Tumult and excuses dot com, that should be the new URL for this blog. Long story short, VIRUSES, people! The 'puter was ravaged with spyware and insidiously replicating worms which eventually required a complete hard drive scrubbing. Couple that with a laughably busy real estate market, and preparing to assume the role of Mr. Mom (much to the chagrin of a few opinionated, albeit ill-informed relatives,) and you have the makings of a sleep-inducing website. Many apologies to those loyal enough to keep checking back, and I am now in a position to spew my rantings into cyberspace on a much more consistent basis.

Thursday was a dream sequence, as I co-operated with Roger Baumgartner to close the largest transaction of my real estate career. It came about like a tsunami, with parties agreeing to terms over a cell call in late March. The 98 acre tract will be developed into an upscale community of 260 homes. The jury is still out as to whether or not the project will be sold. If so, then our firms will be compensated for the transaction, which will yield far less than if we are hired to market the home sites to local builders. No matter, as the euphoria of the initial sale is still being savored. I have decided to commit the lion's share of my proceeds to a 600 lb. vat of pudding, and the purchase of Ted Williams cryogenically-frozen head.

This deal, in conjunction with several other dizzyingly large development scenarios, has rendered me speechless- a condition which friends and foes alike will concur is more rare than a Sasquatch sighting. We have truly been blessed, in so many respects. Our move here continues to be met with skepticism by some, but our burgeoning family has never been more joyous. Each day brings a new business adventure, a heightened appreciation of our marriage, and the constant God-shots from our young prince.

Ryan is approximately nine pounds, and over 21 inches long. I compose this inexcusably tardy entry as he sleeps off a hefty morning feeding. Our son slept through the night for the first time last night. He is figuring out the concept of a social smile, and those baby blues are soaking up anything that crosses their path. Last week he turned himself over (front to back) twice and is battling like a warrior poet to make it happen from back to front. Watching Ryans life flower before our eyes reminds me of the first time I stood in the sunshine. His bemused cooing wafts through our home like the aroma of freshly baked cookies and his gentle presence insists that we live entirely in the moment.

Heaven is all around.

After a hiatus of this length, I suppose you are all expecting pictures. So be it, and without a preponderance of narration. Ryan is becoming more aware of his surroundings with each passing day. You can imagine what those eyes are like in person, because I get goose bumps just looking at the pictures.

Posted by: Paul @ 2:24 PM