God's Plan Really is PERFECT

I may have already posted this picture before, but this time it's going to be for real. That's right, Nate and I were chosen by a birthmother three hours north of the cities tonight. Here's the reason why I posted the title the way I did. God led us through the adoption process with Lily to prepare us to be okay with having an open adoption, which is what this birthmother prefers. She is young and therefore knows she can not support this child. Her family is 100% supportive and involved with this adoption. The baby is completely healthy and due on Nate's mother's birthday in December. Although one of the most remarkable reasons to us is that the baby is 3/4 Caucasian and 1/4 Hispanic, the exact same ratio as Elyse. They are going to have something in common that we can celebrate and embrace as a family. I can't get over how much He blesses us. When I think about all these beautiful things about this adoption I have so much hope, faith and joy I can't describe it in words. Oh yeah, this adoption also shows God's sense of humor, we don't know the gender and may not find out. The reason it's funny is because I swore I could never go without knowing and give my brother and sister-in-law the hardest time for not finding out theirs. Never say you can't do something, because God will show you that you can.

We also want to thank you all for your prayers! Even though everything is perfect and decided, we still ask for more prayer on a few things. We pray that everything continues to go smoothly, baby continues to be healthy and most importantly, we plan on meeting the birthmother in a few weeks and need everything to go smoothly so she won't change her mind. We feel that God has gotten us this far and He will for sure be with us at the meeting and take us to the end. I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and boy is it beautiful!!!

Enjoying the 60's

That's right, today's high is 67 and partly cloudy. Talk about a perfect fall weather day. So Elyse and I took advantage of it and joined our good friends, Sarah and Mason at the Como Zoo. Since it was cooler outside and students are back in school it was dead, and probably the best experience I have had there. The animals were coming up to the windows like crazy and were constantly on the move, minus the lions. Sarah informed me they sleep more than awake, must be rough.
Even though Elyse appeared to enjoy herself I believe the animal statues were her favorite thing today. She voluntarily sat and took a picture of herself on each one.

Thank you Sarah and Mason for joining us today. We had such a wonderful time and look forward to doing it again soon.

Birthday Bash

Tonight Nate and I threw Elyse her 2nd birthday party. It was suppose to be a pok-a-dot theme until she walked into the party store and saw the Minnie balloon and decorations. I then gave in since Minnie has pink pok-a-dots on her dress. Overall, it was a great and memorable night. I want to send out a special thanks to all you who gave Elyse a gift, card, etc., she got above and beyond what I could have imagined. Well since our birthday princess is fast asleep, I think I am going to follow. Happy Birthday Baby Girl!
Uncle Steven and Aunt Kim even made an appearance (you'd be right if you think they attended her party as life size cardboard people)

Two Years Ago Today...

God gave Nate and I the most beautiful, precious and perfect gift...
that we have treasured and loved more and more every day.

Happy 2nd Birthday Elyse! We love you so much and thank God daily for you. You really are a blessing not only to us, but many others.

Labor Day Vacation

For this Labor Day weekend, Nate, Elyse and I headed south, and I mean way south to Albuquerque, NM. We decided right after the loss of baby boy that we needed to get away. So we booked flights to see Nate's brother's family. It was wonderful, relaxing and just what we needed. Besides Elyse's lack of sleep, it was a perfect vacation.

While down there we spent a lot of time watching the kiddos play together, playing cards and eating delicious food. However, we also spent some of our time...
going to see rhinos, elephants, and hippos at their beautiful zoo,...
putting the kids in tutus (Liam will HATE this picture in the future),...
swimming in their indoor hot tub, (super fun and relaxing),...
playing at the park and...
celebrating Elyse's 2nd b-day, that's right, she turns 2 Wednesday!

A special thank you to Shawn, Amelia, Liam and Greta for hosting us. We love you all lots and look forward to doing it again soon.

Water Paint

I can not take credit for this cheap, no-mess, outdoor activity. My good friend, Sarah showed me yesterday while Elyse was playing with her son, Mason. It's outdoor water paint. Just put water in a bucket, go buy some cheap black sponge paintbrushes and let your child have some fun. Elyse really enjoyed it yesterday, and had just as much fun painting her sidewalk, car, and house today. Just wish I would have known about this activity sooner now that summer is almost over. Thanks Sarah!

Minnesota State Fair

Nate, Elyse and I joined Tom, Jenny and Aiden and spent the day at the MN State Fair. I would have never thought that spending just under seven hours in 90 degree heat with two toddlers would turn out to be such a wonderful time. We got a good share of fair food, but not enough, there was so much to choose from. It was not only Elyse's first time, but Nate's too. Overall, I believe it was a success. However, I don't think we will be returning anytime in the next week :)
Kiddos playing at the Big farm and the little farm. So much fun. They saw cows, horses, sheep, and baby pigs. They also dressed up like little farmers and planted seeds, fed their animals and bought some food that they grew. Aiden driving the tractor, Elyse carrying their buckets next to him. Elyse at the children's train station. Closest Jenny and I got to seeing Sven (Kare 11 Weatherman)
Nate and Tom mocking Jenny and I, or are they???? :)