Manueb's blog

I got featured on this blog

2009-02-05T13:33:00.000-08:00

for my Hana origami earring!
http://sochicandvintage.blogspot.com/2009/02/art-of-origami.html
Yey!!!!
I haven't posted for ever because I've been crafting, carafting, crafting!

The cracker affair : the ducks can die of hunger

2009-01-09T18:10:00.001-08:00

The cracker affair : the ducks can die of hunger
Originally uploaded by manueb

Too cute for words

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-04T12:38:00.001-08:00

Xmas would not be Xmas...

2008-12-30T09:17:00.000-08:00

... without TONS of food, sweets, chocolates and more food (and champagne). (And wine). :)

Making traditional truffles!

This year's xmas dessert is the chestnut white log: Buche aux Marrons. Delicious and sweet :)

Cooks without wine (=outrage! :P)

To die for king prawn soup with homemade shrimp broth!

Wonderful pear/rutabaga/rosemary puree with cream spinach and a tenderloin in berry/champagne vinegar sauce. YUM-MY!

Holiday Season

2008-12-30T09:05:00.001-08:00

We've spent a wonderful christmas this year (as every other year), but this year was more special as Gabe's face totally lit up on xmas morning when he discovered all his gifts "under" the tree. Or rather, all piled up in his brand new wagon! He was ecstatic! We spent a quiet but wonderful xmas eve, after a walk to the "crazy house" on W12th St, we had dinner just the 2 of us (Gabe was sleeping) and spent the whole xmas day with our friends Chris, Angele and Andrew, and ate, drank, ate, drank, ate some more. The boys had a great time, they both loooooved my king prawn soup, went for a ride in the wagon. We all had a great time!

Crazy lit house on W12St. We go every year now as part of our xmas eve routine :)

Gabe's brand new wagon full of gifts! Thank you Santa!

Xmas morning: busy morning :)

Wagon ride for Andrew and Gabe

With Chris, Angele and Andrew

Trail of Lights

2008-12-21T15:02:00.000-08:00

What's the most awesome thing to do in Austin in December? The Trail of Lights at Zilker. Just the Best. Thing> Ever!

Weekend with Benoit

2008-12-21T14:55:00.000-08:00

Benoit came to visit after the AGU in SF all last week. It was a short stay (too short) but a good one! Unfortunately Gabe was sick, but we still managed to get out of the house as it was nice and warm yesterday (unlike yucky today! bla). For the first time I actually walked on campus and took Benoit there, we shopped a little and saw the Trail of lights which was so awesome and worth the wait! Ended with a good round of 'ritas and a good home cooked dinner by Benoit :) Oh, and needless to say, Gabe found a new friend :)

Happy Holidays!!!

2008-12-19T11:03:00.001-08:00

Gabe is sick, sick, sick

2008-12-19T11:00:00.001-08:00

Our poor little guy's been sick for 5 days now, with a 3rd ear infection (in the left ear this time), a severe bronchiolitis, and the stupid crappy virus that's been going around that has made him vomit for the last 4 days. I am so sad, and tired, and feel bad for him. Sick of doing laundry, taking showers, cleaning up constantly.
At least, let's look at it the bright way, he'll probably be healthy by xmas! No more playdates for him before that!
And Benoit is coming for the weekend, I hope we'll manage to do some stuff as we can't really take Gabe outside right now. Boooooo.
So, that explains the lack of pictures lately, nothing to see here!

Weekend at Grandma's house

2008-12-12T06:44:00.001-08:00

Gabe's checking Imari out :P
Originally uploaded by manueb

We spent the last weekend in Virginia at Grandma JeRena's house, where Gabe finally got to meet his 2 year old cousin Imari! They were both super cute all weekend, very cheerful and barely needed any supervision at all, real sweethearts.

My first jewelry showcase on Etsy!!!

2008-12-02T09:27:00.001-08:00

My first jewelry showcase on Etsy!!!
Originally uploaded by manueb

Playdoh is so much fun!

