Potty Chair!?!?

So for the last 48 hours, Elyse has had NO accidents when it comes to going on the potty chair. We put her in her diaper when out and about, but around the house she is running bare bottom. Nate and I had no intention of training her until after baby boy arrives to prevent relapsing. Going all day, both 1 and 2 is her decision. She has such a smile of accomplishment when she goes. She screams, "Mama, potty chair, yeah". I also think getting M&M's as a reward helps. Anyway, so I was so proud this morning, of no accidents again that I took her to Target to buy her some underwear. Even let her pick them out and it's no surprise that she picked the Elmo and Zoe ones. Worked out, I had a coupon ;) I'm not saying she's fully potty trained or we are going to push it on her, I'm just hoping this trend does continue and I am so proud of her!
Elyse on one of potty chairs that we moved to the main level. A lot easier for her to run to when she has to go. Very successful so far.

I do have a question for all you moms that have gone through the potty training period... Have you trained before arrival #2? How old was your child? How long did it take? Would you recommend waiting until after baby boy? I'm happy to take any suggestions. Thanks

Our Niece Turns 1

Our dear and precious niece just turned 1 today. I can't get over how fast it's gone. We love and miss her so much.
Anyway, HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY SWEET GRETA!
love, Uncle Nate, Aunt Natalie and cousin Elyse

For all those dedicated blogger checkers who checked on Sunday and saw this post already, I apologize. I made the post ahead of time so I would make sure to have it for today and instead of hitting the "save" button, I hit "publish post", out of habit I suppose. Well when I went to post our day that night I noticed and instantly was like, "oh crap". Anyway, my bad, guess I just had too much sun that day ;)

Sun Filled Summer Day

Today really was a sun filled summer day. It was 86 with just a few clouds, what I would call a perfect day to be outdoors, which is just what we were. We spent the late morning going for a walk/run around Lake Calhoun and finishing it off by letting Elyse play at the park. Following her nap we got back in the car and headed to the beach. The water was perfect and so was the family time. I know baby boy is coming soon so I treasure all these family of three moments we are having. I absolutely couldn't have asked for a better Sunday with my two favorite people in the world.
Nate burying Elyse's legs in the sand. They were making her fins.
Elyse and I sunbathing.

Singing Debut

Besides having such happy news on Thursday, it was a very gloomy summer day. We did make it to the park for a short time, but most of it was spent indoors. One popular activity was playing music and singing. So without further introduction, singing "Twinkle Twinkle" and "Jesus Loves Me" (short version, got side tracked a lot), it's Elyse:

PRAISE, TERMINATED

That's right, I just found out, the birthfather did not proceed in getting a lawyer. Therefore, his rights are forever terminated! What a beautiful and blessed day in the Klauser household.

A big thank you for all your prayers and support. It really meant a lot to Nate and I for all the phone calls, messages, e-mails, and comments. We are so thankful to have such wonderful people in our lives.

Now we ask that you please pray that the rest of the adoption goes well, and that the birthmother stays as confident as she is right now. As of this second, we have no doubts that this little boy will be here in three weeks, oh my! :)

"For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5

Update and Prayer Request

Adoption Update: We are three weeks away from having our baby boy in our arms and we couldn't be more thrilled. We have hung out with the birthmom and her son just under a handful of times and love it. We feel very blessed to know them and treasure our new relationship. It's evident God is always with us when we are all together. Baby boy is looking great and feeling him change and move in the womb is an amazing thing. We are so thankful right now.

Prayer Request: Here's where we need you! Nate and I are strong advocates of prayer. It may not always be answered when we want or how we want, but it's always answered. We understand God is in control and His plan is perfect, but He commands us to ask for our wants through prayer. Therefore, the prayer request is that the birthfather doesn't fight custody. He has threatened to do so and his personality involves being in control. He has until 11:59 P.M. on Wednesday to get a lawyer. If he does so, our rights are gone and Bethany Christian Services will turn down this adoption. If he does not, then ALL his rights are TERMINATED FOREVER. I know it's going to be a long three days, but God is in control. We love Him so much and trust that He will provide. Please pray. Hopefully the next adoption post will be on Thursday with the title... "PRAISE, TERMINATED". Thank you for taking time to read this and praying for us. We appreciate and love you all.

