Happy 1st Birthday Elyse

One year ago this very day we got a phone call that answered many years of prayer and brought so much joy into our lives. Elyse finally arrived (2 weeks late) and she would forever be ours. And now I can't believe it, today our little blessing, Elyse turns 1. Happy Birthday Elyse, we love you so much!!! This entire year has flown by and I can't describe my feelings of Elyse turning one. I'm excited to see how she continues to develop, but at the same time have shed a few tears of sadness knowing she's not my little baby anymore, but my little girl. Words can't describe how perfect she is for Nate and I. We love watching her change daily; whether it's communicating, playing, learning or walking (she started last week, but we wanted family and friends to see it in person first this weekend). Overall, I can't thank God and Elyse's birth mother enough for giving Nate and I such a gift. We both treasure every moment we have had with her these past 365 days and look forward to what's ahead.

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY ELYSE! We love you so much and always will!

This past Sunday, Nate and I threw Elyse her first birthday party. I want to thank everyone who was able to make it as well as family members who helped me get it all ready. Everything was perfect and went just as I had pictured it the last few months. Plus I think Elyse loved it too but who wouldn't with...
family,
friends,
kisses,
presents,
and of course, cake :)

Where's Waldo?

Glasses are on behalf of Uncle Steven :)

Going Through Another Growth Spurt

So I have decided that Elyse's eating habits this morning has confirmed she is going through another growth spurt.

Typical morning breakfast: bowl of oatmeal, entire banana and milk

This morning's breakfast: bowl of oatmeal, entire banana, milk, bowl of cottage cheese, some cheerios and a quarter of a pear. I just hope this eating trend doesn't continue or she will be doubling our grocery bill in no time.

Our Big Helper

Nate and I have recently noticed Elyse loves to help or just do things on her own. Whether it's helping to wash her hair, sort laundry, dust, put toys away or as the video shows, empty the dishwasher. I guess we should really appreciate all her help, especially since a new baby may be on the way soon. Glad to see that Elyse will be a helpful big sister!

Paper Pregnant Baby #2

Today is a big day in the Klauser household, we just found out we are paper pregnant with baby #2 and are due any day.

What is paper pregnant? Paper pregnant is pregnancy for parents who are adopting. Meaning Nate and I could get a call that we have been chosen by a birth mother to parent her baby any second.

Elyse isn't even 1 yet, why are you adopting so soon? Adoption can take on average 1 year to be chosen. Therefore, Elyse would almost be two. We strongly believe God will provide us the child He wants us to parent in His timing, whether that be tomorrow or 18 months.

Is there anything family or friends can do right now? Besides constant prayer, we ask that you please keep your ears open for mothers who are thinking about giving their baby up for adoption. Statistics show that family/friends are the fastest ways to receive a child. If you know of someone interested, please let us know, because we have a profile book online we could show them as well as providing them the Bethany Christian Service's website to see a mini profile. The website address is: http://www.bethany.org/A55798/bethanyWWW.nsf/0/0FC8C229C2D90D728525762000626998

The Klauser family of three, just became the Klauser family of four :)

R.I.P. Nana Speckman

On a sad note, last week my Nana (dad's mother) passed away. She was such a beautiful woman and her birthday would have also been today. She would have turned 88. Even though it was hard to say goodbye, the weekend/week did hold joyous things. The most joyous being able to spend a few days in a western suburb of Chicago with my side of the family. My dad, stepmother, brother and sister-in-law were all in town from out of state. Not to mention aunts, uncles, cousins and their kids that have not met Elyse yet. May my Nana rest in peace with my dear Papa who passed in January 08. Love you, Nana!

Happy 50th Birthday, MOM

Just wanted to wish my mom a Happy 50th today! I just pray that I am as energetic, beautiful and lovely as you are at 50. I could never have asked for you to be a better mother, grandma to Elyse and friend. Thank you for all you do and I love you with all my heart!