Amelia (hiding), Kaija, Brahm, & Max

Wish he was always like this

Unfortunately our Maxy-bear is out of hibernation...alot of the time. He's been going through a fussy period lately and only likes to sleep on our trips to Trader Joes. So if any of you need groceries, let us know. We may be frequenting those aisles often :)

1 month stats

Successful visit to the doc today. Max took his Hep B shot better than Mom :) He cried for a short time then was ok.

Here's his stats:

Head circumference - 38.25cm, 50th percentile

Height - 21.75 inches, 57th percentile

Weight - 9 lbs 14.5ozs., 52nd percentile

Looks like he's middle of the road for now.

1 month old!

Today Max is officially 1 month old! Wow how time flies. Lots of changes already in this little one. He is starting to coo when talked to, track things with his eyes, and stay awake a little longer during the day. Tomorrow we go in for his one month check-up and I can't wait to see how much he's grown. I can definitely tell he is longer and of course, heavier.

Here's a video of Max enjoying his activity mat: