Visit from the Fischers

Elyse got the opportunity this weekend to be loved by our good friends, Brandon and Kelly Fischer. They drove up from Huxley (near Ames) to meet Elyse and share with us in our blessing. We had a great time of shopping, movie watching, eating and game playing. We love them and thank them for taking time to come see Elyse!

One Month Old

Elyse is one month old today and I can't get over how fast the last month has gone. She is easily out of all newborn outfits, over 10 lbs, 22 inches long and a lot more active. She has had many visitors and parties. I really enjoy seeing how she changes everyday. I love her so much and look forward to what new things she will do this month.

Elyse's Dedication

Today, Elyse was dedicated. For those of you that have never heard of a dedication, it means that we presented Elyse in front of our church saying that we as parents will raise her up in a home dedicated to the Lord. According to the bible a baby is not saved by being baptized as an infant. Therefore, dedicating her to the Lord and promising God that we will teach her about Him, she in turn when ready will make that decision to commit herself to God and choose to be baptized. It was a wonderful and honoring experience for Nate and I; not to mention it was fun to show her off on stage!

Pastor Randy Dedicating Elyse

Proud Dad and Mom

Proud Grandma

Elyse's friend Willow was dedicated too

Elyse's Open House

On Saturday Elyse had an open house at Grandpa and Gram's. It was a great time for family and friends of my parent's and mine to see Elyse. People who knew me from when I moved to Minnesota at the age of five. It was fun to see everyone and Elyse really loved all the attention and gifts. Thanks for everyone who stopped by!

Elyse with her (step)cousins Talia and Theron

Sleeping in Style

Elyse often falls asleep with her hands by her face. She pretty much makes model poses. We find it adorable and wanted to share it with you all.

Frugal or Cheap??

So Nate and I went out to dinner on Sunday and after getting our receipt we came to the conclusion that we are either really frugal or really cheap. Our top ten things we came up with (in no particular order) are below. Read them and vote for yourself on the side.

1. We go to restaurants where we have gift cards or coupons. On Sunday we had a gift card, $5.00 off card and free appetizer. 2 entrees and appetizer for $15.00, actually gift card..free!
2. Use cloth diapers
3. Shop on Craig's List...pretty much our entire nursery and all baby gear for about $300.00
4. Rent movies at Redbox...$1.07 w/tax
5. Never buy clothes at regular price; actually we are still wearing some from high school. Plus Elyse's clothes we buy come only from garage sales
6. Giving Nate haircuts at home and plucking my own brows
7. Make sandwiches for road trips and flights
8. Dumpster dive for furniture, which we turn into something beautiful
9. Make 1 big meal and eat it all week to save food costs
10. Drive the same car Natalie had in high school

Cloth Diapers

So Nate and I have decided that buying diapers is outrageous. Therefore, after positive remarks from some friends who use them we have decided to give cloth diapers a try.So far it's been a successful two weeks. Elyse has gotten no diaper rash, they don't leak and they are easy to use! We are using Chinese prefolds and "Thirties" covers. I love the covers, they fit great and come in a lot of cute colors. I highly recommend using cloth diapers!