what will our babies look like?

Over the weekend, I was doing a deep clean of the house and ran across this collection of clippings I'd gathered over the years of what I thought Edgar's and my children might one day look like. These kids [along with the ones I regularly picked out in public...yes, that's me, Creepy McCreepyton] are all adorable, but I never could have imagined my boys as they are!

I did, however, come pretty close: at least in the case of Miles.  Here's another advertisement I'd saved and below it, an outtake from Miles' workin' it for the camera as a model himself.  I can't help but wonder if someone will clip Miles out of a circular thinking perhaps their baby will look like him?

Did anyone else do this or something similar during pregnancy?  If so, I'd love to hear about it!

[bottom image courtesy of Perry Roach of Albion Associates]

the cabrera crazies

Another glimpse into the chaos that is our life right now, via Edgar's journal.
And let me add that this is no exaggeration; it's just what happens before 10 am.

living in a house of boys

This has become a regular occurance...much to The Beagle's and my dismay.

the untitled works of toddlers at 23 months

Lately, I can not open my sketchbook near Max and Miles without feeling as though I've entered a shark tank at feeding time.  Something about the idea of me sketching makes them go Crazy [with a capital 'C'], thirsting for attention and to sit on my lap at that very moment.  Today, I embraced this with the first of what I hope will be many collaborations with two budding artists, each with their own style.  Max prefers a good ol' No. 2 to any colored pencil, while Miles likes to switch between the two with every other stroke.

Max + Mama:



Miles + Mama:

the boy with the turtle necklace

smells like toddler spirit

Edgar and I take turns watching the boys during the day while the other works in the studio. Yesterday, while I was in front of the computer, with the door closed, I heard music blasting in the other room and Edgar yelling "MOSH PITTTT!"  This isn't the first time. To quote Edgar's notes, "We [Edgar, Max, Miles and Pokey] had a blast and a mosh pit while listening to Pearl Jam. I love the 90's."

home sweet busy home

We feel incredibly humbled to have our home featured in the February issue of O.Henry Magazine. Through our sketches we attempt to record life as we see it; to have our story told through the perspectives of such a talented writer, Maria Johnson, and photographer, Stacey Van Berkel, is truly an honor.  We look forward to sharing this snapshot of our lives with Max and Miles years from now.

that beagle, mama and preparing for winter

a tail tale

Max spends most of his time these days chasing The Beagle's tail. 

Poor Beagle hasn't had a break.

 

learning skills and traditions

These days have been busy but fun as Suzanne and I amuse ourselves by watching Max and Miles develop their motors skills and learn new things by the minute. There's nothing like looking a your boys and having them meet your gaze with the sweetest smile.

    

On another note, despite the fact that I don't consider myself a very traditional kind of guy, I love to see Suzanne passing on memories with her mom to the boys. It's such a gesture of love.

 

growing pains

We're a little over 2 months along in our journey toward making our livelihood doing what we love. Most of the time we go to bed feeling on top of the world, excited to follow our dreams of working together, spending time with our children and generally being fulfilled.  Other times, however, it's hard to ignore the whisper of that little self-doubt bug.  Isn't this an awful big risk?  What if you spend all this time and energy putting yourself out there and no one likes what you make?  Shouldn't work be miserable?

In that sense, I guess that we're not that different from Max and Miles.  Along with maturity come growing pains.  If we didn't experience these moments, then chances are we're not growing.

a balance between work and the boys

For the past few weeks, we've tried almost every formula possible trying to find a balance between having a productive work day and spending time with the boys.  We have to admit it's been a challenge to swing both, but it's getting easier as the boys are learning to play with each other more and more.

our little angels

Lately, by the end of the day Edgar and I are completely wiped out, borderline comatose.  The boys do not stop from dawn [or before] to dusk.  Sunday, however, was a different story.

life / work

So this is how things look when the entire family is at work. Suzanne and I work in studio while the boys dismantle every corner of the house.

the pacifier war

It's a constant around our house.

gampaw and max

m+m's bedtime routine

Edgar and I are looking forward to one of our first 'dates' tonight since the birth of Max and Miles courtesy of three of my past students who kindly volunteered to watch the boys. In putting together some notes for them, I was reminded of all the little things we've learned over the past nine months. Here's a glimpse at the last 15 minutes of the day.

sweet love

Sweet love, my quick sketches could never do you justice. However, they are my best attempts to save every detail of your precious baby face for all eternity. You are such a beautiful gift to the world.

max & miles' first post

we can't talk yet, but we're great at finger painting...at least with bananas and cheerios...mama g helped us put our newfound talents to work painting this card for papi!

'til next time, M&M

a soft place to land