Baking therapy - Cinnamon Rolls

Since we did not know whether Max was still "contagious" or not, we unfortunately had to bail on an Xmas Eve brunch with the Paulsons. Was so bummed out, but we certainly did not want little Hank to go through what Max had to.

I was going to bring fresh cinnamon rolls to the brunch. But hey, even if we weren't having brunch together, there is no reason why I couldn't share. I brought these sweet treats to the Paulsons anyhow. Angie - no more Trader Joes cinnamon rolls ok? You'll just have to call me. :)

Rolling out the dough

Cinnamon, sugar, & butter - oh my!

Spreading it on

Ready to roll into the oven

Smothered in icing

Baking therapy - Christmas Cookies

I've been a pretty busy baker these past few days. My dear dear Max had to visit urgent care TWICE in the beginning of this week. First, his ear infection never fully went away, then he came down with HFMD...ugh. Poor thing could not eat a real meal for three days and it hurt him alot. Thankfully, our best Christmas gift was that by Christmas Eve, Max was all better!

In the meantime, I took to baking as my therapy (and preparation for hosting Xmas at our house). First up: Christmas cookies. I usually bake about 10 different kinds, but this year, just the frosted sugar would have to do. I actually had some Christmas carolers visit on Thursday while I was making these! So cute, all these kids that sang "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" carrying candles and their song lyrics. I told them I don't have any figgy pudding, but I do have Christmas cookies to share. They were very excited. Man, I thought that Christmas caroling only happened in the movies! :)

Rolled out

Fresh from the oven

All ready for frosting & decor

Decorated & drying

Wesley comes to the Bay

Uncle Wesley made it here all the way from Beijing to meet his nephew for the first time. I must say, Max LOVES his uncle. They have been having a great time together since Wes got here on Wednesday.

Max meeting Uncle Wes for the first time on Wednesday

Dad, Max, & Uncle

Christmas morning

Uncle Wes & Max have fun during Max's weekly picture

Cuteness :)

The McMillers Holiday Shindig

On Saturday night we got a babysitter and ventured out to Shannon & Garrett's holiday celebration. Wow...what a spread! The fanciest homemade appetizers, drinks, & treats. We had a great time. Unfortunately I wasn't good about getting many people pictures as I was busy taking pics of all their decor...oops!

Silver balls

Yummy platters

And more!

My one person picture - Peter in the kitchen

Cranberry mojitos

Leon's Bday Celebration

Friday night we celebrated Leon's bday (real bday is December 15th). Friends came to have drinks and Mexican food with the birthday boy. I found some cool crowns at Paper Source and no one was wearing them - but leave it to Emma (Jeff & Sam's little girl) to get the party started and hand out crowns to everyone.

Max was a super trooper. We turned up the sound machine in his room extra loud and stuffed a towel under the door. Kiddo slept great - even when we busted out singing to Leon (way to go Angie :) ).

Leon had a great time and so did I. It's nice to know that a little bit of the old Chens are back even though we have a lil one in tow now. Thanks to everyone who came out.

Happy bday Leon - I love you dub bub! :)

Xmas card rejects

Rejected...but too funny & cute not to post :)

"Nice...is this real cotton?" 

Surprise...boredom

No explanation needed...one of my favs

Tank: "Please....hurry...up!" 

Eminem's got nothin' on Tank!

Tired reindeer...modeling is hard work

Test picture - new camera

I know...right? Doesn't this make me look like some professional photog with a great camera and fancy equipment?

No...credit my new point-and-shoot Canon S95. Leon got this for me as a bday present since I was in the market for a new point-and-shoot camera (and I was hinting very hard about this one...drooling over it actually). The rave reviews credit great photos in low light, moving shots, and SLR technology without the huge cam. Now I just got to figure out all the settings.

Santa's little helpers

I tried to do a photo session in front of our tree, but a moving dog, moving baby, and overhead lights don't make for a combination of a good photo! Here's some of them anyhow because I think these two are funny :)

Someone likes to sit up

Hank's 1st Bday

Saturday we headed over to the Paulsons for Henry's very first bday! I can NOT believe how time has flown. I still remember Ang in the hospital and holding lil swaddled-up Hank. Now he's turn into this full-on boy...how did that happen so fast?



The Paulson's made it a fun affair with a lovely spread of adult and kid-friendly food, cute decor, and great company. Hank was in his dapper duds looking too cool for school in a yellow tie, button-down shirt, and converse! Even Dad Brett was matching in a yellow polo.



Happy birthday little Hank!

Sophie gets chewed out

We thinks someone is teething...Max has been having trouble sleeping, drooling like crazy and chewing on everything in sight. His most favorite chewing object right now is his little Sophie the giraffe (thanks Lawrences). Right now her legs are taking a beating. Hurry up and cut through tooth...save Sophie!

Thanksgiving visits

While we were out in Stockton, we paid our visits to my friend Marifi and her little ones as well as my sister Hong & her family. Though the visits were short (our lives revolve around Max's nap schedule!), it was great to catch up :)

The 3 D's (Devin, Dillon, & Deston) surround Max

Clockwise fr left: Devin, Marifi, Dillon, Aleah, Deston, & Max

Marifi has fun with Max

Max & Aleah

My neice Marissa holds up her bday gift (Abercrombie cardigan) from us...she's 13!

From left: Marissa & Lucky, Max, Hong, Johnathon, & John

Max gets QT with Aunt Hong