2008-11-30T16:50:00.001-08:00

DSC01406
Originally uploaded by manueb

I actually thought Gabe would have a blast cause I'm getting him used to play with it, but the teething got the most of him. He played for a very short while and then started throwing stuff around, and it was the end of it... You couldn't tell while looking at the pics.. We had a very short 5 minutes of fun :P

Cherry Blosson Geisha Bunnies

2008-11-29T08:25:00.001-08:00

Cherry Blosson Geisha Bunnies
Originally uploaded by manueb

Welcome my new geisha Bunneez to my store! I just finished those a couple days ago. I so love everything Japanese and the cherry blossom patterns, I just hd to put them on a plush bunny. Finally here it is, I think the toys came out really well, hoping people will love them too :)
BTW, FREE shipping to the US and Canada from my store to you during the holiday season! Enjoy!!!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T08:22:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving
Originally uploaded by manueb

We've spent a wonderful Thanksgiving at Ryan and Ame's, with Lisa and Ale and Massimo, and Clyde. And a TON of food. We all made way too much food, but hey, that's what this holiday is all about, isn't it? Or, it isn't?!?! :P The kiddos had tons of fun, and we did too. It was awesome.

Gabe had good fun with his buddies today

2008-11-20T16:17:00.001-08:00

It was my birthday yesterday!!

2008-11-20T16:11:00.001-08:00

And I got super cool stuff: a silk screen printing set, and Gabe got me an instruction book. Good thing cause it looks really complicated to me right now. But I see endless possibilities of CrazeeCrafteez hand screened tshirts, especially for our little ones!!! OMG that's going to be cute. And I also got a lovely pair of earrings I fell in love with at Whole Earth Provision, thank you my hubby!

A few of my items

2008-11-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

I'm selling!

2008-11-18T12:08:00.000-08:00

I've sold more than I thought for this first week of CrazeeCrafteez. The opening of the Etsy store was a success, it makes me happy and want to do so much more! I'm also going to work on postcards to broaden my advertising. This is where I am not good at - at ALL! Remember to spread the word!!!

Cecilia and Gabe

2008-11-13T07:09:00.001-08:00

Cecilia and Gabe
Originally uploaded by manueb

Gabe got to spend some time with his aunt (and godmother) Cece! I honestly don't know who had more fun :) Cecilia and Allen brought tons of toys for Gabe, amongst them a very noisy one that he loves :P I hope they come to visit again soon, we had a great time all together.

Please come visit my Etsy shop!

2008-11-11T13:59:00.000-08:00

Welcome dear friends and family to my new Etsy shop at http://www.crazeecrafteez.etsy.com

Come visit us frequently as I will be adding new stuff very often! I make mostly jewelry and baby items, so think about your loved ones with Xmas around the corner, and the multiple babies popping everywhere!!!
To all my blogging friends, there is no shamefull advertising! Would you mind putting a quick post in your blog with the link? That would be awesome!

You can check more of my stuff here: www.crazeecrafteez.blogspot.com

Thank you!!!!

This has been a loooong week

2008-11-07T17:25:00.000-08:00

A week of sickness: Gabe's got an ear infection, and I also was sick, lack sleep, etc... It's been a long long long week and hopefully next week will be better. Pfff

This incredible man...

2008-11-07T17:22:00.000-08:00

... totally gets how to communicate : http://www.flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/
and http://change.gov/
I think we can now look forward to something pretty incredible.

A new era of decency and respect of the people...

2008-11-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

... Starts NOW!

Trick or Treat!!!

2008-11-01T19:37:00.001-07:00

Gabe's happy!
Originally uploaded by manueb

We went trick-or-treating last night for the first time. Andrew, Chris and Angele were with us and we had a great time. Andrew was a Harley Davidson biker, and Gabe a ghost, obviously. I think they were the youngest trick-or-treaters of the street, and came home with a pretty big loot :)

Somebody got a new haircut!

2008-10-30T13:25:00.001-07:00

Check out this face, I could just eat him alive!
Originally uploaded by manueb

I finally decided to do it yesterday, after waiting, and waiting and waiting. But he had hair in his eyes, so that did it! And, TA-DA! He looks even more beautiful, makes his pretty round cheeks and his perfect neck stand out even more. Can you tell I'm totally crazy about my baby?! At some point I'll have to stop calling him that, he's almost a little boy! Sure looks more like one now with this haircut!

Gabe's first painting

2008-10-28T09:25:00.001-07:00

Gabe's first painting
Originally uploaded by manueb

TA-DA!!

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh I'm scared!

2008-10-26T15:48:00.001-07:00

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh I'm scared!
Originally uploaded by manueb

hehehehe. There's this HUGE Hulk at the Austin's Comic Book store. So funny, Gabe wasn't scared at all, but I only had my phone with me and it wouldn't take a still picture of him - then again he wouldn't stop running :P
We got all the good stuff we promised ourselves (Shad and I) when we finally moved into our new bedroom: Angel, Buffy and the last Y man! (yes, we are kind of geeky...)

