The bear hibernates

Maxy Bear fell sleep last night at 7:00pm...and did not wake up until 5:00am!!! Can I tell you how elated we were? Well, at first panicked, then elation.

Mama is hoping that Max decides to do this tonight while Dad travels...crossing fingers!

Another wedding weekend

Yesterday Leon and I had the pleasure of attending Tenh's (his coworker) wedding to her man Derek. What a lovely wedding. Loved the colors, the crowd, the dress - oh absolutely loved that gorgeous dress. You could tell Tenh and Derek were very much in love and we were honored to share in their day.

We left Max with our nanny which meant...bring on the al-al-al-al-al-alcohol. Ha ha. We got to sit at the "fun" table (Table 14..holllaaaaaa!!!!) and definitely had a blast.

Bride Tenh & Groom Derek

Me, Kristen, Kerry

Me, Leon, Meghan

Look at that dress!!!

Derek, Leon, Tenh, Me, Kristen, Kerry

More fun in the bath

Ali introduces Max to Maddy

After Max's appointment today, I was able to meet my friend Ali for a quick coffee so I could finally meet her sweet little 2-month old Maddy. Maddy is SO precious. I can't believe that Max was that tiny at one time. It was great catching up and talking about life as a mom. I love that Ali takes everything with a grain of salt - maybe it's the New Yorker in her, but it doesn't take away from her being a great mom. Can't wait for Maddy & Max to meet again!

Maddy & Ali (sorry for the not-great pic from the iPhone plus Maddy was in action the whole time!)

4 month stats

Max did much better with his shots today than his last  appointment - and so did Mom! :)

I just can't believe how big this kiddo is getting and how fast time is passing. Max loves to laugh now, has rolled over, and is drooling like crazy. He has also found his thumb and soothes himself to sleep with it.

Here's his stats:

Head circumference: 42 3/4 cm - 66th percentile

Height: 25 1/4 in. - 66th percentile

Weight: 16 lbs. 5 oz. - 79th percentile

Weekend Wrap-Up

I know I've been a non-blogger as of late. Really, it's this work thing that crept up on me, and now I am busier than ever. But the weekends bring a different kind of busy - busy socializing with friends. We like this kind of busy better!

Saturday, we attended the wedding of our friend Ray to his beautiful bride Ana. It was a high school reunion of sorts as well. Quentin was the best man and delivered a very Quentin-like speech, always funny. We are so glad for Ray finding his true love and you could tell this was one very happy couple.

Q delivering a speech, and the newlyweds Ana & Ray

Max in his dapper duds - family photo

Sunday we attended a lunch in honor of Jimmy's bday. Unfortunately, no photos to share because I am a dork and forgot my camera. Happy B-day Jimmy!

Some time with the fam

Took a one day trip to Stockton this past weekend to visit my folks. My uncle passed away recently and although I never met or knew him (He lived in Vietnam) it certainly doesn't make it easy on my mom. So I thought maybe a visit from the grandson could help.

My sister Nga ended up stopping by as well to get her Aunt skills going on. Here she is feeding Max:

Not much else to report except my sleep is suffering between work and an infant, but that just means an extra dose of caffeine in the afternoon :)

I survived

No, I'm not talking about that crazy show Leon and I watch, I am really talking about me. I survived my first day of work, no waterworks as I said goodbye to my Maxy Bear. As a matter of fact, I was so busy the entire day, it helped me keep my mind off of him.

Angie was so sweet and dropped by yesterday to give me a photoframe as a gift so I can put a picture of Max in it to look at while I am at work. I also got a text from Shannon to wish me luck on my first day back. You guys are too sweet! They must have seen me driving in my car last week shedding tears when I first left Max with the nanny! Lol...

Anywho - Max is in tact, I am ok, and I can't believe how time flew by.

More fun pix

I am squeezing in all the fun time I can with Max before I have to return to the working world, and I must say, he gets more fun everyday. He's turning into quite the personality. 

Here's some more fun pix from the past week:

Max checks himself out in the mirror during tummy time

Though Max is a fan of baths, he does not seem to be a fan of the bubble mohawk

Peter's impromptu B-day celebration

Yesterday the Paulsons invited us and the Kavals out to take a walk in downtown PA to check out the Arts Festival. We walked around for a bit and then ended up at Gordon Biersch for an impromptu celebration of Peter's bday. Peter's bro Dave made all the arrangements last minute and we got to enjoy our food, beer, & friends. I also convinced Peter to order a beer sampler. :)

I learned that Peter's nieces deemed him the "Prince of Trickery" when he fibs to them. How cute is that?

Happy Birthday Peter!

Peter & Ann

The Prince of Trickery

Adam visits

A little late on this post, but last week we were graced by a visit from Adam who happened to stop in from the East Coast. This is the first time he's met Max and he's a natural with kids. It wasn't long until Max cracked a smile for him. Adam made nice even though Max busted out his Cal shirt :)

Leon, Max, & Adam

Chatterbox

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