Way to go Brad!

That's a picture of Brad doing homework while holding Ellie during his summer term. The first term of school in his life that he got a 4.0! That's right BRAD GOT A 4.0! We are extremely proud of him and it's worth the sacrifice. It just goes to show how you can excel when you are doing what you are meant to. If you get a chance, drop Brad a note or give a phone call with a "For he's a jolly good fellow" tune.

Ellie's 5 Month Birthday

Today is July 15th, and Ellie is 5 Months old and 14 pounds. Very hard for her parents to believe. This month has been a busy one and ended by celebrating her friend Cole's 1st Birthday. Other things that happened this month - BBQ at Kimmy's, Walking at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, numerous trips to the doctor for weight checks, 4th of July party at O'ree and Maria's, and lots of other things not caught on film - or digital media. Enjoy these photos!

How do you spell relief?

Thirteen pounds and nine ounces! That's relief to the Wright family. Ellie has gained 11 ounces in the last 10 days. With a gain of an ounce a day, she's finally back on track to what a baby should be at. She's still on the thin side, but with no blood, diarrhea, and now gaining weight, we are all good! Despite the fact that mommy is caught like a deer in headlights with work and papa is somewhere under a pile of education journal articles, Ellie is thriving once again. Happy days are here again.

Back to work

Janet is heading back to work tomorrow. The last 18 weeks have flown by. It would be easier to go back, if we knew that Ellie's medical issues were resolved. Who am I kidding, I want to be home with her. I like my job, I like my co-workers and my company, but I love my little girl more than I could ever imagine. It won't be the same being without her all day. At least her first two days without Mommy at home will be with Papa at home. Then starting Monday Ellie will get to spend some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa Wright while Mommy is at work and Papa is back to school. Wish us all luck!

Happy 4 Month Birthday Ellie!

Wow! Eleanor Kay Wright turned 4 months old today and what a day it was. Long story but we're spending Father's Day weekend in Depoe Bay - just the three of us, no dogs allowed! So I'm using the resort computer and can't download the month 4 pics. Those will have to come on Monday or Tuesday, but definitely by Wednesday as Janet returns to work on Thursday, only to have to turn around and take Ellie to the Dr. again on Friday - that's where the long story comes in, but I'm tired and want to just veg and relax for at least a few minutes that are left in today and relish in the fact that we have a 4 month old. Update: Pics now loaded, and include photos of Brad's cohort, Father's Day, Ellie in the ER, our trip to Depoe Bay, and others.

Looking For Help

Many of you know we had a 2nd bathroom put in just before we had Ellie. That project caused our backyard to be torn up. We're now looking for a new solution to our patio or lack thereof. Any ideas for us, do it ourselves, hiring someone? We would like unique or non-traditional solutions that don't break the bank. Maybe you know someone who does concrete work? We'd also like a new driveway...maybe it would cost less to do it all at once. Send your suggestions!

On to the House!

The Oregon House of Representatives that is (see April 5th).
On Tuesday, May 22, the Oregon Senate finally passed SB 571-B. This bill will make most workplaces smoke-free.
Click here to take action!

The bill had been stalled in the Senate for over 5 months and many of us worried that again the tobacco industry would win, but our legislative champions have come through putting the health of Oregon's citizens first. Now we are on the road to victory!

The bill has been amended, delaying when it will go into effect (January 2009) and exempting existing cigar bars and Portland Meadows. However, the overall spirit of the bill is intact and the legislation protects the vast majority of workers still exposed to secondhand smoke and its dangers. And that is good news.

Now it's on to the House!
We will definitely need your help urging Representatives to vote yes!
Please send an important message to your Representative. Tell them to move this bill quickly and to vote yes on SB 571-B.

Take Action Today.
Make Your Voice Heard.
Thank you!!