Must Have Toys for 18mth Toddlers

I had a friend text me the other day that her son, who is just a month younger than Leo, is happy as a clam outside, but gets bored when they are inside. 

Leo can totally relate, and honestly, if we could be outside 100% of the time, this sweet kid would be happy with a ball and space to roam 24/7.

But since that's not happening, I took stock in the toys that actually keep Leo's attention for more than a minute or two. The toys that I considered "Must Haves" are toys that Leo plays with day after day, toys that he can play with independently, learn from, and bonus points if they're not super ugly to look at. 

::: Fubbles Bubbles Machine, bought at Target for $10

We love this thing, only downside is that you need 3 batteries. Leo has learned how to turn it on and off himself, he can play with the bubbles for 20-30 minutes, and it's pretty spill proof. It does leak a little, but overall, I really enjoy not blowing the bubbles myself for 30 minutes. 

 
::: Little Tykes Water Table, Amazon $40

Our 2nd water table, I like this one better because the pieces stay where they are supposed to. Leo likes this table with water or without which is a nice plus! I've also found that Leo's favorite toys are one's that he can stand and play with, versus sitting on the ground. I have a feeling we will use this for years to come. 

 ::: Grocery Cart, TJ Maxx $10

 Leo loves his cart. He probably plays with this toy every single day and it's one of the toys that we keep in the living room. He loves pushing it around, placing toys inside and out, and racing it on the hardwood floors. 

::: Melissa and Doug Cleaning Set, amazon, gift

This is one of our newest toys and we both love it. It's so cute, it's the other toy that I keep in our living room. For the most part Leo sweeps the floors, but I've also been finding him dusting lately. My sister-in-law said that her 7 year old loves this toy too, so I think this is a nice toy that will grow with Leo.

::: Backpack, local toy store, gift

I had to include this backpack, because for whatever reason, Leo is obsessed. He will just run around the house with it on, but he must find it somewhat fun. I think this particular toy is probably a little child specific, but it makes for a great gift and it is possibly the cutest thing ever to see a toddler with a mini backpack on. Leo just started saying "backpack", and it pretty much melts me.

::: Shape Sorter, target 

In full disclosure, Leo isn't a master at playing with this toy by himself quite yet, but it's a great toy for learning, identifying shapes and developing fine motor skills. I also like that I can see him getting better at it each time we pull it out. This is a great gift for a one year old, and another gift that I can see him playing with for at least the next six months to a year.

::: Train Table, everywhere! 

The biggest investment, but by far our most used and loved "toy". Our table stands a little higher, which I like....my mom has one (I think hers is Kid Kraft) and it's a touch low (although it does have 2 drawers and ours doesn't)...but regardless...Leo loves his table. For now, he just has fun moving the trains around the table and up and down the simple track we have, but the older Leo gets, the more creative he can be. Plus, even if we're not playing with the table itself, we seem to have trains everywhere else. They make for the perfect small toy for dinners out and hes been playing with them independently in our living room a lot these last few weeks.

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I'm always trying to stay on top of the next phase of toys to keep Leo entertained, so please pass any of your favorites/must have to us! I'm trying hard to have quality over quantity!

How to spoil new parents...

We've had so many people shower us with love and gifts over Leo's arrival, its been incredibly humbling and eye opening. 

When we lost my Aunt Peggy almost four years ago, I was taught a lesson in "showing up". Our entire community, and then some, showed up for Aunt Peggy, for her family, and for ours....and has continued to do so. I learned that a card goes a really long way and that even the smallest of gestures - like running carpool, or walking the dog - are gestures that are never forgotten.

And I'm back in that humbling seat yet again being shown from friends and family that the outpouring of love, support, and kindness makes everything sweeter.

Now that I've had a baby, it will change the way I help my friends and family who will go on to have the next set of babies, so with that,  I thought I would talk about the three best gestures that we have received and plan to give. 

::: FOOD ::: 

Since my mom was here for three weeks, I didn't have to think about even making my breakfast. My mom had Joel and I eating like kings, and everything she was making, she was freezing the extras. It was a glorious system. But when she had to go back home, I realized that besides freezer dinners, I really had no food that I could eat in a pinch. I was out for a walk with Leo on my first day alone...already emotional from having to say goodbye to my mom that morning....when I got a call that a delivery driver was waiting for me at our building. 

