Jill,
Most wireless routers can also be used for wired connections through the ethernet sockets, you just need to buy a cable, you may be able to use the one that connects your static pc to the modem.
As for the laptop, if it is a new one it may have the wireless connection card already installed, it is bound to tell you on a sticker on the machine somewhere or look in 'network connections' in the control panel. If there isn't then you will need to buy a wireless network card from the same place as the router - my old IT dept used to say that if you can, get one of the same make as the router - less likely to cause problems.
You shouldn't need anything more than that. But there will be others who know better than me! :)
RosieM