Snow Day

Not only was today a Leap Day, it was a BIG snow day for us. It's weird to write, but we have only had a few inches of snow all winter. In fact, not even enough to have the kiddos play in it. Although, starting last night we had hours of sleet and rain that turned over into lots of snow. We don't know our totals but Nate would say at least six inches of heavy white stuff is in our yard. Thankfully it is suppose to be back into the 30-40's, so I do not see it staying.

All day, Elyse was going crazy with excitement wanting to go play in it. Sadly, since my snow pants currently do not fit, the kiddos had to wait till Dad got home. Needless to say, Dad did not disappoint! They shoveled, had a snowball fight, made snow angels and a great snowman.

Grandpa and Grandma Visit

As I had previously stated in the last post, Nate's parents came up to visit Friday through yesterday morning. Therefore, we ended our crazy and busy week with a very calming and relaxing weekend. While they were here we got out of the house only once to go eat; otherwise our time consisted of grandparents playing with the kiddos and card playing at night. Unfortunately, we really did not take pictures, but at least we did get a good one of all four.

A special thank you to Mike and Kathy for coming up and keeping the kids busy, especially so I could take sometime to sit.

What a Week

This past week sure has been out of the ordinary to say the least. For starters, Nate had a business trip and was gone Monday through Thursday. Normally it would not be a big deal, but being 36 weeks pregnant (baby boy is dilated, effaced, and super low already too) with a 3.5 year old and 14 month old, it was crazy busy and nights became a little stressful. Days were normal and smooth, but when dad is gone things just aren't the same. Even though we did all the same things. Thankfully he arrived home safely yesterday and last night was tag team bath night again.

Before Nate left, he told Elyse if she got her "smiles" then he would take her on a "Dada-Daughter" date night. She earned her "smiles" and they spent their night at McDonald's. It was by far her highlight of the week.


Besides Nate arriving home yesterday, my mom came up to help out with the kids today so I could go to my midwife appointment alone. To find out I really could go into labor anytime (really praying for closer to 40 weeks though). Plus, Nate's co-employees at Caterpillar threw us a fun and very thoughtful baby shower. Sadly I forgot to get any pictures but am so thankful for everything. Special thanks to mom too for watching the kiddos again!

Well to top off this crazy week, Nate's parents are arriving today and spending the weekend. Excited to see them and will post pictures later.

Hope you all had an enjoyable week and less chaotic than mine :)

Priceless

Yesterday, Nate took some really beautiful black and white pictures of baby boy and I. We plan on taking more colorful, maternity like ones later this week or next as I am approaching week 37. The pictures he took really are intended to be just for our enjoyment; but I did want to share this one that I feel in love with (minus my ugly pregnancy outie)! Absolutely priceless in my opinion.

A Sleepover Every Night

For just about a week now Caleb has been sleeping not in the nursery, but what was known as Elyse's room. We found Elyse an adorable sleigh twin bed and turned her old toddler bed into a little floor crib for Caleb. The transition has had a few earlier mornings than normal (still later than most children sleep), but for the most part it has been super great and successful. Elyse LOVES having him sleep in the same room as her. In fact, she does not talk or look at him because she knows if he does not sleep, then we will have to move him back (even though we really can't do that). Ironically, I think the hardest thing to do was add Caleb's blue stuff to a room of only pink and brown, and make it look good for little to no cost. I think we did a okay good job though. Plus we only have to deal with it for a year or so because we plan on rooming the boys together and redoing the nursery. Until now our two kiddos get to have a little sleepover every night.

Kiddos right after I opened the door to their room this morning

Caleb smiling in his new bed and room, such a big boy

Valentine's Day

Hope you all have a wonderful, memorable and loving Valentine's Day!

