I am thankful for...

this little one,
this little one,
and for the leadership team and the nursery volunteers who make MOMS at Constance Free Church possible. I love my kids and love spending time with them; but getting together with other moms every other Wednesday for two hours to have a warm brunch, relax and share stories is something every mom should be apart of and thankful for.

Shopping Carts

One of the best things about shopping at home improvement stores is the race car shopping carts that keep your children entertained while shopping.

Tried many times to get Caleb to look, but he was way too distracted.

Dancin' Feet ~ Part 1

Last Wednesday, Elyse began taking dancing class at a studio in town. It's called, "Dancin' Feet" in Andover if interested. It is a great, affordable, educational and fun place to learn dance. They meet every Wednesday for 45 minutes and do jazz, ballet and tap. She smiles the entire time she is there. Her class consists of only 3-4 year olds, and she is by far the youngest, but her teacher, Ms. Kristi says she dances, follows the rules and behaves no way like a three year old. We are very proud of her. By the way, I titled this one part 1, because her class goes until May, so I am pretty sure she will be improving and we will post more.

The video has no audio since we are outside the classroom looking through the window.

Gum

Before I was pregnant, I was addicted to gum. I would chew at least a pack every three days. Elyse would see me chew and every time ask if she could have a stick. I told her when she turned three, she could chew gum. Well, since being pregnant I really do not enjoy the taste in my mouth and so I believe Elyse has quickly forgotten. However, that all changed on Saturday. Elyse saw Nate put something into his mouth, she asked what it was. Nate said, "Gum" (even though it was chocolate). That's when Elyse quickly said, "Hey, I'm three now, can I have gum?" We had no choice but to say, "Yes." Therefore, she got some later that evening and did great. She chews one stick a day and I am happy to say none has come out of her mouth and she only has swallowed one piece. I don't think she's going to become addicted anytime soon, but for now it's a new fascinating thing.

Some pretty bad pictures, but she was too focused on chewing her first piece of gum.

Caleb is 9 Months Old

I can't believe it, our baby boy is a quarter away from being a year already. Caleb turns 9 months today and I don't know where the time has gone. He is growing up so much everyday and doing something new which I am just amazed by. He is our moving, bubble blowing, happy, easy-going, and busy little boy.

Caleb's doctor's appointment was on Wednesday, and he passed everything. Doctor said he looked and sounded perfect.
9 Months Statistics:
Weight: 18 lbs, 4 oz (16%, no concerns since he is mobile now)
Height: 28.5 inches (62%)
Head circumference: 47.5 (97%, that's right he went down by 2%!!!)

Caleb, we love you so much and everyday praising and thanking God for you. We hope you have a very happy 9 month birthday!

Family of Five

You read the title right, in March 2012, us Klausers will be a family of four no more.

Starting in April, people began asking Nate and I what we were going to do regarding children. Were we done, doing domestic again, foster, international or what? Our answer was always the same, "We have NO idea and really are putting it in God's hands." Every night we prayed that God would open our eyes as to what He has for our family. We knew we were not done with two, but never thought He would answer the way He did. That's because, two months later we discovered that God wanted us to have another child. That's right, Nate and I are over 13 weeks pregnant.

For those of you that have followed our story, you may already know this but we were told by our IVF doctor on December 12, 2007 that my eggs were dead and it would be impossible or nearly impossible to ever conceive a child biologically or through in vitro fertilization. God is once again showing us that He is the one in control. As we had no hopes or desires for biological since that December day.

Overall, we are excited to become a family of five in mid March. We ask that you please pray for a continued healthy baby and pregnancy.

Cabin Magic

I often have read or heard Jenny Kuphal call their time at the cabin, "Cabin Magic", and I couldn't agree more. It's a place of conversation, no worries, no distractions, beauty and relaxation. Yesterday was 90 degrees (in September), and thankfully for the water and breeze, it was really a great day to be at the cabin. We spent our day watching the kids play, riding the pontoon, playing with reptiles, kayaking, eating and talking. Overall, I am exhausted, but I wouldn't have wanted to spend my day doing anything else.

Special thank you to Tom, Jenny and Aiden for having us. Also, to Jenny's parents, Kent and Dixie for opening their cabin up to us Klausers. We had a wonderful time and love you all.

3 and 3 Celebrations

This past week, Elyse has had three different celebrations to celebrate turning three. I just hope this is not a trend to what's to come, because I can't imagine throwing four next year ;)

Celebration #1: September 3rd with Nebraska family
Elyse asked since January to have a princess party so that's exactly what we gave her. My mom surprised her with buying her a Cinderella dress and boy did she play the part. She looked adorable and would not take that dress off. The party was a great success and very memorable.
Celebration #2: September 8th with Dad, Mom and Caleb
Elyse spent her actual birthday doing exactly what she wanted all day. I took her to the Children's Museum all morning. Opened birthday presents, Dada made her Minnie Mouse pancakes for dinner and we went to Cold Stone Creamery and the park to end out her day. No complaints from her all day, only smiles.
Celebration #3: September 9th with friends
Elyse 3rd birthday celebration involved having her friends over for a pink and purple party. Her good friend, Mariana turned 3 last week and loves purple, Elyse loves pink, so it was perfect. The day was quick, fun and a great way to end her 3rd birthday celebrations!

Three years ago today....

...our eyes were filled with tears of joy, hearts filled with love and arms held tight for the first time around our precious baby girl. Elyse Irene entered the world today and we daily thank God and her birthmother for her.
Elyse, you changed our life dramatically, but only for the better. Your independence, intelligence and beauty never sees to amaze us.
More importantly, we are amazed at your love and passion you have in our Lord in Savior and your family. You are a wonderful daughter and great big sister. Thank you for being you. Happy 3rd birthday, Elyse!!! You mean the world to us and we love you more than words and pictures can express. We hope you have a great day.

Albuquerque Family

As I previously posted, we arrived home on Sunday night; then we spent Monday morning getting things ready because Nate's family came to visit all day from Albuquerque, NM. They were in Iowa visiting Amelia's side of the family, but since they flew out of MN's airport, we were blessed with seeing them. Even though it was less than 24 hours, it was so great having them here and being able to see our nephew and niece!!! We spent the day playing outside in the beautiful weather, coloring, celebrating Elyse's birthday and catching up. We have it planned to see them again over Thanksgiving and I know the next two months will fly, but right now it still seems so far away.

Special thanks to Shawn, Amelia, Liam and Greta, for stopping by to visit. We miss you already. Love you all.

Nebraska Family

Friday till today, we headed south to visit my mom's family in Nebraska. It was a very quick trip but so nice to see my grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins and cousin's kids. We spent all day yesterday catching up, watching the Nebraska football game and celebrating a princess' birthday (to come later this week).

My mom with her mom, brothers and sisters. Diane, Bobby, Sandy (mom), Randy, Grandma, Rodney, Lisa and Joyce Austin, Brandon, Amber, Kaden, Grandma, Teagen, Holly, Isaac & Steven