My cousins had ordered Joel and I a huge gift basket of lunches and dinners from an amazing deli here in LA. I honestly started crying in the elevator with the delivery man. Not only was I starving (and hormonal), but I was just so overcome by the gesture. This pack of food gave Joel and I at least three lunches and dinners, plus snacks and dessert, and allowed us to eat healthy, fast, and well.

 

It was over the top amazing and a gesture I'll never forget (and if you live in LA, I couldn't recommend this enough).

::: GIFT BOXES :::

 

The first time I opened up my computer after a week of hibernation, I saw that I had a Facebook message from friends from my hometown. They had started a new business - Care Carton - and wanted to send me a care package to welcome Leo. I felt like it was such a hug from home.....just to be thought of so randomly...was so kind, and the Care Carton was again, just over the top. 

 

A little something for me (bath salt and body balm), and a little something for Leo (black and white muslin swaddle and a book)....all "just because". This little package left a big impact and I plan to use them again for any occasion - birthdays, new adventures, and babies. It's takes the guess work out of putting together a gift basket for friends who don't live nearby.

Kellie, one of the owners (along with her husband Blake), are offering a $5.00 coupon for the next two weeks, just type in TEATIME and you'll get a little discount off your order! Let me know if you take advantage.

Their company's slogan is "A memorable gift made easy" and it truly was just that. 

::: TIME, COMPANY, and WINE ::: 

I think my friends knew how hard it was going to be me for me when my mom left, so all last week I was surrounded by girlfriends popping over to just sit with me and keep me company. Wether it be for lunch, or a coffee break, or even to let me sneak away for a manicure....having the company of friends during the first few weeks of having a newborn was the most comforting hours of my day. 

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We've been spoiled, and Joel and I truly feel like "To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required" and we've been reminded of that during this season of life.

Five on Friday

 

:::1:::

 

Weather wise, this has probably been my most favorite week in Los Angeles....ever! Our weather is always close to perfect, so to have 3 days this week that were cool, rainy, and windy was basically my heaven. Roscoe was not a fan of the rain, and neither was our dry earth here in LA, but I really loved the chance to cozy up and just enjoy the rain.

:::2:::

 

After our Thanksgiving bender, I needed more than a few days to detox so Joel I tried to be  intentional about getting into bed really early this week, working out, and keeping things light around here (I need a few months of that, but life goes on!). 

:::3:::

My (current) favorite tea is this gem from Trader Joe's....it's a good one after dinner because it's very soothing but feels *kind of* like a treat.

 

:::4:::

 

Did you watch? Whoa, it's good. It was intense, funny, sad, and real. The first two episodes were on my OnDemand and I couldn't leave the room while they were on. Joel and I watched one together, and I could tell it really freaked him out. Watching the breakdown of a marriage is not exactly light, but the show was good and I'm anxious to see where it goes throughout the season. 

:::5:::

I have to work a conference most of the weekend, so besides a little Christmas shopping on Sunday, we're not doing too much around here. I hate how fast Christmas seems to be creeping up so I'm trying to spend as many nights at home in front of the tree, and basking in some of the holiday fun as I can.

Weekend Report

This weekend might go into the books as once of my favorites of the year. The weather was perfect in LA and I could just feel the shift in season. Bring on the holiday cheer!

Friday Joel got home from a week long trip in Ohio so Roscoe and I decided to visit him at the office with some fun Halloween treats. 

   

When Joel got home we took Roscoe out for a long walk around the neighborhood so we could stalk on all of the cute costumes. I love our neighborhood at Halloween because all of the parents sit out on their driveway with candy and wine so it's a great chance to meet the people that live right next to us.

 

 I made turkey chili in the crock pot, and was honestly a little nervous for the turn out. I read some of the comments on SkinnyTaste.com that it was a touch bland, so I upped the heat factor with "hot diced green chilies" and a bit of sriacha. It was to die for! SO good!

 

We had some wine, watched all of the DVR'ed Halloween episodes for the week and called it a night.

Saturday I met up with a girlfriend for a long walk and then spent most of the day at home with Joel. Our nephew had to spend some time in the NICU after we was born last week which has been really hard for everyone....especially my brother and sister in law. Thankfully he is doing wonderfully and and their hospital has webcams for us to watch him from.

 

I spent way too long watching his sweet face. 

We made pizzas, watch the Vols win in overtime, and had another early night. 

