Monthly Archives: May 2025

Cousins Unite for a Nature Hike

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“Tweenage” years are an interesting time. Some look like children yet behave like teens and “adults,” some look like teens or mini adults yet behave like kids.

While some want nothing to do with adults nor their parents, others still enjoy their company and look forward to interacting.

Regardless, as a parent of a tween, I hope my twelve year old knows that I will love her as “nature” takes its course and hope she never asks me to “take a hike,” except for a fun outdoor adventure with our cousins.

Quinn, our cousins and their furry brothers had a wonderful time today just hiking, feeding the geese and ducks and enjoying each others company.

All the best,

Tanya

It Took Twelve Years to Formally Meet Mister Softee! 🤗

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As a kid growing up in the inner city, Mister Softee, Helado de Coco and the shaved ice guy were staples of the community. The neighborhood kids, including me, would scrape up their money or beg a parent or friend to spot them a dollar or two get get an ice cream cone or popsicle.

Living in a suburb right outside of Philadelphia, my daughter has had limited opportunities to beg for money to get a treat from the ice cream truck and certainly not Mr. Softee.

So when I heard that magical tune in the distance as we relaxed on a bench after our bike ride, I was probably more excited than she was to get her first treat at 12 years old. We were the first to arrive at Mr. Softee’s window as other children and adults began to make their way over. Though Quinn’s ice cream treat was a whopping eight dollars, creating this memory for us both to share was worth it!

All the best,

Tanya

Cue the Violins: First of Last!

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While in the first row and first chair, my daughter was focused and played intently, This will be the last time she performs with the school orchestra as a sixth grader.

I’m so proud of her. In knowing that she has decided to continue playing violin at her next school for seventh and eighth grade, I hope she continues to thrive and has a wonderful experience ahead of her.

All the best,

Tanya

Celebrating My 13th Mommyversary!

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As I celebrate my thirteenth “mommyversary,” I’m feeling luckier than ever to have a daughter like Quinn. While I will miss her as my little girl, I welcome her last year as a tween and how much of a positive influence she’s had on my life even as a child.

I’ve become more assertive as I advocate not just on her behalf but my own. I’ve become even more conscientious about my health to lead by example and to be around and active with Quinn.

Somehow, holding her in my arms as a baby simultaneously seems like it was yesterday and light years away, but the feeling of being a mother and loving my daughter unconditionally continues to grow and evolve into something beyond measure.

All the best,

Tanya

A Dozen Years of Birthdays with Many More to Come

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Though most consider becoming a teenager a milestone, I think turning twelve is just as significant. It’s the last year of being a tween and many changes are coming or already happening.

I’m so happy to celebrate my daughter’s 12th birthday as she continues to grow into a lovely young lady. She truly deserves a dozen roses for being such a great kid and person.

Here’s to many more birthdays to come because each one is special.

All the best,

Tanya