Azelea's (almost) 2 birthday party!

2008-10-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Zalee's second birthday today. She clearly had her entire possee there!

The highlight of the party was when all the kiddoes (and parents) got to paint!!

Zalee looks like she's done that all her life!

Gabe was slower in discovering the paint, finally enjoying just putting his hands in it and rubbing it everywhere.

Pretty awesome! Special thanks to Sonia for making those lovely little aprons!!

On a lovely, warm, end of october day :) Hurray for Austin!

Elgin Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-22T14:02:00.001-07:00

Elgin Pumpkin Patch
Originally uploaded by manueb

Angele and I took the boys to a pumpkin patch in Elgin this morning. Ok, well, there are more pumpkins at Central Market and Whole Foods, but it didn't matter. There are animals there and an big christmas tree farm. We got to go for a hay ride, and I enjoyed pulling Gabe and Andrew in a wagon. Pretty cute morning, something to do every year! Will get more fun as they grow up, maybe next time we can decorate pumpkins!

Gabe playing in the sandbox

2008-10-21T17:37:00.001-07:00

Gabe playing in the sandbox
Originally uploaded by manueb

Oddly enough, he's not super attracted to sand. I'm not worried though, it will probably come later! At least he's not eating it right now, I guess that's good :) I burried his feet in the sand and he just sat there for a good 20 min, while Andrew was looking at him with suspicious eyes. (He never made it to the box :P)

OMG!

2008-10-21T14:10:00.001-07:00

I just finished my curtains!!! Those 4 humongous curtains! Why the hell did I get myself into this in the first place?! Ah yes, I found beautiful fabric at 50% off, that helps. I just hadn't thought through how difficult it would be to sew these huge pieces of fabric with Gabe around! But now, they're done, we're going to be able to move in our new bedroom. Rocks! (pics soon)

First daycare for Gabe today!

2008-10-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

I joined Angele at the Y today as a guest, to exercise a little. We wanted to try out their free daycare, and it turns out to be awesome, the women working there are great! Gabe broke down after 35min, probably suddenly realizing I was not there. Andrew was in the room with him though, but that didn't comfort him. Still, for a first time, he did really well. And I get to work out during the day, which is awesome!

YIPI for MAKER Faire

2008-10-20T12:22:00.002-07:00

It's the second time we're attending, we went last year when Gabe was a month and a half, and we've really been looking forward to going again this year. It is the BEST event in Austin, ever! For the crafters that we are, it is heaven. So many Etsy artists were there, even more cool stuff then last year, Legoland, more robots, even R2D2!!! And of course we stayed to see Eepybird, the highlight of the day. These guys rock, their whole purpose in life is to make people happy, we need more of those!!! All the videos of Eepybird are on my flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/manueb/sets/72157608185172644/

Life size Mouse Trap

Shad and Gabe with R2D2 and another robot I don't recognize (I suck?!)

Crazy long snake bike and butterfly bike.

Legoland!! Cant believe I lived so close to Danemark for 2 years and didn't go. What a waste!

The best part of the day!

New outdoorsy stuff for Gabe!

2008-10-20T12:22:00.001-07:00

Shad pouring sand in the sandbox
Originally uploaded by manueb

I went to the Pumpkin Patch consignement store on W Anderson Ln. We've been looking for second hand outdoorsy plascape stuff, it's sooo expensive brand new! The same day I found a sandbox, which I'd been wanting for Gabe for a while, and also the Little Tikes car, which he loves to push around, it's so cute. I'm still on the hunt for a plastic playscape of some sort, but everybody's looking for one.

Gabe at Craft-O-Rama

2008-10-19T08:25:00.001-07:00

Gabe at Craft-O-Rama
Originally uploaded by manueb

Hopefully Gabe will be as crafty as his Mommy, and creative as both his parents :) We're certainly encouraging him in that direction!

The prettiest ghost in Austin

2008-10-17T13:08:00.001-07:00

The prettiest ghost in Austin
Originally uploaded by manueb

I made this poncho/ghost outfit for Gabe for Halloween, out of a yard and a half of fabric and a little felt, and little ribbon, a lot of stitching :) You can't tell but there's also a spiderweb on his left shoulder. Just the cutest thing (my baby :))

At the Dinoland exhibition in the Zilker Botanical Park

2008-10-15T13:58:00.001-07:00

Dinoland
Originally uploaded by manueb

Not sure Gabe really paid attention to all the dinosaurs (although I'd love too!!! :P), but we certainly had a very nice walk in the park!

