Grandparent Weekend

This past weekend, Nate's parents headed up north to see the kiddos and meet Kallen for the first time. The weather wasn't the best, but the company was perfect. Our time was very simple, yet memorable to say the least.


One of the highlights, especially for the kiddos was going to the Easter egg hunt. A local church put on a free event for the community. The event had tons of eggs for the kids, food, blow up jumpers, music and firefighters/trucks. Only bummer was that it was chilly outside, but we still had lots of fun!


Special thank you to Mike and Kathy for coming up and spending your weekend with us. We loved having you and look forward to doing it again soon.

Any Day Now

So today marks 38 weeks and according to my midwife I could seriously go any minute. I am now dilated to a 3, just about 90% effaced and super thin. I know that maybe too much information, but it really does put it into perspective for me that I will be giving birth and we will soon be a family of five.

Side note, Nate has had a lot of stuff going on with work right now, so we are really in no hurry for baby boy's arrival, and if you could take sometime to pray that he would decide to stay in the womb a little longer we would really appreciate it. All we can do now is pray and as always trust on God's perfect timing and plan.

38 week belly shot

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 :)

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.

Sesame Street LIVE 2012

I have written this before, and I know I will be writing it again in the future, Nate and I have amazing friends. Friends we consider close as family. One such example are our friends, Kris and Kristi Brown. Well last night, our two kiddos loved them just as much as we do, and that's because, thanks to them we got FREE tickets to Sesame Street LIVE. That's right, Kris' mother's job had lots of tickets they were giving away and since their son, Emmitt is just under three months, they called us to see if we were interested.

As many of you know, Elyse really isn't interested in Elmo anymore, but boy did she have fun! The concert was Elmo plays music. The entire show focused on instruments and songs that the kids knew and could sing along to. She spent much of her time dancing and singing. Even Caleb clapped along to a few songs. Their eyes were drawn to the stage the entire time. Overall, it was a lot of fun and a great family, Friday, fun night!
Kiddos look mad, when in reality they are that focused on the show
Elyse dancing and singing, while Caleb claps his hands to a song
A picture we dedicate to Uncle Shawn & Aunt Amelia, it's Mr. Noodle :)

To Kris and Kristi: Again we thank you for thinking of us and letting us build a new memory with our kiddos. We love you guys so much!

Spoiled

For the last twelve days, Elyse, Caleb and I have been spoiled rotten. The reason is because Nate took some vacation days off and Caterpillar always has shutdown from Christmas Eve to New Years day. Therefore, we have had the joy of having him home and boy has it been wonderful. We got to do our gym workouts in the morning and go play/shop in the afternoons. We did something everyday as a family and I treasured every moment. However, the two days that were mostly devoted to the kiddos' enjoyment were us going to Mall of America and the Children's Museum. We didn't capture a lot of pictures, but I will never forgot this past week. It's not often that Nate's vacation days are spent without extended family (don't get me wrong, we love seeing them) but I do treasure alone time with my three loves more than anything.

Speckman Family Christmas

This year us Klausers got to celebrate Christmas with my mom, brother, Steven, his wife, Kim and their daughter, Chloe. It was a really quick time together but was so memorable and great to have them here. Many times it felt like we were celebrating Thanksgiving with the 45 degree temperatures and no snow. However, the celebration of Jesus' birth with family here, church, meals and gifts still gave some feeling of Christmas. Overall, our weekend was filled with lots of laughter and watching the three kiddos play.


Special thank you to Mom, Steven, Kim and Chloe for coming up to celebrate Christmas with us. We love you so much and miss you already.

Just a heads up, be on the lookout for one of Elyse's favorite gifts from Chloe and one of the cutest things I have ever seen.

Klauser Family Christmas 2011

This past weekend, Nate's parents drove up to celebrate not only Caleb and Nate's mom's birthdays, but Christmas. We spent our weekend, hanging out at the house playing with all the new things the kids opened. It was great having them here and hopefully we will get to see them really soon in 2012.
Thank you Mike and Kathy for not only coming up but all the great gifts. We love and miss you lots and hope you have a Merry Christmas!!!