Enchanted Forest

This morning we took Sarah to Enchanted Forest for the first time. It was ridiculously cold. But we soldiered on and had a great morning. Sarah loved going down the slides, floating in the bumper boats and running along the paths. She did NOT like the 3 bears of Goldilocks fame. Papa bear growled very gruffly, "Who ate my porridge?" Fortunately, that particular experience happened toward the end of the "tour" because she worried the rest of the morning that we were going to see the bears again. However, nuggets, fries and hot chocolate diverted her enough that she could enjoy the rest of the "forest". I'd forgotten how low tech EF is, but it is a delightful place for kids and adults alike. Just go when it gets a little warmer.

Catching Up with Dear Friends

Last night Ruth & Morris Dirks came down from Portland for dinner and the Blazer game. It was so fun to visit with them & get caught up on the lives. They are special friends and it was a joy to spend the evening hanging out. Too bad the Blazers couldn't quite get over the hump. Hopefully, home court will bring about a better outcome.

Cozy Sleepy Baby

Porter snoozin' on Gramma's chest

Snuggled into the Pack N Play

Porter is now 2 days shy of being 3 weeks old. He has grown 2 inches in length and gained 1.1 pounds. So far his awake times are during the day and his sleep times are at night. Mommy & Daddy are so happy! He talks and coos when he's awake and we're quite sure he's brilliant. Or...he's just a typical noisy DeBacker.

A Tower and a Bridge

The New Patient Tower at Salem Hospital

The Red Cross drives this van to help at disaster sites

Yesterday, after a fabulous breakfast at Word of Mouth, Al and I visited 1 place where we hope to spend very little time and another that we plan to see often. The first place was the new patient tower at Salem Hospital. There were nurses and techs stationed throughout emergency, cardiology, radiology, surgery and patient rooms to explain the procedures and equipment and answer questions. It's a lovely hospital (isn't that an oxymoron) with original artwork and huge windows and all the latest technology. They have even structured the patient rooms with accommodations for the family. I guess studies have shown that people heal better if their loved ones are near-by. It is good to know that we have such a modern hospital in the city...I just don't want to go there again..ever!

Since 1914 there has been a railroad bridge over the Willamette near downtown Salem . Many years ago it was abandoned and closed, only to be used by delinquent kids (and you know who you are) as a place to hang out with friends and smoke cigars. Finally the city has refurbished it and it is now a beautiful bike and pedestrian bridge that links Riverfront Park and Wallace Marine Park in West Salem. Al and I took a stroll across it and enjoyed the warm weather and great view of the river. We joined families with strollers, kids and their dogs, spandex clad bikers and elderly folks for a delightful walk in the sunshine. It's so nice to have a beautiful park and walking path only 15 minutes away and I hope we go there often this summer.

Baby Deebs Finally Arrives

This morning at 6:50 a.m.

Porter Everett John DeBacker

came into the world.

He weighed 9lbs 1oz

And he was 20" long.

He has lots of auburn hair

and blue eyes.

He is a sweetie and we're all crazy about

him already.

I can't stop looking at him.

Precious Maryanne and baby Porter.

Porter nursed like a champ immediately.

The boy has his Gramma DeBacker's thighs