Kids' Shows and Movies

I've mentioned before that I have a child that rarely sits still. When she was a newborn, she would happily be awake for long stretches of time, just looking around and wiggling her arms and legs. We've hit whatever the toddler version is of that now. Our girl is so busy. I love that. Sometimes I need to switch laundry though, or just sit down, and giving Lyla some screen time seems to be the only way to keep her out of trouble. Her screen time is way more for us, than it is for her. I also love this time of year, because I feel like our screen time is earned. We practically live outside, and it's glorious. Mindless entertainment is so much better when it is well earned. 

Lyla is really particular about what she's watching, and I really don't think she'd sit down to watch just anything. Again, I do love that for her. Here's my mommy review of some recent choices. Chalk it up to lady hormones or cloudy skies, but I'm not feeling very merciful today. Um...enjoy? 

We're big on Disney Jr. around here. I'm sure that Lyla would like some of the Nick Jr. shows (hello Paw Patrol), we just don't put them on. Sadly, she's kind of over Sesame Street, save for the music videos on YouTube or the stuffed animal characters that she keeps in her crib. 

Sofia the First 

There's a lot that I love about Sofia the First. The fact that it's about a blended family is wonderful, there's always a really nice lesson, and the music is catchy. The castle/princess vibe doesn't hurt. Honestly though, Sofia is such a nerd. She's super whiny and a total brown noser. I really do love a strong yet kind character, but like, toughen up just a little bit. Clearly this child has been through a lot already (poor shoemaker, no dad); you'd think she'd be a tad more assertive. I do understand why she is the way that she is, though, and it sets a nice example. Princess Amber, her step-sister, is way more my speed. She's the glamorous Blanche/Samantha/Suzanne of the show. 

Muppet Babies (2018)

Lyla can take it or leave it, but I felt that I had to include this one, if only to honor the original. The original was so brilliant. The new one..is just ok. Like most kids' shows, you get nice lessons, colorful scenes, and cute songs. My issue is mostly in the voices of Fozzy and Miss Piggy. Not sounding good. Kudos for casting Jenny Slate as Nanny, and for adding the adorable character of Summer, however. 

Puppy Dog Pals 

This might be the easiest show to watch. It really is so sweet and cute, but I feel like there are only 4 episodes airing. For a show that we don't watch very often, we keep catching the same ones. Also, this show was created by, and stars, Harland Williams aka the '7-minute abs guy' from There's Something About Mary. I was kind of shocked when I first read that. 

Those are our favorite TV shows. We also like Vampirina and PJ Masks. By "like" I mean that Lyla will tolerate them. You might notice a glaring omission if you're a Disney Jr. family. My child is the only toddler to not like Mickey or Minnie Mouse. I've never seen anything like it. So, sadly, they didn't make the cut. If they did, I'd only have positive things to say for the Disney originals. 

As far as movie watching, we stick to Netflix or something that I've DVR'd. Recent favorites are your typical Netflix family favorites: Sing, The Boss Baby, The Secret Life of Pets, Shrek, and Trolls. Lyla also enjoys Tarzan and Alvin and the Chipmunks (the newer version). How she's not terrified of the first five minutes of Tarzan always amazes me. As far as the Chipmunks go, my husband could really do without hearing their versions of popular songs by now. I don't mind them..I've always liked the Chipmunks. Lyla has been practicing her "ALLLLLLVINNNN!" 

We have also been watching 2 favorites, one classic and the other brand new: 

Toy Story 3

I recorded all 3 Toy Stories off of Freeform one weekend, and this is by far Lyla's favorite. It's actually mine too, but I love them all. Nothing gets to me more than the last few minutes of this movie. Nothing. We've watched it 8 billion times in the last week, and I cry every single time. 

Coco (streaming on Netflix) 

Whether you have kids in your house or not, please watch Coco. My husband and I love this movie. The music and the story are so beautiful, as is the colorful set. This one also makes me tear up, but not nearly as much as Toy Story 3. How does Disney/Pixar do it? As much as Lyla really enjoys Coco, her Dad and I might like it more, but it's super refreshing to us to have her watch something that doesn't wear on our nerves after a while. 

So, once we've earned some screen time, those are my girl's favorites. I've shown her a few princess movies, and she's not into it, but she does like a lot of the music. Every once in a while, she likes a Barbie movie, as long as it features a lot of animals; or a Disney classic like The Lion King (a favorite of her dad's and mine). I also count on screen time to get Lyla's chest PT done. In fact, our social worker always mentions that at our clinic appointments, and encourages it. 

I really try to limit Lyla's screen time when we're out to eat or in the car, and it's definitely paid off. As much as I need that break sometimes, I believe in letting your kids be bored. How else will they figure out how to entertain themselves? However, for all of those other times, thank goodness for streaming and Sofia. 

XO Luci 

Friday 5: Instagram Accounts

When this idea popped into my head, I thought "great.. this will be easy and quick to write up.." Well, of course, I was wrong. That seems to happen a lot these days, and that's when I know that it's time to slow down and relax.

I happen to have mixed feelings about social media, and its effect on us as a society, but I do love Instagram. To me, Instagram is simple; is instant gratification; and in most cases, unbiased. This list was ridiculously difficult to come up with. More difficult than any fluffy post should ever be. I did not realize how much of a variety I enjoy mindlessly scrolling through. Also, I do apologize if sentences that end if a preposition offend you. There were about 47 in this paragraph alone. 

My five favorite Instagram accounts:

For those of that don't know who Gary Janetti is, he's a writer for Will & Grace, and is married to celebrity stylist and Fashion Police panelist, Brad Goreski. His humor is not the nicest, but he is funny. I was always a huge fan of his tweets as well. Sarcastic, sharp, and a little bit dark - my favorite. Disclaimer: I ADORE the new Duchess of Sussex, and he really goes after her..but it's just too funny, and harmless. 

Ahhh DJmikeypop. I'm pretty sure that this guy is famous (adjacent) because of his memes. They always have a really strong gay subtext and a lot of times are #nsfw. As you can see, he creates Rupaul's Drag Race outcomes with beloved gay icons. I love every single thing that he posts. 

On a way more serious note, I had to share Shaun King's account. He's an African-American living very realistically in this political climate, and shares a lot of unpleasant happenings that I think are important to be aware of. I believe that he's also a writer. 

The Onion. This is also one of my favorite Facebook accounts. I think that covering the news, and using it as satire is so brilliant. A lot of times, The Onion straight up post stories that are not even close to having any truth, but they're relatable and fun reads. 

This was tough. I could not decide between an account that featured luxury home design, comments by celebrities (this is a real, newer thing; and it is totally delightful), or a celebrity gossip/bravo account. Ultimately, my boy, Danny Pellegrino won out. He's similar to DJmikeypop but not as crude. He shares a lot of Bravo related news, and has a great podcast called "Everything Iconic." 

If I am not napping or working out during Lyla's nap, it's a good bet that I am looking through Instagram. While I do embrace social media, I mean - you almost have to, I do try to have some boundaries about when I'm on there or what I am sharing. It doesn't hurt to have a good laugh, or to be informed. 

XO, Luci