Gabe and Mamino

2008-10-15T13:57:00.001-07:00

Gabe and Mamino
Originally uploaded by manueb

Mamino is visiting right now and for a few more days still! I think Gabe is very happy to see his grandma, and vice versa :)

Our own little gardener

2008-10-15T13:56:00.001-07:00

Our own little gardener
Originally uploaded by manueb

My wonderful baby walking around the yard in his (wet) swimming diaper :0 Oh joy, mud everywhere, but so much fun!

I am the Pumpkin King!

2008-10-15T13:55:00.001-07:00

There's more and more pumpkins at Central Market!
Originally uploaded by manueb

New wall vinyl decal in our master bedroom

2008-10-15T13:53:00.001-07:00

New wall vinyl decal in our master bedroom
Originally uploaded by manueb

I bought this decal on Etsy from Single Stone Studio. It's BEAUTIFUL! Our bedroom is going to kick butt :)

New carpet, new paint

2008-10-04T18:23:00.001-07:00

New carpet, new paint
Originally uploaded by manueb

We are done!!! Finally! Now we need to go buy furniture, but it will happen in its own time, no hurry. It's so nice to have these 2 beautiful sunny rooms.

October in Austin

2008-10-04T17:27:00.001-07:00

Funny that all 3 of them are looking in different directions :)
Originally uploaded by manueb

Yes, we are still wearing shorts and tees and walking barefoot. I know it might sound a tiny bit unfair to our friends in France and Norway :P

Our trip to Big Bend

2008-10-04T17:14:00.000-07:00

What a great trip we had! We drove to Big Bend but first stopped for the night in Fort Stockton - where there's really not a lot of reason to stay, but it was half way through and helped Gabe "digest" the whole "I'm being held hostage in the carseat" thing... We then drove through Marathon before arriving to the National Park where we spent 2.5 days. Then drove out to Terlingua's ghost town (so awesome, I'd advise everybody to do this!), and spent 2.5 days in Marfa in the beautiful luxurious Hotel Paisano. And back home, with a night stop in Sonora (once again, nothing to see there...). Too bad it was only one week, but we had the time of our lives :) And Gabe ended up having a great time in the desert, the mountain, and the pool :)

Full trunk, ready to leave!

The flooded Rio Grande. Didn't allow us to go in the canyons. Maybe next time...

Casa Grande in the Chisos Basin, where we stayed.

Panorama of the Chisos Mountains.

Our beautiful family :)

And we're off...

2008-09-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

...Almost, still need to pack! We finally get 10 days off. Got to hate the US just for the lack of vacation. When will this country ever line up with the rest of the world?! Anyway, no rambling for now. Just happy to finally get some quality time with my husband and my son! Big Bend and Marfa, here we come!

Central Market's Pumpkin "Patch"

2008-09-18T15:38:00.001-07:00

Central Market's Pumpkin "Patch"
Originally uploaded by manueb

We went to Central Market today for a few groceries and they already have a huge "pumpkin patch" out. Gabe was walking next to me and going crazy at the thought of touching one pumpkin. Everybody laughed, it was cute :)

Master bedroom finally painted!!

2008-09-15T08:13:00.001-07:00

Master bedroom finally painted!!
Originally uploaded by manueb

After weeks and weeks of caulking, spackling, mudding, priming, and painting, we've finally finished these 2 rooms that will become our master bedroom. It looks beautiful, so full of light, can't wait to sleep there! We're still waiting on the carpet that should be put in some time in the next couple of weeks.

Gabe's 1st birthday party

2008-09-08T09:42:00.001-07:00

Gabe's 1st birthday party
Originally uploaded by manueb

It was Gabe's party with his friends yesterday, what a wonderful time! Gabe is very lucky to have so many friends :)
We love you my baby.. I guess I shouldn't say that anymore.. we love you my little boy :)

Gabe is 1 year old!

2008-09-03T15:08:00.001-07:00

Gabe is 1 year old!
Originally uploaded by manueb

Here are the pics and videos of this memorable day: http://www.flickr.com/photos/manueb/sets/72157607096796237/
How sweet to celebrate our baby's first birthday, and somewhat emotional too!
Yesterday we just stayed the 3 of us as we opened gifts from the family, and on sunday, party with buddies!

