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!

School Days

Yes, I know. It's not really school, it's just daycare. Hey, it's close enough! She goes everyday during regular school hours, she learns things.... Besides, what daycare means to Ruthie is that she gets to carry her "bapa." That would be two short-a vowel sounds and it refers to Ruthie's beautiful red Hello Kitty backpack- the one that she LOVES taking to "school!"

Checking In

Ruthie had her 18 month check-up this past week, so I thought I'd pass along her stats. She weighed in at 24 lb 5 oz.- that's right smack dab in the middle at 50%. As far as height, I thought she seemed fairly tall compared to other kids. Sure enough, she measured at 32 1/2 inches which is the 75th percentile. And, her head size is a whopping 77%! What does all of that mean? It means she's doing great! And that I shouldn't be surprised when I can't get a shirt over her head!

Body Language

At 18 months, Ruthie's ability to learn and acquire language and skills is developing at the rate of about, oh, say, the speed of light. Her ability to understand and follow directions is pretty phenomenal. You ask her to bring you something, she brings it. You ask her not to do something, she stops doing it. Last week, I had her on my bed and she kept saying "shoes." I put her on the floor and she immediately went over to her room and brought me a pair of shoes. I asked her if she could get some socks to go with her shoes. What does Ruthie do? She goes back to her room, walks over to the dresser with her socks, opens the correct drawer, and brings me back a pair of socks. Now, maybe out there in the rest of the world, this is normal for an 18 month old but, since I have no idea, it seems pretty phenomenal to me!

The following video unveils some more of Ruthie's recently acquired knowledge specifically regarding body language. I realize that the term "body language" may cause you to question the nature of this video, but I assure you that the title is quite befitting and the video is in good taste.

Wild Card

If you have been at all following Major League baseball, then you know that earlier tonight the Rockies battled the Padres for the Wild Card spot in the playoffs. This was the "playoffs before the playoffs" and the Olsons were there to enjoy almost every minute of it. Ruthie cheered along with all the great moments and clapped along with all the great songs and music. She even gave high fives to the men behind us when things were going really well.

Fortunately, the game started at 5:30, which fit right into Ruthie's schedule. Unfortunately, the ninth inning came and went with a 6-6 tie, forcing the teams to determine a winner with extra innings. We made it through the 11th inning. Not bad for a little one, just shy of 18 months.

Thankfully, we made it home in time to watch the entire 13th inning, during which the Padres scored two more runs and then, in the bottom of the 13th, the Rockies came back with three runs to win the Wild Card spot 9-8. The highlight of the whole evening, though, was when one man sitting behind us (one of the high-fivers!) said to me during the game, "It's so nice to see such a happy baby here." I responded with a heartfelt "Thank you" and he followed that with "No, thank YOU."

As wonderful and exciting as it is to have the Rockies in the playoffs, nothing beats knowing that your child made someone else's day a whole lot brighter.






Go Rockies and Go Ruthie!

Ski Inspector

Ruthie has acquired some important new skills. Since she is not yet allowed to participate in the actual activity of skibuilding she has instead volunteered to inspect the skis after they come out of the press. Ruthie gives two thumbs up. They've passed the inspection. Good job, dad!

Ruthie's only comment- "When are you making skis in my size?"