The beginning of the year brought a little of everything, from quick news and service to holidays to first-person essays — even my old hat as a weddings editor popped back on. And, of course, Baby Shark never goes away. But my two favorite pieces for January and February were these:
The Best Royal Movies to Help You Truly Understand the Monarchy
Kind of related to the Oscars — and movies like The Favourite and Mary, Queen of Scots — and kind of to satisfy my own curiosity, I challenged myself to see if I could trace the royal lineage from Elizabeth II to Elizabeth I just through movies. I was able to do it, though some were obscure. But now I know that Colin Firth from The King's Speech is the current Queen's father.
We're Officially Calling Blume Dolls the Hottest Toy of 2019
This was the first year I got to attend Toy Fair, and scout out all of the hot new toys for the year. And while I saw lots of great things, these cuties leapt out as an early favorite.
News
Parents, The Momo Challenge Isn't the Video You Need to Be Worrying About on YouTube
The Hatching Baby Toothless Is the Perfect Gift For Your Aspiring Hiccup
The Disney+ Streaming Service Sounds Like It's Going to Be Every Parent's BFF
Andy Cohen Was Just Dad-Shamed for Taking His Newborn on an Airplane
'Riverdale' Star Mark Consuelos Dishes on What It Was Really Like Working With Kelly Ripa
Kristen Bell Shut Down an Instagram Follower Who Said She's "Exploiting" a Kid for Her New Line
Kairi, the New Gerber Baby for 2019, Just Made History
The U.S. Divorce Rate Is Going Down, and We Have Millennials to Thank
Terminally Ill Girl in Wisconsin Just Wants Letters From Your Dog
Service
3 Tricks That Calm a Crying Baby, According to a Researcher Who Surveyed 800+ Parents
This Dad’s Trick for Getting Picky Kids to Eat Is Brilliant
My Daughter Wouldn't Sleep Away From Home Until We Got This Toddler Travel Bed
6 Apps That Make Potty Training Way Easier Than a DIY Sticker Chart
16 Lego Storage Ideas That'll Keep Every Small Piece Organized
15 Best Stargazing Apps for iPhones and Androids
The Best Books About Self-Love, Because We All Need to Pump Ourselves Up
Holidays
Watch This 'Peppa Pig' Chinese New Year Sneak Peek With Your Kids Tonight
15 Best Hallmark Movies to Watch Before Valentine's Day
14 Baby Valentine's Day Outfits for Your True Sweetheart
Easy Valentine's Day Games Any Kid Will Love
40 Quotes About Broken Hearts That Are Just Too Real
The 20 Best Irish Movies to Watch for St. Patrick's Day
The Best Irish Movies on Netflix to Stream on St. Patrick's Day
Milestones
14 Gold Wedding Dresses for the Bride Who Wants to Sparkle
15 Pink Wedding Dresses for the Most Romantic Brides Out There
Inspiring Backyard Wedding Ideas for Casual Brides and Grooms
Neon Wedding Signs That Will Give Your Reception Some Electricity
14 DIY Floral Garland Ideas for Spring Parties and Weddings
15 Grazing Tables Ideas That Will Make Any Party Stand Out
13 Creative and Thoughtful Ways to Ask: Will You Be a Godparent?
18 Mesmerizing Number Cakes We Wish We Could Eat Right Now
16 Cheap Neon Signs That Add Major Personality to Your Space
30 Quotes About Change, Because We Never Stop Evolving
Baby Shark
So, Where Did This "Baby Shark" Song Come From, Anyway?
Baby Shark Toys, Books, and Shirts Are Taking Over the Internet
A Baby Shark Play-Doh Set Is in the Works Because the Craze Will Never End
The New Baby Shark Toy Will Dance Circles Around You
Assigned Essays
Their Son Tested Positive for Strep Throat. Then Came the Severe OCD, Anxiety, and Hallucinations.
14 Reasons Parenting Teenagers Is Better Than You Think It Will Be