Jumpin' JAG, Miss MJ, and Little Leah

Easter

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 19:43:00 +0000

A few pics from Easter weekend...

Happy First birthday, Leah!

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 19:36:00 +0000

Our Leah Bug is a one-year-old! Time moves faster when you have three kids four and under, so it's no surprise that I have a hard time even remembering where the last year went. My baby is now a standing little girl who rarely sits still. The quote, "the days are long, but the years are short,' never rang truer as I think about Leah turning one. We had a wonderful time celebrating our cheerful, always smiley, joyful, "Bug"...

Let me at it!

So good she had to lick it off of her!

Dear Time, please STOP!

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 14:23:00 +0000

Dear Time, please STOP!

11 months

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 22:06:00 +0000

My baby is one more month away from her first birthday...let the sadness settle in. I'm sure I said this with the other kids, but it really hasn't hit me that her first year is almost complete. With three kids, it seems like there is always something to do, so I feel like the last year has been somewhat of a blur. She is getting so big, she cruises around the furniture at lightening speed, she will occasionally lift her hands up and stand for a little bit at a time, and she's constantly imitating Michael Jordan with the tongue out. She loves to observe J and M, and is quick to jump into the mix whether it be wrestling or playing Legos. You can't help but smile when you're around her! These pictures capture her personality perfectly...

Snowman #2

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 21:53:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, we got more snow...and by more snow, I mean the most snow we have had since Andrew and I got married! Fortunately, the snow came over the weekend, so Andrew got to enjoy it with the kids. They built another snowman, engaged in a snowball fight, and we made snow ice cream with sprinkles. The snow was nice, but I like the blue skies and sunshine we are now enjoying even more!

These two...

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 22:04:00 +0000

These two are becoming quite the team. Yes, Joshua still makes Makayla scream at least five times in one day. Yes, Makayla knows exactly the right buttons to push to drive her brother crazy. BUT...they are really starting to create a very special bond, and it's so fun to watch!

10 months old

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 21:37:00 +0000

This little lady turned 10 months old a few days ago. She is cruising the furniture with ease, pushing off and trying to stand for a few seconds, loving table food, babbling like crazy, and really starting to show off her personality. She has started to remind me more of Joshua, although I still see some of Makayla too.

Makayla Turns Three!

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyG) — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Makayla turned three this past weekend! It was a great weekend full of fun, family, and all things dress-up! On the day before her birthday, we invited a few friends to a local trampoline park for some birthday jumping fun. The kids had a blast, as did the grown-ups ; ) On her birthday, we had family come over for dinner, cake, and presents. She asked for a Minnie-themed birthday (again), and it was combined with a dress-up theme. Andrew and I turned an old entertainment center into a dress-up unit for Makayla where she could keep her dresses, shoes, jewelry, etc. She was so excited, and has managed to fill the unit up very quickly with all of the accessories she received.

We are so proud of our blonde-hair, blue-eyed princess. She definitely keeps us on our toes, and is currently taking on the role of the mischievous middle child. She has a way of doing something she knows she's not supposed to, and then flashing her sweet smile in an effort to make your heart melt. She is full of energy, a monkey acrobat, an artist who loves to color, draw, and decorate, a bit of a hoarder, a singer, and entertainer to her little sis. She has a love/hate relationship with her older bro, but I know he will always be the first one to stand up for her. She is growing like a weed, her vocabulary continues to expand, and she can't wait to go to school like J. She is my shopping side-kick, and my fellow Starbucks "coffee" lover. She truly lives up to her middle name (Joy!). We love you, Makayla!

Birthday pancakes...with the Sprinkle Princess as my helper!

Minnie pancakes for my girl

Time for dress-up

Who wants one microphone, when you can have two?!

My favorite picture of the weekend...she's so big!

Future gymnast

Build-a-Bear with Gigi and Grandpa

Bath time for Minnkey

Taking Minnkey home forever...

