MEAL TIME WITH YOUR TODDLER

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I remember Lucas transitioning from a plump baby who ate everything we gave him into a picky toddler who could go hours with zero sustenance and would remove everything off his plate. Meal time became a chore that dreaded. I mean, who wants to try and reason with a ragy two year old that only wants to eat chicken nuggets, corn, carrots, and cheese sticks. It got to the point that I was in constant communication with his pediatrician. I just couldn’t understand why my child refused to eat. After talking with other mamas I felt reassured that this was just a normal stage in toddlerhood.

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That being said, I had to find ways to be creative and get him to try new foods that I knew would be both tasty and nutritious. A go-to of mine has always been Plum Organics. They are an Organic baby, toddler, and kids food company that use non-GMO, delicious ingredients in all of their products. You can read a previous Plum post here. Now that Lucas is in pre-k, our mornings are always rushed and we need quick, healthy options for breakfast. I introduced him to their Mighty Mealtime Organic Oatmeal a few weeks back and it has been a hit. It’s made with 8 minerals and vitamins along with 3g each of protein and fiber. It comes in two flavors – banana strawberry and apple cinnamon – and both are so tasty (I was the official taste tester for my kid..) I love that it’s made with oats, grains, and real fruit bits and Lucas thinks it’s delicious AND I’m relieved that he’s eating such a healthy breakfast before a long day at school. Wins!

Here are some of the various ways we serve it up to him add some variety:

+ sliced strawberries or a handful of blueberries on top
+ a scoop of nut butter mixed in along with a side of whole wheat toast
+ a whole apple sliced up on the side or on top

I’m so thrilled that Plum Organics is offering my readers a chance to win a large assortment of the Mighty line! Hop on over to Instagram for details later this week and learn how to enter. Happy eating little ones!

EARTH MAMA ANGEL BABY

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We are huge fans of Earth Mama Angel Baby in our home. We have been using their products since Lucas was an itty bitty munchkin. In fact, one of my earliest memories of using Earth Mama Angel Baby was while breastfeeding Lucas and slathering on this miracle butter.

Even though Lucas is a toddler he is still my baby! Right? Right! After Lucas finishes his nightly bath part of our routine is wrapping him up in a towel, lots of hugs, and making sure he is covered head to toe in lotion. I’m completely obsessed with this Calming Lavender Lotion. The scent is mild but just so delicious at the same time and reminds me of Lucas’s baby smell (because who doesn’t wish they could just bottle up that scent forever?). Besides smelling divine, the ingredients are a win for this mama. It’s formulated with organic Calendula and herbal ingredients and is free of any synthetic fragrance or parabens. You can read more about this fantastic company here.

*Disclaimer: These photos were taken pre Lucas’s hair chop. Sniff sniff. *

GLOW AWAY

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Transitioning Lucas into his big boy bed was a very big deal for all involved. I may have cried the first few nights (my baby!) and Lucas, although excited, would frequently get up in the middle of the night yelling for either Ivan or I. Although we have come a long way and I consider Lucas to be a big boy champ (!!) we still have nights where he wakes up frightened at some ungodly hour calling for us.

I was super stoked to try Glow Away with Lucas. It’s the absolute cutest set and it comes with a story book and coordinating duvet cover. The book illustrations are adorable and the story is even better – a cute, furry kiddo Boo, who casts a magical spell to protect his buddy Sam from monsters under the bed! Lucas absolutely loves it and we have been reading it every night.  The duvet glows in the dark and when the lights are turned off the magic spell appears. Lucas just about lost it when he saw this – “WOW!!!!”. The Glow Away book has become such a fun part of our bedtime routine and Lucas is at such a rad age that spells and magic really ignite his imagination. You can order your set here and ps – not only is this amazing for the kiddos it’s also impeccably made, super soft and aesthetically beautiful. Win win! 

A NEW FAVE | THE STOKKE TRIPP TRAPP

In our old apartment we mostly ate around a small parsons table (or the couch if I’m being totally honest). We lived in such tight quarters that a formal dining room was not an option. I really missed serving dinner and sitting around the table as a family – talking, laughing, and sharing stories about our day. When we moved one of the things I was most excited for was our new dining room (still a decorating work in progress ;). I had seen the Stokke Tripp Trapp in the homes of many of our friends but never knew what the fuss about. Until now. I seriously don’t know how we lived without this incredible highchair. When it first arrived I wasn’t sure how Lucas would like it as he has been using a more traditional highchair for so long. I kid you not he climbed right on with the biggest smile and proclaimed “it’s dinner time!”. There are so many things I love about the Tripp Trapp and I could go on and on but here are a few of my favorite features: The structure and height. It’s incredibly easy for Lucas to climb on and off and it gives him the feeling of independence which is so important at this age. He also loves to strap himself in and the harness is extremely comfortable and non-restricting. The footplate. Lucas’s legs are growing like weeds and the footplate makes a huge difference in his comfort (no more dangling limbs!). The gorgeous color. Storm Grey. It’s the perfect color and works in any home aesthetic. This shade launched just this week (!!) and is the newest color in the Tripp Trapp family. It grows with your child. The Tripp Trapp can be used from birth to adulthood. Ivan and I both tested it out and we definitely fit comfortably in the chair. A huge thank you to Stokke for sending Lucas the raddest highchair ever!  

