My little bear

Just some pics I took while in LA....LOVE my bear :)

Catching up with the Hivelys

While we were in LA, we were able to visit the beautiful home & family of Brad & Heather. Wow! The home was fab, the dog (Theo) was too funny, and Maya was too cute (and sassy from what we hear too...how's she sassy already? Must be the red hair!)

We had always joked about our parallel lives (pregnant at the same time with due date within 3 days of each other and closed on our new homes within 3 days of each other) so it was great to catch up.

Heather & Lil Miss Maya

Brad & Maya

Playtime! 

Max & Maya on the music table

Dads & offspring

Fun with Uncle Wesley

Max definitely had a lot of fun with his Uncle Wesley while he was visiting from China. These two know how to ham it up. We will miss you when you are back in Beijing Uncle Wes!

Enjoying time with Ye Ye & Nai Nai

While we were in LA last week, Max got alot of QT with his grandparents. I think he was loving every minute as much as they did :)

Great Grandmas, Great Grandpas, & Aunts

Max got a super-dose of the Chen side of the family while we were in LA this week. On Wednesday, all the Greats came to have dinner at Leon's parents house to visit Wesley and see Max. Leon's Mom cooked up quite the meal. What a fun visit and Max was hamming it up for everyone!

Greeting everyone

Max doesn't know yet what to do with 'hóng bāo'

More Great Grandma love

A big meal and more doting

Christmas "Wrap" up

It has been a busy time for us between Christmas and New Year, so this Christmas post is coming to you on New Year's Eve :)

Max's first Christmas came & went. I am just sorry I didn't get more pictures - I was too busy cooking. We hosted Christmas at our place this year and it was a hit! My side of the family came as well as Leon's uncle and Leon's brother Wesley was also still in town.

Max woke up happy as a clam on Xmas morning (this was our gift, poor kiddo was real sick the entire week) and opened his stocking with Daddy. Santa brought Max a little radio flyer push wagon.

I was glad having everyone together and Max getting to see so much family. Of course, Max & Tank made out like bandits and they were buried in gifts. Everyone was so generous and we are thankful Max has so much caring family in his little life already.

Christmas morning opening stockings

Max in the Radio Flyer wagon

The spread & Tank waiting for prime rib

Opening gifts with the fam!

Winding down for the night

Baking therapy - pies

Since we were feeding a total of 12 people on Christmas, in my mind, that called for three pies. My choices? Apple, pecan, & pumpkin.

Granny smiths cleaned & ready

Peeling away

bottom crust

Finished apple pie

Pumpkin filling

Finished pumpkin pie

Finished pecan pie (yep...a little, er, " well done")

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 :)