15 16 + 17 Month Favorites

As the months go on, it seems like Ethan's interests last a little longer and therefore, his toys get to stick around a little longer.  These last few months have been fun and challenging all at the same time.  While Ethan does enjoy toys, he's more likely to be found playing with things such as boxes, cable cords, makeup, the list goes on...

That being said, he LOVES to mimic us and based on the above, you would think we're huge cleaners.  Seriously...the kid LOVES to vacuum and sweep.  We have both toy vacuums above and like them for different reasons. The Dirt Devil makes the best sound and *bonus* it turns off after about thirty seconds.  The Dyson version is definitely cooler looking with the filtering beads and even has the suction capability, but the noise is pretty quiet {which would probably be a good thing for most parents!}.

Additionally, Ethan got this B. Toys broom set for Christmas and he loves sweeping around the kitchen.

Speaking of B. Toys, Ethan also loves this guitar.  It has three different settings and plays music as well as lets him key around on it.  Super cute!

Another hit these last few months is the shape sorting cube.  I don't know that this is the best one for beginners like Ethan, but he loves trying to fit the shapes in their accompanying slot.  I might suggest this or this for a younger toddler like Ethan.  Also, I should have included this in the set, but he LOVES his musical piggy bank for similar reasons.

To tap into his creative side, Ethan and I play with his Classic Doodler all the time.  Love that it's mess free!

And speaking of messes, Ethan loves these wipes.  He'll clean up his highchair tray after each meal...and then he'll make more messes just so he can clean them up.  They're also great for traveling!  Also great for traveling and entertaining during brushing is this cute toothbrush.  Ethan is pretty good about getting his teeth brushed each night, and this little cow toothbrush definitely helps to add to his excitement.

Last, Ethan's grandma got him these SUPER cute mini Nikes and Ethan just loves them.  Seriously, I can hardly stand mini versions of the adult version...it's too adorable for words.  And these seem like they offer lots of great support.  Win-win!

What are your kids loving these days?!

xo natasha

Obsessions + Observations

+ I am seriously obsessed with this Ikea rug...I want it, but have no place for it.  #sigh

+ I'm pretty sure the search function no longer works on my blog.  Or anyone else's blog for that matter.

+ Did you watch the Bachelor last night?  Read this for a good laugh.

+ Are you searching for the coveted plaid blanket from Zara scarf?  Keep checking the site!  New scarves are added randomly throughout the day and night...it's like magic!

+ I need a new iPhone case...any suggestions?

+ Postpartum.  I could never put how I felt into words.  But she did.  And I agree with every bit of it.

+ Just bought this coat {thanks to this photo} and I am in love!

+ We're going on vacation to Maui in less than a month!  I cannot wait to see the humpbacks and hopefully relax while Ryan and Ethan play in the pools.  ;)  Any restaurant and book recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

+ See last bullet and realize why I am starting to panic post-holiday and birthday.  This paleo plan is pretty awesome!

+ But with that, I'm pretty excited about snagging a new suit.  This, this and this are all in my cart!

xo natasha

Recent Outfits

It's been quite a while since I've done any sort of outfit post for myself, but I've come across some fun finds lately and wanted to share them with you!

I loved my 30th birthday outfit...the dress is from ASOS and has the cutest back.  It's SUPER heavy from all the beading but I got a ton of compliments on it that night.

The boots are new as well from Steve Madden.  They are pointy toed and have a wedge...super cute! 

This lace inset dress is a new favorite and it's on MAJOR sale for $27.97!!!.

I am also in love with my new Bauble Bar necklace...the tortoise and crystal is a great combo.  Similar styles here and here...seriously, I love them all!

I always love wearing my Karen Walker sunglasses {love these too!} and had fun pairing them with this gold infinity scarf {from Express...similar here}.  

I also recently snagged these super cute, flattering, yet comfy jeans {thanks to Megan!} 

Hope you're having a great weekend!!

xo natasha

Ethan is 18 Months!

Happy New Year!!

Once again, I'm a week late with Ethan's update, BUT it was the holidays and we were traveling, so a week late it is!  ;)

What's New:  

I swear Ethan is changing daily...he seems to get bigger to me every morning when I go to get him from his crib.  He has new endearing traits, like grabbing the side of my face so that I can kiss his cheek...and not so endearing traits, like clawing us and hitting us.  We joke that he's like those Sour Patch commercials: first he's sour and then he's sweet.  He's such a little stinker...constantly shaking his head no when you ask him to do something he doesn't want to.  And he surprises us when he shakes his head yes.  He's SO smart and observant {said said parent} and understands far more than he can communicate.  He loved pointing out the airplanes when we were in Southern California over Christmas.

He also got his first hair "trim".  And in writing this, I realized that I forgot to save his first lock of hair.  Oops.  Luckily, our aunt is his hair dresser, so we got to do it in the comfort of her home.  :)

Wears:

I have to say this age is really fun to dress...he's wearing more "pants" and less baby clothes.  He's still in 12-18 for the most part but I think we'll need to start buying 24 months jammies this next month.  He also still wears a size 3 diaper and I would say his foot is about a 4 or 5.  Oh yes, and he still has the paci...I know, bad parents.  He's really good with his nanny during the day, but he totally works us on the weekends...and we were really lenient with him during our travels.  We figured it was better to have a paci in his mouth than whatever other gross things he was touching while we were out and about.

Eats:

Ethan's still not the best eater.  He loves fruit and eats pasta and chicken...and scrambled eggs.  But that's really it.  He loves to feed himself too which makes things just a bit more challenging.

Teeth:

I think Ethan now has 12 teeth total.  Four molars. two on each side and his top and bottom front four teeth.  He's got a mean bite, let me tell you!

Talks:

Let's see, some newer words this last month include: Hi, Uh Oh, Byeeee, Yeah, That {sounds more like gaaahhh with a point}, and lots of babble.  He'll have full on conversations in his own babble.  

Loves:

This kid LOVES to vacuum...and I mean LOVES it!  His Aunt and Uncle just got him the Dyson kid vac for Christmas and it's his new favorite toy.  He continues to love music and really loves to mimic anything we do.  He can "pound it" and will mimic gestures.  It's pretty darn cute.

Hates:

Ethan hates being told "no", having anything taken away from him, and restraining him when he doesn't want to be {which is always!}.  He will throw full blown tantrums at the drop of a hat, but luckily get over them pretty quickly too.

Goes:
We traveled this last week down to Southern California for Christmas and while it was a blast, it was also challenging at times.  Flying with a toddler is no easy feat...luckily, it was only an hour flight.  And then missing naps, not eating regular meals, and sleeping in the same room makes being away from home that much more difficult.  Luckily, we survived and Ethan did surprisingly well.  Any tips on traveling with a toddler are welcome!!

xo natasha