The cheer squad

Fun in the snow

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 18:19:00 +0000

We have had quite a bit of snow in the past 24 hours. After hearing, "Do you want to build a snowman," for the hundredth time, I took the kids outside to play. The kids had so much fun, and we all pitched in and made a snowman. The kids named him Chilly, after the snowman on Doc McStuffins. Poor Chilly only lasted two hours before he toppled over. After the cold snow, we all headed inside for "coffee"...AKA: hot chocolate : )

Leah - Nine Months

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 23:52:00 +0000

Leah turned nine months yesterday! Our little girl has no fear, and is doing new things with each new day. As you saw in the Christmas post, she is now pulling up on the furniture to a standing position, and is even starting to cruise along the furniture. She refuses to be left behind when it comes to playing with J and M. She also just got her two upper teeth, which makes for four total. She's wearing 12-18 month clothes, and we'll get a better idea of her size at next week's well-visit. And, to repeat myself in all previous posts, she is always so happy. Happy nine-months, little one!

Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 23:23:00 +0000

We had a wonderful time on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with our little family. Andrew's parents flew in on the afternoon of Christmas, and we then headed to my parent's house for Christmas dinner. Dinner consisted of tamales, enchiladas, posole, guacamole and chips, a corn salad (the only healthy thing on the menu), a birthday cake for Jesus, and sopapilla cheesecake (it's okay to be jealous!). We celebrated Jesus' birthday, enjoyed being surrounded by family, ate a lot of yummy food, and the kids opened way too many presents. More importantly, we got to talk a lot about the meaning of Christmas, and grow the kid's affection for their Savior. I love Christmas!

The kids made wrapping paper for the grandparent's Christmas gifts.

Leah's first time participating in the Grundstrom Christmas Eve doughnut tradition.

Makayla got a Doc McStuffins doctor's kit

Joshua got Legos

Waiting at the airport for Gigi and Grandpa

The princess has arrived

Happy birthday, Jesus!

Gamma and Papi bought the kids musical instruments...Andrew and I were not amused ; )

And, Leah got this fun interactive cube...and started standing up with it...one-handed...

Decorating a gingerbread house...we found out Makayla is quite the decorator!

Christmas Eve Performance

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 22:38:00 +0000

The kids had a little performance during our church's Christmas Eve service. We practiced their verse and song every night for three weeks, so that they would be ready. I think we know who the performer is in the family...

Leah at 8 months

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 22:36:00 +0000

Here are some pics from when Leah turned 8-months...

Various November pics

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 22:20:00 +0000

My voting partner

The kids put together shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

Our type A Joshua

Leah was just starting to be able to join her siblings in their favorite activities.

Love these three together!

Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 21:57:00 +0000

We traveled to Hobbs, NM for Thanksgiving to spend time with my grandparents, as well as other extended family. We ate tons of food, celebrated my sister's and Andrew's birthdays, and introduced Leah to some new family. It was a wonderful weekend celebrating all that we are thankful for.

I love the last picture of Joshua and my grandpa. These two share a very special bond as they both have a love for trucks and tractors. My grandpa had this book that chronicles the history of various semi trucks. They read through this book multiple times over Thanksgiving, and my grandpa would quiz Joshua on the various trucks. Joshua can now name the specific brand of various semis as we drive around town, and it is hilarious. Grandpa let Joshua take the book home with him, and it is safe to say that it is his favorite book. What a special bond to share!

Hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 21:33:00 +0000

Sorry for the long hiatus. It looks like my last update was before Thanksgiving (yikes!). I'll try my best to summarize the last few months that included holidays, lots of sickness, family time, and growing. Here goes...

Leah's crawling!

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 23:36:00 +0000

Leah has moved on from the army crawl, and is on her knees and crawling all over the place. Let the mischief begin!!!

Seven Months

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 00:26:00 +0000

I forgot to send out a six-month update for Leah, so this is a six-month and seven-month combined update. Our little girl is doing great. She is sitting up, moving all around via an army crawl, and she has two bottom teeth (check out the last picture of the collage below). She doesn't really like solid foods, but she is still managing to fill out her skinny jeans, and ranked in the 80th percentile for height and weight at the six-month visit. I'll repeat what I've said in every update...she smiles all the time, and is so easy-tempered. The collage below is a look at our girl from birth to present...she's getting SO big!!!