Gabe is 1!!

2008-09-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

Our big boy turned one yesterday! For some reason I forgot to blog that on time. The pics are coming up very soon! We celebrated all three of us and will have a little party on sunday with his buddies :)

Gabe's big boy bedroom.

2008-09-02T12:35:00.001-07:00

Gabe's big boy bedroom. New playing corner
Originally uploaded by manueb

Amongst other things for Gabe turning 1, we've put up new shelves and a cute little rug in Gabe's bedroom. We cleaned up a bit so he could have a nice playing area. And made more room for all his toys!

Cameron Zoo, Waco

2008-09-02T12:33:00.001-07:00

Cameron Zoo, Waco
Originally uploaded by manueb

Since we came home early and wanted to do something special with Gabe this past Labor Day weekend, we took him to the zoo in Waco. He was particularly impressed with the giant aquariums, and pointing at fish through the glass. What a cutie. Although by 100 degrees it was not easy! When does the weather ever cool down here?!

First trip to the beach for Gabe!

2008-09-02T12:30:00.001-07:00

Yeah for sand and beach
Originally uploaded by manueb

We went to Galveston over the weekend - we were actually supposed to spend the entire Labor weekend but left early to bypass traffic due to Gustav... That's too bad. But Gabe had a great time discovering the sand and the beach, we swam a little in the sea (way too hot and sandy from the waves), he was his usual happy self :) Wonderful baby!

KISS!

2008-08-29T19:31:00.003-07:00

KISS!
Originally uploaded by manueb

What life is all about.

Not very happy trying our new inflatable pool

2008-08-29T19:31:00.001-07:00

Not very happy trying our new inflatable pool
Originally uploaded by manueb

I got this pool on sale at Target, very happy with the end of summer sales.. thinking that Gabe would love it. Pff. He cried so much! I think it was also all the mosquitoes, and maybe the water was too cold. Who knows, he just loves being in the water so much. He's got time to grow it out anyway :)

Now that's walking for real right there :)

2008-08-29T19:28:00.001-07:00

Gabe is walking - Part 2
Originally uploaded by manueb

More and more steps

2008-08-25T14:50:00.001-07:00

More and more steps
Originally uploaded by manueb

On Saturday, Aug. 23rd (important to keep the date in mind :)), Gabe took 13 steps in a row. We had noticed a change in his "walking" the last few days, he seems more comfortable. Since Saturday he's let go of furniture many times a day, taking a good 5 steps every time. We're proud :)

Primed walls

2008-08-25T14:49:00.001-07:00

Primed walls
Originally uploaded by manueb

We've primed the bedroom with friends this last Saturday. We were going to paint more on Sunday but some of us had too much to drink and were not exactly up for duty... :P
This is going to take us forever!!! Argh

Gabe is discovering the painting I made for his bedroom

2008-08-21T09:10:00.001-07:00

Gabe is discovering the painting I made for his bedroom
Originally uploaded by manueb

He absolutely loves it, it makes me so happy. I have so very little time to do anything right now besides caulking, spackling, cleaning the house... all this house work is driving me crazy, I have zero time to myself. But, it's always when I think I don't have any that I manage to stretch it and make things, I need that to relax!!! anyway, my baby has a new pretty colorful painting over his bed and he loves it :)

Happy birthday my hubby! bis

2008-08-21T09:08:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday!
Originally uploaded by manueb

For his birthday dinner, I cooked mini cherry tomatoes clafoutis, then duckbreasts in a honey- szechuan pepper sauce with pineapple, and as requested, a peach pie for dessert. It was not easy fitting the 31 candles on there, but I managed :)

Gabe is giving his daddy his birthday presents!

2008-08-19T08:44:00.001-07:00

Gabe is giving his daddy his birthday presents!
Originally uploaded by manueb

It's Shad's birthday today!! 31, still younger than me... damn :P

Green siding almost done!!

2008-08-11T13:00:00.001-07:00

Still missing that window, hopefully will be in tomorrow
Originally uploaded by manueb

Wow, the exterior siding is almost finished! I feel like it's taking for ever, but try to paint in the sun by 105... It's kind of tricky! Once they guys will have put in the final window, we can paint the trims and be done with the exterior work, and attack the inside...

