Monday, June 20, 2011

Happy Father's Day!!

It is such a joy to see Chad as a daddy, he absolutely loves Elias and is so great with him.  In fact Chad really loves all kids.  Anytime we're out and he sees a little kid (including our Father's Day breakfast at Cafe Berlin) he waves to them, smiles at them, and basically tries to get any reaction out of them he can...it's adorable!

For Father's day, like I said, we went out to breakfast and relaxed a bit in the morning.  Eli and I gave Chad some grilling gear for Father's Day...typical I know, but he liked it a lot!  In the afternoon we spent some time with Chad's brother Mike and their dad, who had traveled down from North Dakota (after spending a few days in Minneapolis at a car show with his sons).  This was the first trip down he has been able to make, so Father's Day was also the first day that Grandpa Gene got to meet Eli.  We spent the day playing games, hanging out, and then had some delicious grilled food for dinner with an ice cream run for dessert!

My two loves, all smiles!  It's amazing how much they look alike...just look at those cheeks! 


Elias with Grandpa Gene


Grandpa Gene, Chad, and Elias - 3 generations of Clootens

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

A crazy couple years

Today marks the 2 year anniversary of our miscarriage.  Late night, into early morning 2 years ago Chad and I spent 4 or 5 hours in the Emergency Room only to find out that our first child had passed away.  For more of our journey over the past couple years check out my first post detailing our Birth Story.

Then a year later (one year ago) we conceived our second little love, Elias!  It is such a joy to have him in our life.  I truly cannot describe the love I have for him and every day I thank the Lord for giving him to us!

Today Chad and I were pondering the craziness of the past couple years.  It has been a roller coaster of emotions, almost surreal to look back on.  God has given us strength in the midst of weakness, joy in the midst of sorrow, and love in the midst of heartache!  Praise be to God!

Elias reached another fun milestone today...rolling over for the first time!  It is so exciting to see him growing up before our eyes.  He continues to be more and more fun and interactive, i'm loving the time I get with him and cherishing this full-time until I have to begin work in August!