Turkey Day

This was a good Thanksgiving. This was my first year not traveling or spending it with family and I have to say I rather enjoyed it. Not that I don't enjoy the family get-togethers, but it was so nice not having to deal with the craziness of Thanksgiving travel. I know you know what I'm talking about- the "busiest travel days of the year"- which directly translates into long ticket lines, extra-long and extra-slow security lines, delays, cancellations, cranky people, etc.... And, of course, you add to that traveling with a child... nope! I was totally satisfied staying home in Denver.

Not that we spent the day in our house eating take-out. We spent the afternoon and evening with four of our good friends and had a DELICIOUS Thanksgiving meal.

As far as Ruthie goes, this was her first Thanksgiving with a mouthful of teeth, and she definitely took advantage of that! She DEVOURED the turkey, the stuffing, the mashed potatoes, the sweet potatoes, the green bean casserole, the bread, and any other main course dishes that I might be forgetting. She didn't say "no" to anything and she just kept on eating and eating. Just when I thought for sure she'd explode, she would take another bite of something. Don't forget that that was just the main course! Prior to that she munched on crackers as appetizers and, during dessert, she worked her way around the room getting multiple bites of pies from everyone! It's very possible that at 19 months, Ruthie ate more Thanksgiving food than anyone else in the room.

Number Two

Well, if you haven't already heard the news, here it is (look left!). That's right- a new baby Olson is on the way!

We're still pretty early on in the pregnancy. These pictures were taken yesterday at 13 weeks and 2 days. I wasn't supposed to have an ultrasound until 20 weeks, but some hopefully minor concerns had me in the office getting a full checkover. Thankfully, there was a strong heartbeat and a VERY active baby! As long as everything stays that way, we can expect this new little one around May 24th.

My doctor asked if we were finding out the sex, and if we wanted her to see if she could tell. "YES!" The closest she could get, though, was "Well, that could be a 5th appendage or it could just be the cord." And, unless I'm in for any more "checkovers" we'll have to wait until January to find out with more certainty.

The most amazing part was seeing how much change occurs in such a short amount of time. My first ultrasound at 7 weeks showed nothing more than a peanut/nugget/blob with a heartbeat. Now, only six weeks later, we could see the whole profile, hands and fingers, a spine, a brain, etc.... It's pretty amazing!

We will keep you updated on the progress of this pregnancy. In the meantime, enjoy the pics. Keep in mind, the baby right now is about the size of an action figure with a really large head!

If you have any suggestions for names- boy or girl- feel free to share. Right now we've narrowed it down to Ruthie #2 (we think either a boy or girl could handle that, don't you?)!

Adeluth's Fugue

Think Muppet Show theme song... "It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to get things started with Adeluth tonight...."

Tonight's feature performance is Miss Ruthie and Miss Adeline debuting their very first piano duet. This is an original fugue designed together by both artists. Their skills combined make for a mesmerizing performance. You have Miss Adeline, whose technical skills and focus clearly lead this masterpiece, while Miss Ruthie completes it with her abilities to follow along and add her own touch of uniqueness and clarity.

And how, you might ask, did they come up with the exquisite title, Adeluth's Fugue? Clearly it is the combination of their names, Adeline and Ruth. Just as they worked together as a team to create this musical work of perfection, the title reflects that same commitment to their teamwork and camaraderie.

Why not call it Rutheline's Fugue? Simple. At this stage in her life, Ruthie likes to put her friends first.

And now, for our feature performance.... We hope you enjoy the show!