Dinner with the gang :)

2008-08-11T12:58:00.001-07:00

Dinner with the gang :)
Originally uploaded by manueb

Carol and Kurt, and Lucas, are back from their holidays in Brasil.. and the drinking gang is back together :P Let's t waste any time, let's just start drinking and eating straight away :P

Posted for Flickr 888

2008-08-11T12:57:00.001-07:00

Gabe's first fortune cookie
Originally uploaded by manueb

Gabe's first fortune cookie

Gabe hugging Winnie in his sleep

2008-07-29T19:03:00.001-07:00

Just when I thought Gabe could not get any cuter, we go check on him tonight and we find him sounds asleep hugging his Winnie - upside down. Love u my angel.

Morning photoshoot

2008-07-29T19:02:00.001-07:00

Morning photoshoot
Originally uploaded by manueb

My baby's the most beautiful baby in the world! He inspires me so much, and I love him more than words can say!

Our brand new car

2008-07-29T08:12:00.001-07:00

Our brand new car
Originally uploaded by manueb

Here's our new car, after having the Saturn totaled last week... booo. We now have a car loan, makes me sad! Oh well. At least this car seems great and comfy, roomy and most importantly safe. A good family car :)

Gabe, Alex, Eric and Sylvia

2008-07-29T06:57:00.001-07:00

Gabe, Alex, Eric and Sylvia
Originally uploaded by manueb

This picture makes me very happy. Our friends John and Mikal came for dinner with the gang, and look at that! Could the kids be any happier? While we were sipping wine, enjoying adult conversation and relaxing. Fun fun fun

Master bedroom remodeling - Day 2

2008-07-23T08:07:00.001-07:00

Master bedroom remodeling - Day 2
Originally uploaded by manueb

There we go, in only 2 days, the windows and the door are up in the old screened-in porch. Our guys work fast! I'm loving it so far :)

House renovation, master bedroom - Day 1

2008-07-21T14:26:00.001-07:00

WOW! - Day 1
Originally uploaded by manueb

Here we go!! The construction started today for our "back of the house" project. No more screened-in porch, no more back kitchen! Instead, a nice bedroom for my hubby and me!!! Our guys gutted out the kitchen today and took down the screens and exterior sidings. It doesn't look bad like that at all!

Gabe and the Capitol

2008-07-17T12:47:00.001-07:00

Gabe and the Capitol
Originally uploaded by manueb

Who is the most beautiful baby in the world?

Kev and Vlad in Austin

2008-07-17T12:46:00.001-07:00

Yeah, Vlad is here! Cheers!
Originally uploaded by manueb

Kev and Vlad came over to spend a few days after a Microsoft conference in Houston. I had 3 gentlemen to myself for 4 days, I have to say it was really nice :) You guys can come back whenever you'd like!!!
Altough I have to say, we drank too much :P But without Vlad we would not have discovered an Austin treasure: Sam's BBQ on East 12th: OMG! The best bbq meat we've had, ever! Not baby friendly though, but delicious and well worth the stop.

Gabe goes everywhere

2008-07-16T07:42:00.001-07:00

Gabe goes everywhere
Originally uploaded by manueb

Proof that standing and cruising is a piece of cake!!

Gabe is standing very easily.

2008-07-16T07:41:00.001-07:00

Standing is super easy now!
Originally uploaded by manueb

Not an issue for him anymore. Standing is E.A.S.Y.!
Not so easy for us, having to chase him around and stuff :P But even cuter, if that's possible.

4th of July - Austin

2008-07-16T07:39:00.001-07:00

4th of July - Austin
Originally uploaded by manueb

Gabe wanted to grab the fireworks.. priceless! I absolutely loved loved loved the fireworks, the final gave me the chills. It was awesome to hang out on the pedestrian bridge over the lake with our friends. Good times.

Sophie and Dave are in Austin

2008-07-16T07:22:00.001-07:00

Sophie and Dave are here - Cheers!!!
Originally uploaded by manueb

They came to visit for a few days, and spent the 4th of July with us. We had 4 good days of drinking, eating, drinking, swimming, eating some more... Went to Barton Springs, Clarksville pool, walked around, had margaritas, and some Veuve, played with Gabe, etc.. very very cool weekend! Hope to see you again soon!!