LUCAS, A DOLLHOUSE, AND A TURTLE

This week we received Lucas’s new Rock & Pebble pear house from Murray & Finn. Point blank – it’s awesome. It’s beautifully crafted and is a blank canvas for your child’s imagination. I especially love the adorable pebble people. Lucas squealed when we put it together and wouldn’t ya know. The first thing he did was run to his room to grab his Donatello. He placed him in the house and proclaimed “my home!”. Yep. A house sure as heck is not a home without a little turtle action. I quite think Donatello makes an excellent addition. Maybe Rock & Pebble will come out with Ninja Turtle themed pebble figurines? Just saying. Christmas 2014 anyone? And ps – Murray & Finn is one of the cutest, wonderfully curated children’s shops I’ve come across. Not only is it basically perfect, the mamas behind the shop are the absolute sweetest! I was featured on their blog in their new ‘Mamas & Little Ones’ series. Thanks so much for having us ladies! 
blanket c/o little woolf | pear house c/o murray & finn | tee c/o moozega

7 A.M. ENFANT | CYGNET BABY COVER (AND A COUPLE OF HANDSOME FELLAS)

Be still my heart. Is there anything sexier than a daddy who carries his baby? I think not. Back to the point of this post ; ) We are loving, loving, loving our 7 A.M. Cygnet baby cover. Lucas has been carried since birth and it is such an essential part of our daily routine with him – even at two years old. The Cygnet cover is a life savor. Many times when we are carrying Lucas his pants ride up a bit exposing his little ankles and fussing with a blanket to cover his legs plus a bag plus bulky outerwear = annoying. The cover snaps right on to any carrier using velcro and keeps your baby nice and snug while being fuss free. It’s super light weight (seriously, it weighs nothing!) and is water proof to boot. I highly recommend this to all my fellow baby wearing mamas!
Don’t forget about the amazing giveaway going on via Instagram. New winners are being chosen every night. Enter to win amazing 7 A.M. loot!

7 A.M. ENFANT | WARM MUFFS + GIVEAWAY

In this house we are 7 A.M. ENFANT loyals. Our very first experience with 7 A.M. was with their 212 Evolution blanket. We never looked back. The quality and durability far surpasses any other children’s outwear brands we had tried in the past. The cherry on top? The designs and colors are just beautiful. Living in NYC where we are out and about constantly with the trains and walking being our primary modes of transport, having Lucas bundled up in something warm and aesthetically beautiful is important to me. Our 212 Evolution blanket just got us through our second winter and it is still in impeccable condition. I love that it can be used for our second child and will look like new. Our Warm Muffs are my new favorite. They come in an array of amazing colors but I’m partial to the neon pink 😉 It is such a hassle to remove my gloves anytime Lucas needs something while we are strolling and it’s freezing outside. These make for a warm, comfy ride with easy access to my tot while we are on the move. LOVE! Now for the really amazing news. I’m hosting an incredible giveaway over on Instagram. It’s a 5 day giveaway bonanza (!!) and it’s going to be gooood. There will be a winner chosen each night who will receive 7 A.M. goodies so make sure you’re following along. Also, stay tuned tomorrow when I will be posting a review on the Cygnet baby carrier cover featuring my handsome hubs. 

LUCAS LEÓN’S SPRING ESSENTIALS | GIVEAWAY

This winter has been a doozy and both Lucas and I have Spring on our mind. We are in need of a tulip fix (courtesy of Park Avenue. You know Spring has arrived when the streets are lined with gorgeous colors and that powerful fragrant scent!). Just in time to help us welcome the warm weather with open arms is a Spring giveaway with some of Lucas’s favorite picks. What’s in it for you?Adorable gorilla leggings from Our Little LullabyKawaii cloud t-shirt from Whistle & FlutePocket harems from Carly Megan ShopA custom teepee from Little Jupiter TeepeesMoccs of your choice from Freshly Picked MoccasinsShirt of your choice from Finomenon KidsWinner takes ALL! Details and rules will be over on Instagram. The giveaway begins today at 12pm ET and ends at Midnight on 2/28. Good luck and hello Spring!