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.
All the best,
Tanya
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.
All the best,
Tanya
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
All the best,
Tanya
It’s Christmas Day, and seeing the smiles, hearing the laughter and feeling the love of family means so much to me.
All the best,
Tanya
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.
All the best,
Tanya
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.
All the best,
Tanya
One of the best gifts I could ever ask for is my mini me joining me at the gym, not because I’m making her but because she wants to be there.
We’ve had some wonderful conversations, and I’ve learned even more about her just by being present. The gift of time together is truly priceless.
All the best,
Tanya
Santa was happy to see both Quinn and our toy poodle Zack for furry friends Monday at Willow Grove Mall.
While I’m always eager to see Santa, the excitement has diminished some for Quinn as she gets older, but she still takes pleasure in the moment, especially as Zack wags his tail, quickly moving to get to Santa for our family picture.
All the best,
Tanya
Since Quinn was four years old, one of our holiday traditions is going to Walnut Street Theatre to see a play for the holiday season. This year, it was A Christmas Story the Musical. Though my husband and I took my nephew to see it years ago when he was a little boy, it was like seeing it for the first time with my 12 year old daughter. We both loved how they brought the classic movie to the big stage with fun musical numbers.
As a special treat after the show, I treated Quinn to dinner at Barra Rosa, a lovely Italian restaurant, and we had such a lovely time together talking and enjoying our food. ☺️ I’m so grateful for this tradition and the strengthening our our mother and daughter bond.
All the best,
Tanya
I love that Quinn is crafty like me. She eagerly helped me make some new outdoor candy decorations to enhance our winter candy land.
While seeing the “candies” of our labor is rewarding, sharing this moment with Quinn is priceless.
All the best,
Tanya
Mommy's Baby Steps 