A New Year: 2007

The first few months of 2007 have hit us with illness and trial, but now we're back! Better than ever...=).

Mark was hit, first, with a muscle-attacking influenza and, second, Ramsey Hunt Syndrome, which paralyzed half his face and gave him vertigo which made him feel like an Irish man on the night of St. Patty's Day. But, rest, medication, and lots of love from Tracy and Noah and friends and family have helped him recuperate and now he's nearly 100% back to normal, even though Mark was never "normal" in the first place...=).

Tracy, meanwhile, has been the stalwart of the family. She not only took care of Noah, her sick husband, and her baby in utero, but also took over the building managing responsbilities. She rented apartments, saved locked-out widows, protected tenants from Noah-like floods, braved yawping New Yorkers and angry Indians, managed the delusions of well-meaning geriatrics, and all the while maintaining her sanity. She is the rock of our family, and I know Jesus better because I know my wife.

Noah, on the other hand, is a typical two year-old, which unfortunately means he has PMS-like bouts of anger, temper, frustration, and self-imposed isolation (He places himself in time-out when he gets too angry: "I need timeout," he shares). But, he's such a joy when he curls up to his daddy on the couch and brings him book after book to read to him or watches some NBA action with him. Or, when he sits on the counter and "helps" his mommy cook dinner and measure just the right amount of ingredients. He loves his little brother already and hugs Tracy's belly, whispering "I love you's" and "See you soon's" to her popped-out belly button.

Our next little one is coming at the end of March and we're more than excited; Noah will have a playmate and someone with whom to collude his impish mischief. The baby is getting bigger every day and Tracy wears matriarchy like a bejeweled crown. I love the mother of my children and am so lucky to have found a partner in this crazy life journey.

Thank you for all your support and love. We loved Vegas for Christmas and Noah especially loved his new bike. and dressing up in his new suit, "just like Daddy." Thank you Wita and Pete and Uncle Petey for being such great hosts during a challenging time for Mom.

From L.A. With Love, from the Barrionuevo's. We'll be back soon with more adventures from a new neighborhood..=)