Gabe is "napping"

2008-07-03T10:57:00.001-07:00

Gabe is "napping"
Originally uploaded by manueb

That's what you get when your baby starts not only to crawl everywhere, but pull himself up with ease.. Putting him down for a nap now if quite challenging and I often find him bouncing in bed, talking to his teddy bears. It's just too cute. Also he started climbing up stairs a couple of days ago at the Alamo Drafthouse. We were watching "Kung Fu Panda", but I guess the stairs were much more interesting to him :)

My first Blurb book! Father's day.

2008-06-15T18:56:00.001-07:00

My first Blurb book!
Originally uploaded by manueb

Finally we gave it to Shad today for Father's day! I got it in the mail about 2 weeks ago, and I've been dying to show it to him. My first Blurb book of many, as I just started making lots of photo books after realizing we have ZERO printed pictures of ourselves anywhere. Blurb/booksmart makes it super easy at an affordable price. Thank you Blurb :)

Gabe's booty

2008-06-15T17:18:00.001-07:00

Gabe's booty
Originally uploaded by manueb

My baby's butt and feet. Nothing is prettier than that!

Hanging out at Ramsey pool

2008-06-13T19:39:00.001-07:00

Hanging out at Ramsey pool
Originally uploaded by manueb

And our tour of the Austin pools continues. I think Ramsey's my favorite so far. Such a wonderful neighborhood, and the pool is the perfect temperature and depth! NICE! Thank you Austin for being awesome in the summer!

Gabe loves his cheerios

2008-06-13T12:43:00.001-07:00

Gabe loves his cheerios
Originally uploaded by manueb

The squirty pool is FUN

2008-06-11T07:40:00.001-07:00

The squirty pool is FUN
Originally uploaded by manueb

A hell of a lot of cuteness involved here! Andrew invited us over to play in hiw new pool he got for his first birthday :) That was very sweet of him, and Gabe had a great time with his friend - as always.

Playdate at Little Stacy pool

2008-06-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we started our "tour" of Austin's wading pools. This one sure is pretty, hidden under that big tree! As usual, Gabe met his buddies there, Charlotte, Clay, Beck and Andrew.

The cutest founds at at local fleamarket

2008-06-11T06:37:00.000-07:00

We got those on sunday for a total of $30, a great deal! Gabe loves them already. We do need to do some work on the wicker bench though, some sanding and repainting. Pretty!

Laguna Gloria / Austin Museum of Art

2008-06-11T05:08:00.002-07:00

We went for a stroll with Gabe a few days ago. Can't believe the Laguna is so close to our house and that we had never been there before! Right in Mayfield Park.

A little treasure of quietness, very romantic place. Gabe had fun with the luxurious vegetation all around him. We'll have to go there again, and we'd love to take art classes. Gabe will when he turns 4... :) we have time!

Andrew turned 1!!!

2008-06-11T05:08:00.001-07:00

(De)construction work in our street

2008-06-06T17:16:00.001-07:00

(de)construction work in our street
Originally uploaded by manueb

The last couple of days were quite tough and nasty in our street with the new waste water line project. Every single street around ours had been torn apart, it "finally" was our turn. Gabe enjoyed watching the tractors and everything, although he didn't manage to nap for 2 days with all the noise. After the storm that hit us, what a mess!!!

With Carol and Angele at Deep Eddy

2008-06-06T17:14:00.001-07:00

With Carol and Angele at Deep Eddy
Originally uploaded by manueb

Another playdate at Deep Eddy pool, which makes everyone HAPPY! the boys love it, their mommies love it. Life is good! :) If only we could have margaritas aaaaalll the time :P

Gabe and Andrew in the pool

2008-05-31T13:07:00.001-07:00

Gabe tried to get out
Originally uploaded by manueb

I got that pool for 5 bucks at Babies R Us - not worth one penny more! But even if we used it just that one time, it was totally worth seeing those two little men haev fun and try to get out of it :) Good to have with this insanely warm texan weather when we're too lazy to go to Deep Eddy...

San Francisco

2008-05-31T13:05:00.001-07:00

This is fun!
Originally uploaded by manueb

We went to San Francisco for 3 days over Memorial weekend - first time for Gabe, I hadn't been since I was 12 basically, and Shad had last been a few years ago for work. We just chilled and ate quite a lot of food. During that weekend Gabe cut both his upper teeth, what a brave little man, didn't complain once! We did manage to see quite more than I thought we would, many streets and neighborhoods, the piers, the golden gate bridge (Gabe slept most of the time, surprise surprise), Chinatown and the Japan Center (sooooo very cool), etc.. We were in a hotel downtown on 3rd, quite fancy, Gabe loved the room overlooking the buildings, he gained more independency with his crawling too!
A very lovely windy (and cold! brrrrr) weekend.

