I need to take a few moments to appreciate all of the baby steps and milestones that brought me to my 14th “mommyversary.” My little girl is officially a teen, and I’m gearing up for more milestones snd memorable moments.
Motherhood is not always easy, but I always try my best to be physically, emotionally and mentally present for Quinn. I’m blessed to be a mother to her and to have my mother there to offer advice.
I’m grateful for motherhood and all that it has taught me about life.
Alas! Another major milestone has occurred. Born in 2013, by “baby girl” is officially 13: a teenager. While I’m grateful for every moment from Quinn being placed in my arms minutes after her birth to taking her first steps and saying her first words, I need time to slow down a little because this mommy still feels like she’s taking baby steps.
Though every year is special, similar to when she became a toddler, these years tend to have so many changes in development and at such a rapid pace, and I’m just hoping that I can keep up with her needs and be who and what she needs me to be when she needs me to be it.
Some family and friends have asked what it feels like to now have a teenager, and if I could only use one word it would be “overwhelming,” not because of my daughter but because I know that she’s now closer to adulthood than childhood, or at least that is how she will be recognized by society in just short five years. But even still, she will always be my sweet girl who deserves the world and for all of her birthday wishes to come true.
For a little over a month, my seventh grader has been diligent, consistent and even confident as she tried out for her school’s track team.
Today was her first track meet, and I was probably more excited than she was! Her Nana (my mom) and Auntie (my sister) even came out to support her. The weather was perfect, and I was bursting inside trying my best not to be that obnoxious mom in the stand yelling out my daughter’s name from the tops of my lungs.
I’m so proud of her and her track team. She’s such a natural athlete, and participated in four events. 😅 I’m eager to see where her track journey takes her.
It’s official! A year and one month after getting braces, my 12 year old got them removed and now is about that “retainer” life! Unlike me as a tween wearing braces, she lived her experience and looked forward to the different color bands at each visit.
Whether it’s with braces or not, I love seeing my daughter’s beautiful smile.
While Friday the 13th is often recognized as a bad day because of the superstitions associated with the number thirteen being bad luck, I was lucky enough to spend time with my daughter and mom for the preview day of the Franklin Institute’s Universal Studios Exhibition.
It was such a fun time. Though none of us were successful in creating a functional roller coaster, we thoroughly enjoyed the interactive components of the exhibit. The highlight was simply spending time with my mini me and mom.
It’s a happy New Year’s Eve as I reminisce about the wonderful memories and moments I had in 2025 with my mini me. So much has happened, but a few that have a special place in my heart are the many conversations we’ve had, our first spring break trip together to the Dominican Republic, attending the Eagles Superbowl championship parade, and getting a new workout and running buddy.
Quinn’s also had many accomplishments of her own in 2025 from becoming a leader at her school in a student council position to improving her violin skills and successfully completing her first 5K, the Rocky Run.
As 2025 comes to a close, I’m grateful to have a daughter like Quinn and look forward to more memories in 2026
A wonderful way to celebrate the Eve of Christmas with family is at one of the sweetest places on earth: Hersheypark. With sunny skies, temperatures in the mid forties and a relatively crowd free park, we couldn’t ask for a better day!
We enjoyed our experience from start to finish, and I took on my usual duty as designated bag holder while my daughter Quinn, cousin Ellie and husband got on roller coaster rides. It’s already a merry Christmas with family.
Clearly, one of the person winter break for my tween is sleeping in and having pajama days. Considering that we spend more time of our lives as adults than we do children, I encourage Quinn to enjoy these low key days.
Mommy's Baby Steps 