facing the inevitable

There has been a dark cloud looming over our home this week.  We took Pokey to the veterinarian on Monday and the prognosis wasn't good.

Over the course of 11 years [8 of which have been documented here] our beagle --'The Beagle'--has grown from the bargain pup we purchased at a flea market to the first animal I've ever truly loved to a constant companion, foot-warmer and muse.  In recent years, he's willingly accepted a backseat to two energetic little boys, but has forever remained in the center of our hearts.

This week, as we sadly accept the fact that he will not be with us much longer, I want to take a moment to pay tribute to our Buddy Boy.  I've been looking back this morning over all the posts and drawings dedicated to Pokey and his antics.  I hope you'll do me the honor of checking them out as well here.  He's been such a character and tremendous source of inspiration over the years.

Pokey, there will never be another who can replace you.  You were with Edgar and I from the beginning and will be with us in spirit to the end.  We love you.

UPDATE : Sadly, we had to put Pokey to sleep on Thursday.  He was a tremendous part of our family, and it will take us sometime to get past his absence.

a case of cold ears

filled with wonder

I can hardly believe it's been three years since Edgar and I shared this happy announcement:


We could never have predicted all the joys these two little acorns were going to bring us.



We've been working overtime the past few weeks to prepare for the holiday season as we've taken on more jobs.  But as I sit and write today, I want to make sure that we do exactly as our cards suggest---and take time to fill our children's Christmas with wonder.  We wish you the same!

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.

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."

the small business playbook

We're often asked how we manage to accomplish anything while wrangling two active toddlers.  Well here's a glimpse.  While the rest of the nation enjoyed the Super Bowl on February 3, the two of us were running our own offensive plays against a very tight defensive line.

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.

beagle on the edge

Thanks to Pokey's missteps we've had to replace two rugs in the last year. It took some time, but we've now learned our lesson and he's been banished from our newest rug, a hand-me-down from my parents.  Always one to test boundaries, however, it's not unusual to find at least a portion of The Beagle resting uneasily on the edge.

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.

 

the beagle's whereabouts

Pokey hasn't appeared on the blog in some time, but let us assure he's still around and as disobedient as ever. Case in point: Edgar's visual journal entry this weekend:


However, despite his occasional missteps...and time-outs on the deck...Pokey is feeling pretty good about himself these days. Like Reilly before him, Pokey has now been published. It's somewhat ironic that Pokey should make his national debut in The Bark, seeing as he only howls.

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.

2 of 642 things to draw : hammock

rest in peace sweet girl

Reilly

2002-2012

May heaven be filled with tennis balls and water spigots. We love you.

ho! ho! ho! merry christmas!

mr. moptop

Edgar doodled The Beagle and this 'cool kid' last night. Every time I've run across them on my desk today it's made me smile. I'm lovin' that hair!

illustrated journaling

Last week I mentioned my desire to freeze time in sketches. As much as I want to do this, Edgar is much better at actually making it happen: drawing daily, without fail, in his journal. As a result he's created quite the record of this past year...something I'm sure the boys will treasure as they get older.

Here's is a tiny portion of the entries from the last few weeks...

Arriving home from vacation:

Before a super-busy time at work:

When he was sick:

[check out my cleavage]

When I needed my own super hero! [AKA my mom]:

On his dad's birthday:

Pokey and Reilly's thoughts on our new furniture:

Discussions between Max and my mom:

And working late, like tonight:

pokey grows up and out

Scattered throughout our studio on tiny bits of paper are Edgar's attempts to give Pokey a makeover. You see, Pokey has had the same cartoon persona for quite some time...but as he ages [and grows more three-dimensional in the process] we think so should his look on paper. This incarnation, in particular, is from last week when Pokey wasn't feeling so hot. Poor beagle.