Swimming at Deep Eddy

2008-05-19T07:58:00.001-07:00

Swimming at Deep Eddy
Originally uploaded by manueb

For the first time! Ok, the water is definitely cooler than the YMCA, but than it's clear water, no more horrible chlorine that stings the eye! And Gabe loved it, as was to be expected :) I just love that place.

Fun on the Rody!

2008-05-19T07:53:00.001-07:00

Look! No Hands!
Originally uploaded by manueb

Gabe got the Rody rocking horse from his Mamino and Papilou! He LOVES it!!! It is such a cute fun toy, that the entire family can enjoy, hehehe.

Austin Lightning storm may 15th 2008

2008-05-16T07:59:00.001-07:00

Austin Lightning storm may 15th 2008 f
Originally uploaded by streetranger

Amazing storm pictures from Streetranger, found on flickr... No wonder it was SO scary..

HUGE STORM! May 15th, Austin

2008-05-16T05:26:00.001-07:00

BIG BIG BIG STORM! May 15th, Austin
Originally uploaded by manueb

A HUGE storm hit us 2 nights ago, around midnight, with winds at 90mph!... green sky... We heard our transformer go down, the power went out.. There was hail (2-3 inches hailstones), big 100-year-old trees fell down and damaged our entire neighborhood (Clarksville). We were without power for 19hrs, not so long after all, but still seems like forever, considering the damage in the streets, having to take care of Gabe, ambulances, fire trucks, landscape trucks everywhere, roads closed down. We are lucky, we barely had any damage. It was a loooooong day!

Gabe is starting to crawl (backwards)

2008-05-14T06:39:00.001-07:00

Gabe is starting to crawl (backwards)
Originally uploaded by manueb

Ok, you can't really tell from this video but he definitely pivots and starts moving around and he does a lot more every day!
This is the only video I've managed to upload on Flickr... weird. It appears to upload and at 100% of completion it says that "something went "BONK" with your videos", but doesn't give an explanation. My videos are short and not over-sized either... Don't get it!

Mother's day!

2008-05-12T17:17:00.001-07:00

My own first mother's day :) What a treat!! Turns out, as Gabe is teething and is waking up super early, that we managed to do tons of things all together yesterday!

Gabe got me a new Hello Kitty for my collection and a couple of other cute items :) What a cute gift (thank you Shad :P)

We had breakfast at Sweetish Hill, had lunch at Chui's, and after Gabe's nap, we picked up some ripe cherry tomatoes in our yard, we went to Terra Toys (almost as cool as Toy Joy :P), had an ice cream at Amy's IceCream, and finally went to Whole Foods to get some good dinner stuff (Prosecco, bread, cheese...). Gabe had a blast in the cart!

Gabe's 1st tooth?

2008-05-08T07:57:00.002-07:00

It's been a few days that I think I've noticed a tooth in there, well, it's not out yet, but I can see it's coming, bottom jaw on the left side! It explains some of the moodiness I guess...

And also he started crawling backwards this morning, very cute and extremely funny!

Gabe with Grandma JeRena

2008-05-08T07:57:00.001-07:00

Gabe with Grandma JeRena
Originally uploaded by manueb

Grandma JeRena came to visit this past weekend and we had a great 3 days! Did tons of stuff, went for a swim, had avocado margaritas (seems like we do that with everybody who come to visit), went swinging in the park, bought a few things at IKEA..

Trims... Finally!!!

2008-04-29T13:18:00.001-07:00

Trims... Finally!!!
Originally uploaded by manueb

This is what I was talking about a couple days ago... Still needs caulking and painting and also quarter rounds but we're "almost" there now... 10 months later...!

Welcome to "Chez Gabriel"

2008-04-29T13:17:00.001-07:00

Welcome to "Chez Gabriel"
Originally uploaded by manueb

Here's all of Gabe's food for the next couple of weeks (at least; I hope!). There's beef and chicken, and turkey, cod, salmon, tilapia, mixed with every possible vegetable and herbs.. and all sorts of fruity desserts. I just realized there is no pork meal, I might make one of those. He just eats everything! What a good baby... he just knows good food when he sees it :P All organic, straight from Whole Foods!