"If you believe, you will recieve whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22

Absolutely Loves...

...swimming in the water...

...and playing in the sand!

Sorry about the pictures. I know they aren't the best. It's just that she wouldn't look or smile at me, she was having way too much fun.

Eidem Homestead Farm Dance

First off all credit for tonight goes to Jenny for finding out about the Eidem Homestead Farm and the great activities they host. Tonight Elyse and I joined Jenny and Aiden for a night at the farm. The kids danced to bluegrass music, however most of their time was spent petting and feeding the animals. There were goats, sheep, a calf, roosters, and 2 week old chicks. I wasn't able to capture a lot of good pictures of Elyse because she was way too excited and interested in what was going on to take a photo. We look forward to going back again next week! Thanks again Jenny!

Congrats Brad and Chelsea

Last night Nate and I had a wonderful and fun date night. We started off by taking Elyse down to my mom's for a sleepover. We then drove back home and got ready for a night of friendship, dancing, great food and celebration.

One of my close high school friends, Chelsea Sauerbry got married last night to Brad Shelton. Their wedding was beautiful! Besides seeing her get married, having time with just Nate, I was able to spend the night with other great high school friends and their husbands. I just look forward to next year when we get to all party again at our ten year reunion, yikes!
The beautiful bride, Chelsea and I
All the ladies: Kate (Garry) Blomberg, Chelsea (Sauerbry) Shelton, Kamari (Simpson) Green and I
Kate and I, I just love this lady!
My handsome date and my dancing partner for the night. A picture of us without Elyse, haven't taken one of these in a LONG time.


Thank you Chelsea for letting us celebrate your day, great seeing you ladies and a special thanks to my mom and stepdad for watching Elyse.

Gum Addiction

I know I have a minor (okay, pretty severe) addition to chewing gum. I don't know exactly why, maybe it's the flavor, fear of bad breath, or because it prevents me from eating the entire day. Well Elyse quickly grew to know where our gum is located and that I always have it in my mouth. Even though she has never had it, as you can see from the video she's quite curious/determined to find out. I just hope she doesn't get an addition too ;) By the way, I have to apologize for the freaky hairstyles and outfits of Elyse and I in the video, it was getting late.

More Cabin Fun

After arriving home early Monday evening from a few days of cabin fun in Nebraska, we emptied our bags to repacked them with new clothes to leave early Tuesday morning for some more cabin fun. We headed north back to what Elyse calls, "Aiden's cabin" for a 24 hour trip to the Kuphal/Jorgenson's family cabins. Everything about the trip was perfect, especially the weather and company. We spent the day on jet skis and playing in the water, it was beautiful. I didn't think Elyse would enjoy the water and the feeling of the sand, but she loved it. She was jumping off the dock, kicking her feet and constantly sitting down in it. I guess she isn't a city girl like I thought she would be. Can't wait to do it again soon.
Elyse and Aiden playing together like normal. Attached at the hip.

Appropriate or questionable? You decide. I think adorable.

Again, special thanks to the Kuphal and Jorgenson families!

Fourth of July Weekend

We were super busy this past fourth of July. We hopped into the car on Friday with my mom and drove south to Nebraska to celebrate my mom's family's reunion. We went to a log cabin resort and it was super great to see everyone. The only bummer is we didn't take a lot of pictures and it rained on Sunday. We were able to play lots of games, go to a great look out tower, mini golf, feed horses and even Elyse got to play in the big indoor playground. (If I can get some pictures from my mom and sister-in-law I will upload those later.)

Although one of my favorite things to do was help my mom host a surprise baby shower for my brother and sister-in-law who are expecting in late September. It was so fun and we can't wait to meet our new nephew or niece soon.