Happy With Dad

Elyse loves to play with Nate! She smiles and seems to always do a high pitch screech when Nate talks to her. We were able to catch it on video early Sunday morning. I'm happy for Nate, but selfishly sad for myself, Elyse is becoming more of a "Daddy's girl" everyday.

Fun in the Sun

All last week, Nate, Elyse and I had the opportunity to enjoy fun in the sun. We joined Nate's parents, brother, Shawn, sister-in-law, Amelia and nephew, Liam for a week of relaxation and family time in Sanibel, Florida. Amelia found this amazing 3 room, 2 bath suite right off the Gulf of Mexico. We had our own balcony and deck to watch the sunrise and sunset everyday. We basically spent the days playing in the sand and water, playing cards or eating. As you can see from the pictures, it was beautiful! It was really hard to leave temps between 70-80 to arrive in MN with temps around 15 degrees. I just hope to go back and do it again real soon.

Hello 2009

Yesterday we all said goodbye to 2008. I'll admit the year started off not so exciting. Although, by the end of it, I'd have to admit it was a GREAT, if not perfect. I know the only reason it was so amazing is because we saw God work and bless us with Elyse. Therefore, 2008 brought parenthood for Nate and I, and we couldn't love it anymore than we do. Well last night Nate, Elyse and I kicked off the New Year with our good friends, Tom, Jenny and Aiden Kuphal. We rang in the New Years about 8 P.M., but that's what happens when babies enter the party. We had a blast eating, playing games, reflecting on the year and watching the two little ones play together. I'll admit, I'm super excited to see what God has in store for us in 2009. Happy New Year everyone! "Hey Aiden, you're going to be my friend in 2009, you got that!"

Visit to Grandpa and Grandma K

So Elyse took her longest road trip so far last week, 6 hours plus a few obvious stops. As you can see from the picture she was awake, excited and ready to go. In fact, she did great the entire ride. After a few hours of adjusting to a new place, Elyse was like her old self. Smiling, cooing and enjoying spending time with Grandpa and Grandma Klauser. She also got a few awesome presents. She was way more excited about the toys than the clothes, I know in a few years that will eventually change :) On Sunday, Elyse also met all her dad's aunts, uncles, cousins and their children from her grandpa's side. There were about 40 people, and sometimes I don't think Elyse knew just what to do. But it was great seeing everyone. She even enjoyed spending time on her daddy's old rocking horse. She loved it! Well, after a great weekend, Elyse was all tired out. So as we left Grandpa and Grandma's, Elyse decided to cuddle up with her snowman she got from them and fall asleep.

Merry Christmas!

We just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! May you enjoy time with family and friends. Don't forget to take a moment and celebrate the reason for the season. May God bless you all always. Elyse With Her Teddy From Great Nana Speckman on Christmas Day Celebrating Christmas Eve Together For the First Time As A Family

Judge's Verdict

The judge officially authorized Nate and I to be parents to Elyse Irene forever. We knew from birth that she was ours, but now we have government documents to prove it. It's a very exciting day in the Klauser home. The judge was awesome and loved holding and talking with Elyse. I think Nate had the most fun; because the judge told him that since he is the dad to the adorable baby, he could sit in the judge's chair. It was a very quick experience but we will never forget it! Nate, Elyse and I taking sometime afterwards to celebrate

Elyse Just Wanted To Say...