October rewind

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 22:12:00 +0000

Balloons, pumpkins, and fall, "Oh, my!" Here's our October rewind...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3k7pvTob1E

September Rewind

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 20:57:00 +0000

It's October...it's Fall...it's my favorite month of the year, and I can't wait to document every day of it! But, first, here's a little taste of what our fam was up to in September...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2mIbjbwV04

First Food Pics

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 22:57:00 +0000

First food pictures crack me up. Here's Leah enjoying her first bite of food (sweet potatoes). She wasn't sure at first, but I finally got a smile of enjoyment.

First Day of Pre-School

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 22:55:00 +0000

Joshua started a pre-school program earlier this week. He goes Tuesdays and Thursdays, for three hours in the morning. He had a great time playing with trucks, doing crafts, and playing outside. His favorite part was meeting a new friend. Today, was his second day, and he was still very eager to go.

Makayla, on the other hand, is having a tough time with leaving her brother's side. The first day, she cried, and said, "I love Brother, he's my best friend". She would come up to me, and also say, "I miss Brother!" She is definitely attached at the hip to her brother. After dropping Joshua off on his first day, Makayla and I went to Starbucks and got "coffee" (hot chocolate) and banana bread to take her mind off of things. She also got some good mommy time as we colored and played with Legos. By the end, I think she liked not having Brother to take toys away from her.

He was very proud of the sunflower he painted.

First, she cried. Then, she figured out she could sit in Joshua's car seat and play with his puppy and school bus. Then, she gave the thumbs up after having "coffee" and banana bread!

Flagstaff

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 22:44:00 +0000

As mentioned in the birthday post, Andrew's parents visited last week, and we traveled to Flagstaff. We spent lots of time swimming, eating, celebrating, and train-watching. The weather was awesome, and the trip ended way too soon!

A giant wagon wheel in downtown Flag

Finally a family photo!

Learning to swim with Daddy and Gigi

A water duel with Papi and pool noodles.

Feeding the ducks at a nearby pond

These are their flattened pennies after laying them on the train tracks.

This is his happy place!

J's Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 21:56:00 +0000

Joshua turned four on September 7th...four...ahhhhh! He made it know to everyone that he got to celebrate two birthdays. I think he was on a power trip because of it. Grandpa and Gigi flew in to Albuquerque, and we then made our way over to Flagstaff to celebrate birthday #1. We opened the presents that they brought all the way from California, and then had a Dump Truck Dirt Cake complete with chocolate candy rocks and "squirmies" (gummy worms).

We ended up celebrating his birthday on Saturday, instead of Sunday, since church always takes up a big part of the day. We went to Krispy Kreme to start off the day because that's how we roll when it comes to any celebration.

After naps, we celebrated his birthday with a Dusty Birthday Party. Dusty is from the movie Planes, and his only birthday request was for a Dusty cake. We played in the water, played some Planes Bingo, ate pizza and cake, and opened more presents.

On the morning of his birthday, we crammed some balloons against his door with streamers, so that when he opened the door, they would all fall down on him. He loved opening the door, and the surprise that came with it. We opened a few more gifts from Mom and Dad, and the birthday festivities wrapped up.

Here are a few questions I asked him as he turned four:

What is your name: Joshua Grundstrom

How old are you: Four

What is your favorite thing to do: Play trucks and cars

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up: Truck driver and Race Car Driver

What Is Your Favorite Food: Quesadilla

Who Do You Like To Spend Time With: Daddy, Mommy, Sissy, Cayden, and Cody

What Are You Good At: Going Down Slides

What Makes You Laugh: Spilling Drinks (Mommy does NOT agree!!!)

Who Is Your Best Friend: Cayden, Cody, and Sissy

What Do You Like To Do With Your Family: Build Train Tracks with Daddy

What Do You Like To Learn About: Letters

Where Do You Like To Go: Costco, FireHouse Subs, and the Balloon Festival

What's Your Favorite Book: Dusty Look and Find and Read About Jesus

What Is Your Favorite Movie: Lightening McQueen and Dusty

Leah is 5 months!

noreply@blogger.com (algrundst) — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 20:17:00 +0000

Leah turned five-months-old yesterday...wowza! I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but she is seriously a dream baby. She's so happy, is a great sleeper, and she picks things up so quickly. Her big bro and sis adore her, and she lovingly adores them back. This trio of mine (as well as a studly hubby) sure make me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Below is a shot of our five-month-old, as well as a collage of all three of the kids at five months. I definitely see a little of J and M rolled into Leah!