BoLA's 2011 Year

It's been a great year and it's hard for me to think that this is the last day of 2011.

In January, I baked French Macaroons with raspberry-rose buttercream for the first time and I've been itching to make another batch soon. With Chase, I'm not sure when that will happen but I hope he develops a sweet tooth like his mommy.


In February, I visited MS in Mexico City for a romantic weekend getaway. I have a sneaky suspicion that this was also THE weekend that would change our lives forever.


In March, we found out that I had a bundt in the oven! There was much secrecy at this point, but the night I took the test was the evening I went out with the girls at BOA Steakhouse on Sunset. I must have drank three whole bottles of Evian water and tried to play it cool that I wasn't having any wine with dinner.


In April, there was much rest as I entered the second trimester and we finally announced to our friends that we were expecting! Here is our other baby, Summer, resting with us... not knowing what was to come later in the year!


In May, I started having major cravings for MEAT - specifically, Korean BBQ meat!

In June, we ventured to the Santa Monica Bergamot Station Arts Center for a morning of art, culture and fun. I couldn't believe that I didn't already know of this wonderful LA spot and can't wait to take Chase there too! MS and I also celebrated our two year wedding anniversary at Osteria Mozza.


In July, we had our Gender Reveal Party at Matsui Restaurant in Little Tokyo and found out that we were having a Baby BOY by cutting into this King's Hawaiian Cake at lunch with our families. We held on to the sealed envelope from the doctor's office for a few weeks, but MS had a feeling all along...

We also went to Yosemite to celebrate one of my closest girlfriends' wedding that month of July. It was my first time to go to the National Park, but I know it won't be the last. MS used to camp here with his family growing up, and hopefully, we'll do the same with Chase when he gets a little older.

In August, I failed my pregnancy glucose test and was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. From then on, I couldn't just eat what I wanted but had to regulate my sugar intake and add more vegetables and whole grains to my diet.


In September, school was back in session and I was doing well (as best I could) with my new diabetic state. My mom threw me a perfect baby shower with 30 of our closest family members and friends, and I veered away from my strict diet with a couple of these mini-cupcakes! And my coworkers hosted another great shower for me with tons of laughter, gifts and good company.


In October, we celebrated my 33rd birthday at Club 33 in Disneyland and the World of Color at California Adventure! We also visited the hospital with two false alarms, but knew that Baby Chase was coming soon...


In November, we welcomed Chase into our hearts and into our family.


In December, we celebrated Chase's first Christmas!

It's been a whirlwind of a year filled with love, family and friends, and many wonderful changes to our lives. I'm hopeful that the New 2012 Year will be even better with more adventures and memories! And I can't wait to capture them all and chronicle them on my blog. Here's to another year of resolutions and inspirations!

Farewell 2011!

Welcome 2012!