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!

Busy in Ames

On Friday, Nate, Elyse and I traveled to Ames, IA to see old friends and help host a baby shower for our good friend, Kelly Fischer. Tim, Christy and their two daughters, Audrey and Norah did a wonderful job hosting us. Their home was perfect and the food was great. Tim went above and beyond when he had to help Nate put Elyse down to bed on Saturday during the shower. Two men and three beautiful little girls. When Christy and I got home we saw the men coming up the stairs caring all the monitors, it was so cute. Besides attending the shower, one of my favorite things was going to the Iowa State campus. I have not been back since I graduated. It was a lot of fun reminiscing with Nate and taking pictures of Elyse. Overall, a very busy, but enjoyable weekend.


Christy, Kelly, Kiley and I. Can you tell what the color theme was? :)
With Kelly and baby girl Fischer at the baby shower Just wanted to send out a quick thank you to Tim and Christy! We really appreciated everything this weekend. You both ROCK!

Squeaky Shoes

Nate and I recently learned that there are shoes out there for babies/toddlers that help prevent them from walking on their tip toes. They are known as, squeaky shoes. We thought we'd give them a try because Elyse only previously walked on her tip toes. Well it's been about 3 weeks now and Elyse loves her squeaky shoes and her standing and walking has greatly improved. For the next year we plan on hearing Elyse's every step.

Little Too Close

Last night after Elyse fell asleep the warning sirens alerted Nate and I that a storm was heading our way. We generally aren't ones to take cover or get nervous. However, now with having Elyse our perspective has changed. We turned off all the lights(but the television to keep us posted), I held sleeping Elyse in my arms, Nate set up the basement, and then we waited till the news anchor said, "Take shelter if in Coon Rapids." Thankfully that never was said, but we sure still felt some impact from the storm. The lightning was crazy, the thunder was minimal, and the rain and wind were rough. We waited 45 minutes until the radar showed it was past Coon Rapids/Blaine. Once we felt safe, we tucked Elyse back into bed, turned the lights on and Nate grabbed the camera. The clouds and lightning to the east of us were incredible. These are just some of the amazing shots Nate took. I thank God for providing safety for us and pray no one was harmed during this powerful storm last night.