Nite to Unite

Tonight was national "Nite to Unite" celebration. Meaning neighbors are suppose to get out of their houses and meet somewhere on their block for a get to know your neighbors and have great food and conversation. Our neighbors are wonderful and we look forward to participating every year in this event. Last year was a lot harder since Elyse wasn't fully walking yet, but this year she had a blast. Even though the weather was in the 90's plus humidity, we still enjoyed ourselves and had a good turn out. We feel very blessed to live in our neighborhood and have the neighbors we do!

The firemen and firetruck always make an appearance too. (Probably helps that we have the Fire Marshall as our neighbor.) Elyse bonded with this neighbor since she let Elyse eat her popcorn. Popular place for the kids to be, free snow cones all night. Of course, Elyse had to spend some time petting the neighbor's dog.

Night Light

Recently Nate and I have been reading this book called, In Case You Ever Wonder, by Max Lucado. It's a great book, especially if your child is adopted. Anyway, there is a section in the book that talks about the girl being afraid of the dark and the stuff in her closet. So now Elyse isn't a big fan of the dark and tends to cry when we put her into bed. The crying isn't long, but still it's hard to hear. Well today during her nap, she said, "Mama, no dark please". Therefore, I in turn clicked on her adorable purse night light my mom bought her and instantly she stopped crying and quickly feel asleep. I was glad to hear the crying stopped but guess I'm now packing a mini night light every where we go.

Any suggestions from moms who have dealt with night light situations, like stories, long term use, ways to get over it, did you find it to be a good thing, etc.??

Yes that is Elyse in her bed. The picture was taken about 10 minutes after she feel asleep. Have to LOVE the sight of a sleeping child!

Potty Chair!?!?

So for the last 48 hours, Elyse has had NO accidents when it comes to going on the potty chair. We put her in her diaper when out and about, but around the house she is running bare bottom. Nate and I had no intention of training her until after baby boy arrives to prevent relapsing. Going all day, both 1 and 2 is her decision. She has such a smile of accomplishment when she goes. She screams, "Mama, potty chair, yeah". I also think getting M&M's as a reward helps. Anyway, so I was so proud this morning, of no accidents again that I took her to Target to buy her some underwear. Even let her pick them out and it's no surprise that she picked the Elmo and Zoe ones. Worked out, I had a coupon ;) I'm not saying she's fully potty trained or we are going to push it on her, I'm just hoping this trend does continue and I am so proud of her!
Elyse on one of potty chairs that we moved to the main level. A lot easier for her to run to when she has to go. Very successful so far.

I do have a question for all you moms that have gone through the potty training period... Have you trained before arrival #2? How old was your child? How long did it take? Would you recommend waiting until after baby boy? I'm happy to take any suggestions. Thanks

Our Niece Turns 1

Our dear and precious niece just turned 1 today. I can't get over how fast it's gone. We love and miss her so much.
Anyway, HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY SWEET GRETA!
love, Uncle Nate, Aunt Natalie and cousin Elyse

For all those dedicated blogger checkers who checked on Sunday and saw this post already, I apologize. I made the post ahead of time so I would make sure to have it for today and instead of hitting the "save" button, I hit "publish post", out of habit I suppose. Well when I went to post our day that night I noticed and instantly was like, "oh crap". Anyway, my bad, guess I just had too much sun that day ;)

Sun Filled Summer Day

Today really was a sun filled summer day. It was 86 with just a few clouds, what I would call a perfect day to be outdoors, which is just what we were. We spent the late morning going for a walk/run around Lake Calhoun and finishing it off by letting Elyse play at the park. Following her nap we got back in the car and headed to the beach. The water was perfect and so was the family time. I know baby boy is coming soon so I treasure all these family of three moments we are having. I absolutely couldn't have asked for a better Sunday with my two favorite people in the world.
Nate burying Elyse's legs in the sand. They were making her fins.
Elyse and I sunbathing.

Singing Debut

Besides having such happy news on Thursday, it was a very gloomy summer day. We did make it to the park for a short time, but most of it was spent indoors. One popular activity was playing music and singing. So without further introduction, singing "Twinkle Twinkle" and "Jesus Loves Me" (short version, got side tracked a lot), it's Elyse:

PRAISE, TERMINATED

That's right, I just found out, the birthfather did not proceed in getting a lawyer. Therefore, his rights are forever terminated! What a beautiful and blessed day in the Klauser household.

A big thank you for all your prayers and support. It really meant a lot to Nate and I for all the phone calls, messages, e-mails, and comments. We are so thankful to have such wonderful people in our lives.

Now we ask that you please pray that the rest of the adoption goes well, and that the birthmother stays as confident as she is right now. As of this second, we have no doubts that this little boy will be here in three weeks, oh my! :)

"For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5