BBQ at the Chung's

Auntie Sara and Uncle Dan invited us over to their house for a BBQ after Auntie Jess' baby shower. I didn't bring you to the baby shower because I knew I couldn't watch over you while I was preparing everything and leading games. So daddy and you stayed home while I was at the baby shower. We went to Auntie Sara's house around 5pm and we didn't end up leaving until 11pm. It was a long night, but a fun night. You and Auntie Sara really bonded. She read to you and played with you for most of the night.

Say cheese for the camera!

You love reading books.

Ba da ba ba ba... I'm loving it

Mommy's worst nightmare became a reality. While mommy was at Auntie Jess' baby shower daddy took you to McDonald's and bought you were first meal. He sent me these pictures while you guys were there and I was so mad! I wanted to wait as long as possible until you had your first fast food experience, but daddy ruined it. He always want to feed you unhealthy things and I get so mad. Apparently you gobbled up the french fries. You also had the McNuggets (the fake chicken nuggets). Knowing daddy, I'm afraid you too will love burgers and fries... Sigh.

Jess' baby shower

Today was Auntie Jess' baby shower. Both Auntie Sara and I had planned a lot to make this day special for Auntie Jess. I'm still in awe how Jess is doing so well considering the circumstances. I hope that when Emma is born that she will know how much everyone loves her.

Emma Shin's banner. I made this for Jess so that she can use it to hang in Emma's nursery after she is born.

Jess and I had painted doilies to use instead of streamers. I think it turned out nice.
I used the colour scheme of Jess' baby shower- pink, yellow, and orange.

Here is Auntie Sara prepping the food to go on the table. We tried to make everything an hors d'oeuvres.

This is the wonton cups with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and chives.

These are endives with goat cheese, croutons, and bacon.

This was one of my favourites- french baguette with bocconcini, basil, and cherry tomatoes.

Who doesn't love sliders?

And here is the full table display. Pretty, no?

This is the dessert/candy station.

Auntie Sara made these delicious mini cupcakes. 

And see how everything looks in context.

I seriously think the Han sisters should go into a party planning business!

Another view of the banner.

You Toronto grandpa helped with some dishes as well. She made the sandwiches and the fruit platter.

I designed these flowers with lollipop middles to give out as favours for all the guests. Auntie Jess wrote personalized
notes for everyone and Auntie Sara helped me put these all together.

We had more desserts by the living room area.

Here are the game prizes. I picked these Pantone inspired cups at the Real Canadian Superstore for $2 each.
We stuffed these with candy and Auntie Jess wrapped it in cellophane and tied it with a ribbon and a flower.

Auntie Jess is talking to some of the guests.

Here's Ye-Ah. We knew her when she was in grade 6.
It's kind of amazing how she is now a mom. That's her son David.

Some more guests having fun and chatting.

After the gifts, Auntie Jess shed a tear while she was thanking everyone for coming. She basically was so thankful that
she was able to have a baby shower when the chances of her not carrying her baby to full term were so high.
Praise God!

Liner notes

The older you get I notice strange tendencies about you. You have a strange fascination of lining things up- both vertically and horizontally. You are very methodical in how you play too. I find it fascinating because I've never seen a kid play like you do. Usually kids tend to play with things in a haphazard manner. You, however, are very gentle when you play. You don't bang things or make a lot of noise. Tonight while mommy and daddy were watching TV you were playing by our side with your wooden blocks. We didn't notice what you were doing until I looked at you and saw that you had lined the blocks in a straight line. Then you started over and started stacking the blocks. The 3rd time I looked up and you had all the blocks lined up in a pattern. Weird.

Birthday dinner

After last year's huge birthday party with family & friends daddy and I decided to do a more low-key birthday party for you this year. I want to throw you parties once you are old enough and you have your own friends. I only invited my family- your Toronto grandparents, Auntie Jess/Uncle Wayne, and Auntie Sara/Uncle Dan. Luckily I was working from home on Friday and had a half day so I was able to prepare everything. Daddy, too, took a day off so he was able to babysit you while mommy cooked. Here's a few photos to capture your special day.

On the menu: Prime rib, homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, guacamole & chips, grilled watermelon salad.

Here's everyone at the party.

And the honorary guest.

Here is your ice cream cake. It was delicious. Our friend Patty, who made your cake last year, was on holidays so we had to get our cake from Baskin Robbins.

Here is mommy bringing out the cake.

Oh no! Why are you giving mommy the evil eye?!? Everyone laughed at your expression here. I think you were scared. We were singing happy birthday to you and clapping. I think you suddenly got shy.

Aidan, make a wish!

Your first birthday card of the night. It's from Auntie Jess and Uncle Wayne.

Is this what I think it is???

It's a mini Elmo doll! Look at your expression. It's priceless.

It came with a book. You just adore books right now. Auntie Jess knows you so well!

They also got you an Elmo Play-Doh kit.

Next is Auntie Sara and Uncle Wayne's card.

Ooooh! It's a wooden cart with wooden alphabet/number/picture blocks. Daddy was really happy with this one as he's been looking for wooden number blocks for you for a while.

My friend Lana would loooooove this gift! You got a Home Depot Construction kit (she works at Home Depot).

It came with a really cute Home Depot construction hat.

We had to get Rosco in the picture ;-)