Even though Nate and I have never celebrated this holiday, I still enjoy it a lot. It's fun to dress up in red and/or pink, pass out special treats and tell all the people you love how much you love them. I especially enjoy it now that I have kids to share in the fun activities with, like we did today. (Sadly I did not capture any good pictures.) We spent the morning with all our friends at a local open gym playtime. The kiddos ran around, rode bikes, went through tunnels and laughed a lot. We then ended our time by having a Valentine exchange. Elyse had been talking about giving out her Valentine's and suckers for a week. So it was no surprise she loved it. Then right when we got home she couldn't resist but open up all the ones she received (and Caleb's too). So much fun, and such a great Valentine's memory.
A special thank you to all the moms and kids who came today.

35 Weeks

Today marks 35 weeks, only five more weeks until baby boy is scheduled to make his appearance. I can't believe it and I am in no way shape or form hurrying these upcoming five weeks. There are a few reasons (in no particular order) why I feel this way. First, the thought of giving birth is a new and scary experience to me. I have been reading many books and talking with many people which has brought me encouragement, but still it is very new. Secondly, Caleb is just under 14 months and I am treasuring every minute with him right now being my baby boy. The thought of him having to become more independent so quickly is something I believe he will have an easier time adjusting to than me. Lastly, the reason I don't want this pregnancy to end is because I don't know if I will ever experience it again. I have spent the last four years believing and at total peace that God did not plan for us to have a biological child. However, I really have enjoyed experiencing every bit of it. I know every mother does not know whether or not they can conceive, but for me, I really have no way of knowing. Some part of this is beautiful and very special to Nate and I since it means we 100% have to rely on God again for what he has for our family. Another reason it's beautiful and special is because it has made me treasure every moment. Some things have been uncomfortable and not fun, but I never take any of it for granted. I treasure every kick, movement, doctor appointments, etc. I will never love this child any more or less than Elyse or Caleb, but like the other two, I am very thankful for baby boy.

The reason for this post is because many friends and family have been asking for a current belly shot and pregnancy updates. The one below is me at 34 weeks. I will try to post at least one more as we get closer, I just don't feel super comfortable posting these types of blogs since I couldn't do it with Elyse or Caleb. Thank you for your understanding.

On the Move and Way Overdue

So for the past few weeks, Caleb has made humongous strides in walking. He is now walking with more confidence at common locations and random places. We find him walking more than crawling these days, especially at home. He would probably do it 100% of the time if he could just get himself up to a standing position from any location. Overall, we are super proud of him and super excited he is walking more. In fact, last night we took the kids to the MN Caucus (long story) but he was wanting to walk down the school hallways and got fussy if we picked him up. I was one very happy Mama :0)

Thank You!

This post is dedicated to someone very important to us Klausers, my mom.

Mom,
We just want to thank you for being the woman of Christ that you are. You are one of the most, if not the most selfless woman we know. We are so grateful for you and all that you do. Thank you so much for being here for us this weekend. We couldn't have done it without you. We love you so much.

The reason behind this post is simple, I never really post about my mom and all she does. She comes up at least once every other week to spend time with the kiddos and us, which allows Nate and I time together. Although this past weekend she was a major blessing. The reason is because, Nate and I had a major list of things to do before baby boy arrives in just under six weeks (crazy). We also had things on our schedule that we needed to attend without the children. Lastly, I ended up getting super sick Saturday night and all day Sunday so having her here was a lifesaver to me. (I also want to acknowledge and thank Nate for all his help too.) I love you both very much and appreciate you.

Adventure Park

Yesterday, Elyse, Caleb and I joined our friends for a morning of fun at Adventure Park in Ham Lake. It's a large indoor playground with activities for infants to young kids. It was a lot of fun for both children.

I would totally recommend this place for other moms who have lots of children or people to go with. I probably would not go myself because I would have to either climb with Elyse or stay in the younger section with Caleb. It has lots of great climbing activities, slides and tunnels for the big kids. Little slides, toys and tunnels for the little ones. Overall, really nice!

Elyse playing in the tunnels, climbing area and racing her friends on the slide. In the slide picture with Elyse are her friends, Sarah, Landon as well as my friend, Angela.

Caleb playing in his area. Yes, he is walking in this photo. I have not blogged a video yet, but the boy walks around the house. He just needs a little more confidence to do it in unknown places. Hopefully any day soon he will be running and I promise to capture and post it soon.