Thanks Aubrey and Diane!

Aubrey and Diane came up from Corvalis to spend a few days with Una and me. We did our best to keep cool, but had to escape to OMSI for the AC. Thanks gals, for suffering through the heat wave with us and for keeping us company...and for the cool matching onesie!

Looky Daddy!

...at what i can do!

Update on My Dad

My dad and my sister in 2005. They look like rock stars...love the outfits.

My dad and his siblings: Back row from left: Duane, Ray, my Dad, Darvin

Front row from left: Donald (Sonny), Helen, Linda, Shirley, Bob

My Dad is finally out of the ICU! They moved him into room #4265. He left me as message this morning saying that he was up and walking (with a walker), and he sounded a little more like his old self, just really tired. Last i heard, they were still not sure if they would do surgery on his broken pelvis and there was some concern about his bladder. He also has a broken foot. I'm not sure how long he will be in the hospital. I'll find out more when i talk to him and will keep you posted.

If you wish to send flowers, send them to the following physical address: 

Penn State Hershey Medical Center

Room #4265 (Daryl Byler)

500 University Drive

Hershey, PA 17033

If you would like to send a card:

Penn State Hershey Medical Center

Attn: Daryl Byler

P.O. Box 850

Hershey, PA 17033

I also wanted to say that i am so thankful for all the support that my dad's brother's and sisters have given him. My Aunt Shirley has kept me well informed on the situation, and i really appreciate that. 

Lastly, Una has a song she'd like to post for her Grandpa D:

Zip-a-dee Do Dah!

Zip-a-dee Dey!

My oh my what a wonderful day.

Plenty of sunshine 

headin' my way,

Zip-a-dee Do Dah!

Zip-a-dee Dey!

Love you Dad!

My Dad

On Saturday morning, an off duty NY city cop decided to do a U-turn on Route 743 in Pennsylvania and hit my dad while he was riding his Harley. My dad was thrown across the hood of the car and into the rural highway. I got a call from my cousin Randy who told me my dad was in an accident, but that he was ok. These are the phone calls i hope to never receive. I worry about something awful happening to my loved ones, especially my dad because he has to spend so much time on the road. It's extra hard being so far away, but i am glad that he has so much family and many friends who are looking in on him. Community is so important...something that gets lost sometimes in the bustle of modern day to day. 

As of today, my dad is still in the ICU with a broken pelvis and severe bruising and swelling along his left side. However, he did get good reports on checks for head trauma and damage to his spine. He was wearing a helmet and all his gear, thank God! The nurses have not said how long he will be in the hospital but he is at the: 

Penn State Hershey Medical Center

500 University Drive
Hershey, PA 17033

Hospital Operator:  (717) 531-8521

I was able to speak with him briefly and he sounds good, all things considered, but is in a lot of pain and was tired out. Please keep my dad in your thoughts and prayers. He means the world to me.

My Friday

Una decided today that she really likes her bunny rattle. Not that she can hold it yet or anything, but she thinks it's pretty rad and started doing this high pitched laugh at it which she's never done before. Recently, i bought a camera for my laptop since it doesn't have one built in and we were able to skype with Ted who is in a small town outside of Prague. It's pretty amazing to think that Ted is in europe and we are here in portland and we can see and talk to each other in real time for free. How lovely. We finished off our day with a picnic with Ivy at Laurelhurst Park. It was a beautiful evening with a nice break from the heat. And of course it's always a pleasure to hang out with our beautiful friend. Thanks for spending your friday evening with us, Ivy!

Thank You Nana Sally!

This was a big week for Una. She grew a lot, we all swear she has; she got her first play gym and just couldn't believe her luck; and Aunt Belle figured out that Una really likes the color red. It was so nice to have all the girls here this weekend, and was super wonderful to have Nana Sally here all week. Sadly, she had to return home to Minneapolis today, and we really miss her. Thank you so much for keeping us company all week! See u real soon! xoxo.

This One Goes Out to the One I Love

We'd like to dedicate this video to Tedly who is off at "camp" in europe (it was one of his favorites growing up). Although Judy narrowly escaped the filming of this choice number, it was a nice finale to our girls weekend. Una would like to thank Aunt Jude, Aunt Belle and Nana Sally for an incredibly fun weekend and for keeping us company while daddy is gone. Let's do it again real soon, and next time Aunt Kathy must join us!

Happy Birthday Rachel!

Ms. Rachel Uris is a fabulous 40! Laurie, Anne and i had a rare night out while Nana Sally and Aunt Jude watched the babe. Was also great to see Richard and TH who kept us entertained. Unfortunately the three of us were too wiped out to make it to the dance party part of the evening, but we enjoyed ourselves none the less. 

My First Trip to Powells

Yesterday, we went to Powell's Bookstore and bought Una some choice reads. It was Una's first trip to this favorite spot, and a tuba band just happened to be playing outside the front door. It was a fun adventure.

Hen Party

At this very moment, ted is flying to europe to attend a workshop and his mother sally, aunt judy and sister anne are here to visit. miss una is loving all the company (even tho she misses her daddy), and there have been lots of stories, songs, nursery rhymes and cuddles...what's not to like? Aunt Belle even read Green Eggs and Ham in spanish. What a treat! 

Strawberry, Strawberry

Tis the season for strawberries and we want to thank Aunt Kathie for sending all these adorable clothes. The shoes are especially cute and just a wee big which is good because Una will be able to wear them longer. 

Miss Una is growing up fast. Yesterday, we did some tummy time, and she was able to lift her head all the way up and look around! It's a little thing that makes such a big impression on momma and nana sally, who is here visiting for the week. Una also had her first real meltdown in public...at the grocery store. She really didn't want to be in the stroller any more...and who could blame her with our oregon heat wave. It's hot here, well, hot for oregon.  Una's third accomplishment is story time. Just this past week she started paying attention and looking at the pictures when you read to her. How cool is that? She especially liked "Are You My Mother?" and kept looking for the little baby bird and would laugh. I wonder if she's going to want to bury her nose in books and become obsessed with the smell of paper like her momma. 

In a few weeks, we will be traveling back east to see family, and Una will have a chance to show off all her new skills. And some day she'll have a sweet bike. What are you going to do today, Una Belle? Anything i feel like, GOSH!

Break a Leg Daddy!

Thinking of you and missing you lots, but wishing you the very best in the Big Apple!

And Now For a Public Service Announcement

A Happy 3 Months

I can hardly believe three months have passed by since Miss Una Belle arrived. On the other hand, she has become such a joy in our lives, that we can barely remember what life was like before April 8th. With every day that passes, Una becomes more and more her own little person, and she is such a happy girl. i can't even begin to tell you how lucky we feel and how much love we have for her. Parenthood sure isn't easy. You have to give up a lot of things, mainly sleep, but there isn't any thing in the whole world that is more important...and her smiles make it all worth it.

Fort Worden

On July 4th, we visited Fort Worden in Port Townsend. As you can see, this was a paradise of inspiration for Ted who loves rusty metal relics. They have such an incredible beauty...one that is often overlooked as only neglect. It makes a nice metaphor, as we stumble through this world, to keep our eyes open for the unappreciated beauty that is all around us. For those of you who are unaware, this is the cornerstone of Ted's works of art in glass.  You can check out Ted's art work here:

www.bullseyeglass.com