Family of Five

You read the title right, in March 2012, us Klausers will be a family of four no more.

Starting in April, people began asking Nate and I what we were going to do regarding children. Were we done, doing domestic again, foster, international or what? Our answer was always the same, "We have NO idea and really are putting it in God's hands." Every night we prayed that God would open our eyes as to what He has for our family. We knew we were not done with two, but never thought He would answer the way He did. That's because, two months later we discovered that God wanted us to have another child. That's right, Nate and I are over 13 weeks pregnant.

For those of you that have followed our story, you may already know this but we were told by our IVF doctor on December 12, 2007 that my eggs were dead and it would be impossible or nearly impossible to ever conceive a child biologically or through in vitro fertilization. God is once again showing us that He is the one in control. As we had no hopes or desires for biological since that December day.

Overall, we are excited to become a family of five in mid March. We ask that you please pray for a continued healthy baby and pregnancy.

Cabin Magic

I often have read or heard Jenny Kuphal call their time at the cabin, "Cabin Magic", and I couldn't agree more. It's a place of conversation, no worries, no distractions, beauty and relaxation. Yesterday was 90 degrees (in September), and thankfully for the water and breeze, it was really a great day to be at the cabin. We spent our day watching the kids play, riding the pontoon, playing with reptiles, kayaking, eating and talking. Overall, I am exhausted, but I wouldn't have wanted to spend my day doing anything else.

Special thank you to Tom, Jenny and Aiden for having us. Also, to Jenny's parents, Kent and Dixie for opening their cabin up to us Klausers. We had a wonderful time and love you all.

3 and 3 Celebrations

This past week, Elyse has had three different celebrations to celebrate turning three. I just hope this is not a trend to what's to come, because I can't imagine throwing four next year ;)

Celebration #1: September 3rd with Nebraska family
Elyse asked since January to have a princess party so that's exactly what we gave her. My mom surprised her with buying her a Cinderella dress and boy did she play the part. She looked adorable and would not take that dress off. The party was a great success and very memorable.
Celebration #2: September 8th with Dad, Mom and Caleb
Elyse spent her actual birthday doing exactly what she wanted all day. I took her to the Children's Museum all morning. Opened birthday presents, Dada made her Minnie Mouse pancakes for dinner and we went to Cold Stone Creamery and the park to end out her day. No complaints from her all day, only smiles.
Celebration #3: September 9th with friends
Elyse 3rd birthday celebration involved having her friends over for a pink and purple party. Her good friend, Mariana turned 3 last week and loves purple, Elyse loves pink, so it was perfect. The day was quick, fun and a great way to end her 3rd birthday celebrations!

Three years ago today....

...our eyes were filled with tears of joy, hearts filled with love and arms held tight for the first time around our precious baby girl. Elyse Irene entered the world today and we daily thank God and her birthmother for her.
Elyse, you changed our life dramatically, but only for the better. Your independence, intelligence and beauty never sees to amaze us.
More importantly, we are amazed at your love and passion you have in our Lord in Savior and your family. You are a wonderful daughter and great big sister. Thank you for being you. Happy 3rd birthday, Elyse!!! You mean the world to us and we love you more than words and pictures can express. We hope you have a great day.

Albuquerque Family

As I previously posted, we arrived home on Sunday night; then we spent Monday morning getting things ready because Nate's family came to visit all day from Albuquerque, NM. They were in Iowa visiting Amelia's side of the family, but since they flew out of MN's airport, we were blessed with seeing them. Even though it was less than 24 hours, it was so great having them here and being able to see our nephew and niece!!! We spent the day playing outside in the beautiful weather, coloring, celebrating Elyse's birthday and catching up. We have it planned to see them again over Thanksgiving and I know the next two months will fly, but right now it still seems so far away.

Special thanks to Shawn, Amelia, Liam and Greta, for stopping by to visit. We miss you already. Love you all.

Nebraska Family

Friday till today, we headed south to visit my mom's family in Nebraska. It was a very quick trip but so nice to see my grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins and cousin's kids. We spent all day yesterday catching up, watching the Nebraska football game and celebrating a princess' birthday (to come later this week).

My mom with her mom, brothers and sisters. Diane, Bobby, Sandy (mom), Randy, Grandma, Rodney, Lisa and Joyce Austin, Brandon, Amber, Kaden, Grandma, Teagen, Holly, Isaac & Steven

Dada and Ice Cream

For the last few days, Elyse has been asking Nate to go on a date. Therefore, today, Nate called my phone asking to speak to Elyse. He then proceeded to ask to take her out on a date. She was so excited; she even shared it with the gym's childcare employee.

As you can tell from the pictures, she had a blast, Dada, McDonald's fries, chocolate milk and ice cream, a perfect date for a little girl.