 

Sunday after a hike we had a rehearsal thanksgiving with some friends who graciously decided to be our guinea pigs. 

We have never cooked a full turkey, and we are cooking it on a charcoal grill, so it was necessary we do a trial run.

 

While Joel was prepping the bird, Shelby, Dawn, and I took the babies and dog out of the house and over to the park.

Our neighborhood has a really cute park about a half mile away so we got in a good walk and the kids got to swing and hang outside for a little bit before dinner.

 

It was so funny to watch their boys - Max and Tucker - interact with each other. They're almost a year apart so Tucker was pretty intrigued by Max. 

 We sat down for dinner and I can confidently say that our Thanksgiving guests are in for a treat!

Dinner and company were beyond lovely - it was a really fun night to top off a perfect weekend.

I'm off to Chicago tomorrow for work which means I get to sneak in some extra family and friends time.

5 Things You Should Probably Do...today.

1. Buy Big Little Lies - assuming that you have already read and loved The Husbands Secret (...cough, cough Claire!). I cannot put this book down. Just like The Husbands Secret, I lose hours behind this book before I realized what has happened. With The Husbands Secret I literally woke up in the middle of the night wanting to read it and Big Little Lies hasn't let me down.

2. Just jump for the fall hoopla - I tried to stay tough; at least until the official fall season, but screw it. The Octoberfest tastes too good, I love seeing my fall decor, and I love any excuse to have some candy corn and pumpkin flavored M&Ms.

 

3. Try Perrier Lime - I am a LaCroix addict - no doubt - but Costco was out of LaCroix, so I had to switch gears and give Perrier Lime a try. Don't tell my old favorite - but I might almost like it better. I like the slim can.... they feel fancy.... and overall they have just a touch more lime flavor than the LaCroix. It's been a refreshing switch.

4. Stop forgetting about FaceTime - it really is so much better than a phone call, so I'm not sure  it always slip my mind to use it? I feel so much closer to home when I can actually see home and the people there, so I'm upping my FaceTime usage stat.

5. Start a gratitude journal - In between Big Little Lies, I'm reading The Magic, and it's powerful. If you decide that the entire book is fantastical and silly (and you may), at least it will wake you up to how UNgrateful you've probably been living. I was literally moved to tears during a chapter encouraging you to thank your senses for doing what they do. No joke. If you're reading this, your blessed, and it can't hurt to thank God, Allah, The Universe or whoever else might be listening. #blessed #promiseIwontusethathashtagagain #butweare

Anything I should try??

tgiFRIDAY

This week was a doozy. I felt off all week from having such a crazy weekend. Even with great things happening around me, I couldn't shake the feeling. I took a mental health day to clean the house, work out, take a nap, and try and reset. Hopefully it was just what the doctor ordered.

:::1:::

Harper's Bazaar has some great online articles. Last week I read - and embarrassed myself - with an article on how to pronounce designer names. And this week, another great article - 10 Must Have Items in your House By 30.

1. Art You Love

2. An Organized Bookshelf

3. Matching Towels

4. A Plant

5. A Nice Mattress and A Headboard

6. A Collection

7. Bathroom Accessories (that aren't plastic)

8. A Favorite Candle

9. Two Bedside Tables

10. A Luxurious throw

A few years ago I would thought you were crazy to buy a $150 dollar throw, or a fancy candle over twenty bucks, but now I get it. Quality makes a difference and if you buy it right the first time, you only cry once.

See Joel, we need a tempurpedic!

:::2:::

I made Natalie's chicken meatballs and they are To. Die. For.

Click here for the recipe and do yourself a favor and make them next week. SO good.

:::3:::

On March 1st, my cousin Amanda and I are jet setting to Punta Mita, Mexico for a week of pure bliss. I've never been on a true girls trip, and I'm just giddy thinking about our sleepovers, days lounging by the pool, and tequila filled dance parties that are sure to happen. 3 more weeks!

:::4:::

Plus, before I even leave for Mexico I have a girlfriend coming to visit next weekend and the following weekend my mom, Grandma and Aunt will all be here in LA. pinch me. It's nice to live in a place that people want to come visit you and vacation!

:::5:::

And, obviously, since the next 4 weeks are slammed, Joel and I are not doing a whole heck of a lot this weekend. We are going to try and stay in both nights, mop the floors (!), and maybe go see a movie. Hope you have a great weekend too!