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

Update and Prayer Request

Adoption Update: We are three weeks away from having our baby boy in our arms and we couldn't be more thrilled. We have hung out with the birthmom and her son just under a handful of times and love it. We feel very blessed to know them and treasure our new relationship. It's evident God is always with us when we are all together. Baby boy is looking great and feeling him change and move in the womb is an amazing thing. We are so thankful right now.

Prayer Request: Here's where we need you! Nate and I are strong advocates of prayer. It may not always be answered when we want or how we want, but it's always answered. We understand God is in control and His plan is perfect, but He commands us to ask for our wants through prayer. Therefore, the prayer request is that the birthfather doesn't fight custody. He has threatened to do so and his personality involves being in control. He has until 11:59 P.M. on Wednesday to get a lawyer. If he does so, our rights are gone and Bethany Christian Services will turn down this adoption. If he does not, then ALL his rights are TERMINATED FOREVER. I know it's going to be a long three days, but God is in control. We love Him so much and trust that He will provide. Please pray. Hopefully the next adoption post will be on Thursday with the title... "PRAISE, TERMINATED". Thank you for taking time to read this and praying for us. We appreciate and love you all.

"If you believe, you will recieve whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22

Absolutely Loves...

...swimming in the water...

...and playing in the sand!

Sorry about the pictures. I know they aren't the best. It's just that she wouldn't look or smile at me, she was having way too much fun.