Toddler Trends and Favorites

Thank you so much to Rosie for sharing her beautiful Annie with all of us.  I know we can expect some great things from her in the future.

No matter how many times I hear stories of Preemies, I will continue to be amazed.  They are just so strong, and the parents are so brave.  I look forward to sharing another story with you all next Monday.

My twins’ strength has definitely continued as they go through their toddler years.  Not only are they strong physically, but they certainly have a strong will.  They are determined to get what they want when they want it.  In case you don’t have toddlers, what they want is everything they’re not supposed to have.  And they want it Right Now.

Ever since I mentioned I was worried about the twins’ speech, we’ve had a language explosion.  My big guy is much easier to understand, and my little guy is getting better too. Now, that they are more vocal, they try to tell me exactly what they want. All. The. Time.

So, I thought I would share some of their favorite things of the moment, plus throw in some of my favorites too.  I have included my affiliate links for some of the products, so your kids can enjoy them too.  Just click on the picture, and it will take you right to it.  Plus, I get a little something too. 🙂

Favorite Phrases

“I Love that,” is often said by my bigger guy, with an “awe” at the beginning, and it’s usually about food.  He also likes to say, “I want sometin to eat.”  My little guy is starting to put together sentences, but his favorite thing to say is, “Help, Help,” in this cute little voice whenever he wants me to do something for him.  It gets me every time.  They also sing songs all the time, and their speech is really clear when they sing.  Twinkle Twinkle, Happy Birthday, Mary Had a Little Lamb, and Where is Thumb-kin are a few of the songs I hear coming from their rooms when they are supposed to be sleeping.  Which brings me to…

Favorite Music

As part of our bedtime routine, I’ve added music.  I put the same CD on each day for naptime and bedtime. I actually find it kind of annoying, but they love it.  It’s a collection of Toddler songs, with children singing parts of it.

I’m trying to get them to like some of my favorite kids’ music, which is by singer/songwriter Elizabeth Mitchell.  She has such a beautiful voice that you forget you’re listening to kids’ music.  She also did a collaboration with Lisa Loeb, who is one of my favorite artists.   I used to play these three CD’s for my first all the time, and I love them.  My husband had one in his car for the longest time because he even liked to listen to them.

        

Favorite Color

RED is the color that’s hot right now in our family. My bigger guy only wants to wear red pajamas.  He must have his red cars, and he is absolutely thrilled when he sees anything red.  It’s a little strange to me because I don’t ever really remember having a favorite color I felt so strongly about.  Maybe it’s a boy thing?

Favorite Toys

Cars, trucks, and trains are still the favorites around here.  Although, it seems cars have taken over the top spot.  Poor Gordon and Molly don’t even get fought over anymore.  The twins will sit at the window sill and just run their cars back and forth. They also sleep with one or two.  Again, must be a boy thing.

Favorite Books

I’m so happy that all three of my kiddos enjoy books.  Daddy reads to our oldest every night before bed. During the day, we read tons of stories.  They are starting to get to big to all squeeze on my lap, though.  Some of our favorites right now:

                               

                             

These books are appropriate for all ages, and aren’t too annoying when you have to read them three times in a row, with the exception of One Fish, Two Fish, which is a little long.

The thing to Do

The twins have always enjoyed a stroller or wagon ride around the neighborhood, but now that’s simply not good enough.  They want, “…to go see cars.”  So, we walk to the end of the block to the busy road. Luckily, there is a sidewalk.  Then, we walk down the street. as they shout out colors of cars, and cars that look like cars we know (Grandpa’s Car! Mommy’s car! Daddy’s car!)

My favorite way to “see cars” is pushing them in our double stroller, while the twins would prefer the wagon.  Both are awesome, but the stroller is easier on my back.  The stroller was also a splurge, but well worth it.  It can fit through standard doors, has a smooth ride, and folds nicely.  Plus, it’s very well made and sturdy.  We’ve had it since the twins came out of their infant car seats, and I think it will last us until I can’t get them to ride anymore.

The wagon is better for zoo trips.  It folds all the way up, so it’s super compact.  The wheels are real tires, so it’s much smoother than those plastic ones. All three boys can smoosh into the wagon, plus there are drink holders in the front.

              

 

Favorite Foods

The twins are at the stage where they like to do everything themselves, so I like to give them things that aren’t too messy. Who am I kidding?  They can make a mess with everything.  The love the Blueberry Bars from Trader Joe’s, yogurt covered fruit snacks, peachy yogurt, big red apples (they were in a book plus RED,) and pickles.  My little guy actually requested pickles for breakfast this morning.  Yuck!  They still drink a ton of milk, love scrambled eggs, and french toast.  Vegetables aren’t a favorite, but they will eat carrots, and my big guy likes lettuce.

Favorite Shows

Unfortunately, all three boys have inherited my love of TV.  If I would let them, they’d have it on all day.  The twins only sit for about 20 minutes before running or playing, but they like to have it on.  My oldest could watch movies all the time.  Don’t worry…I don’t let him.

We don’t have cable, so we have Netflix and Amazon Prime.  It has saved us so much money getting rid of cable, plus they both have lots of kids shows and movies.  They also have a lot of original programming that I love (Orange is the New Black, Mozart in the Jungle.)

Plus, if you get Amazon Prime, you get free shipping on tons of stuff.  And right now, if you join, they will donate $10 to Cancer research.  It’s a win/win.

The shows the boys enjoy?  Oldies, but goodies like Curious George, The Magic School Bus, The Backyardigans, and any of the Thomas the Train movies.

Favorite Fashion Statement

The must have item in my boys’ wardrobe right now is pajamas.  With feet, of course.  Not only do they like to wear them to bed, but they like to wear them outside, on our walks, and with shoes, of course.  What can I say?  They are trendsetters.

 

So, what are your kids into right now?  What are we missing out on?