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.

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.

 

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.

a little blue and a little orange

It's a real labor of love to make one baby blanket, let alone two! But then again, that's the kind of friends Elizabeth and Rhiannon are. So incredibly thoughtful. What a nice thing to be on the receiving end of their talents.

P.S. If you're little guy or gal needs some special overalls for the spring, be sure to check out Rhiannon's Little Orange Shop. Deliciously sweet!

gently used is the 'new' new

The boys' toes seem to outgrow at least one pair of footie pajamas a week. Luckily we have a closet generously stocked with reserves. Many thanks to Ellie and Janet [or should I say Harrison and Henry] for keeping Max and Miles in style. Your hand-me-downs make all the Cabreras very happy!

a week of thanks

Would you believe the boys' first birthday is less than three months away, and there are STILL thank you notes from the weeks surrounding their birth that I've yet to write?!? How embarrassing!

With so many gifts that have gone unthanked, but hardly unappreciated, I'd like to spend a little time this week paying tribute to some of the M+M's [and my] favorite things. Starting with this sweet apron from Becky.

Not only has this saved me from many a spit-up and blow-out [once or twice simultaneously], but so have the great list of tips Becky sent for getting along these first few months of motherhood. Tip #1: Buy the darkest version of everything you can find-especially onsies, t-shirts-and bibs. Miles 'the Mess' and I thank you kindly for this advice Becky!

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.

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

happy, happy, joy, joy

ho! ho! ho! merry christmas!

busy days

These days have been busy, but somehow I have managed to spare some time to have fun in my journal.

Mon, Dec 12 :: Max kept us up all night as he is currently teething. Miles slept like a possum.

Tue, Dec 13 :: Flew to Dallas, TX. Prepared for a big presentation.

Wed, Dec 14 :: Presentation went well! Suzanne called me to tell me Miles said "Dah-Dah".

the week in review

Today marks a momentous occasion.

I finished a magazine.

Yes, that's right, a magazine. Not a book, mind you, but a simple periodical: 46 pages long. This may not seem like an accomplishment to many. But, with twin babies, reading anything beyond Clifford's Bedtime is an absolute luxury: one I savor at the end of a long day for exactly 4.1 minutes [or 5 paragraphs] before falling into the deep sleep [the deepest sleep one can achieve when they're sure to be awakened by strange breathing or a pacifier leaping out of the crib every 30 minutes or so].

It's this short attention span that has left me unable to complete a single issue of The Week for six and a half months before another week passes and another magazine arrives in my mailbox. Yes, today is a turning point.

sleepwalking

Thanks to Max, I'm neither a morning-person, a night-person, or a middle-of-the-day-person. I'm a zombie.