Category Archives: Baby Milestones

Queue the Violins

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Yesterday was my twelve year old’s winter orchestra concert, and though it’s been less than a year since her spring concert in sixth grade, the improvement of the entire orchestra was noticeable. Not just the way they sounded, but their posture and overall performance demonstrated how much they all have matured.

I don’t know if it’s because many of them are or will soon be teens, but witnessing this makes me want to “queue” the violins as I reminisce about when Quinn first began playing the violin nearly four years ago.

It was a lovely concert, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they do in the spring.

All the best,

Tanya

Rocky Run 5K Done! She Went the Distance!

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One of the reasons I post about my fitness journey is to hopefully inspire others, but today, it was my mini me who left me feeling inspired. Quinn, a 12 year old, boldly ran in the Rocky Run 5K a race with over 30,000 people, predominantly adults 😅. Think I might’ve felt a bit intimidated at her age, but she smiled, was in the zone and had a great time the entire way.

Not only was she determined to cross the finish line, but she maintained the pace she set for herself and demonstrated what hard work, commitment and dedication is all about! 

This is not the first time that Quinn has left me in awe and certainly will not be the last, but today she was definitely my inspiration! She went the distance!

Best,

Tanya

Happy First Day! New School, New Grade, New Experiences!

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How is it that my daughter is starting a new school and seventh grade when I vividly remember her starting kindergarten as though it was moments ago? 😅

I asked my twelve year old how she was feeling this morning, and she said a combination of excited and nervous, but more excited about the school year. I too am excited for her as this is her last stop before she enters high school! 😳 Wow! High school!

But before she gets there, I’m grateful that she is entering middle school with the opportunity to continue her educational journey by not only continuing with the core disciplines like math and English but learning a foreign language, financial literacy, cooking skills along with countless extracurricular activities to further establish what she’s good at, enjoys and may even want to pursue when it’s time for high school.

Here’s to a wonderful semester for my tween who continues to make me proud to be her mom.

All the best,

Tanya

At Last: A School Chapter Ends

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I remember being nervous about my daughter leaving her elementary school and starting her new school as a fifth grader. Now, we are somewhat back where we first started, but this time she’s closing her sixth grade chapter and will be officially transitioning to middle school.

Though it was only two years, I know they made an impact on her as she met new friends, teachers and experienced a little of what’s to come as a seventh grader.

I’m so proud of the progress she’s made and look forward to having a wonderful summer with Quinn as we count down til the first day of middle school.

I 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

“Bracing” Myself for Another Milestone

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Yesterday, my daughter was overjoyed as we entered the dental office because she was getting something she’s wanted for the past two years: braces! For the most part, her teeth are straight with a minor cross bite and under bite on one side, but it was enough to warrant braces. I still recall when I got braces at 13, which was two years older than Quinn.

My teeth were in dire need of braces, but I was still a bit resistant to wearing them because of the taunting and name calling I endured from my sister and a few classmates 😩. Quinn, on the other hand, welcomed getting braces and had a big smile before and after. She spent the last week leading up to getting braces doing thorough research regarding what she’s permitted to eat and how to take care of them, which definitely impressed her orthodontist and me.

I have a feeling that braces will do more than just straighten Quinn’s teeth, but they will give her an opportunity to exercise self-control and discipline as she must resist food and treats she enjoys and responsibility when it comes to maintaining and brushing her teeth.

Here’s to a new milestone as I keep taking baby steps into motherhood.

Best,

Tanya

Soaring High in School!

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With three weeks down and many more to go, my sixth grader is off to a fantastic start, and I am so proud of her. Since kindergarten, Quinn has been the first in her class to earn an award at the first school assembly, and she kept the streak going today! Starting a new school year, with new teachers, classmates and trying to adjust and make new friends can be difficult. I know it was for me, but Quinn is soaring high and was the only student in her class to receive the Golden Talon award for her self control and being a model student.

I’m hoping this is an indication of how wonderful this school year will be for her, full of great memories and growth.

All the best,

Tanya

Recognizing a “Dad” Worthy of Celebration on Father’s Day

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In an effort to celebrate a “Father’s Day” for a person worthy of the title “dad,” I decided to break tradition and take my husband somewhere new to enjoy a brunch fit for a king. Founding Farmers, that our daughter Quinn, mistakenly and jokingly called “Founding Fathers,” was well received.

What makes this place special is everything is made in-house from the bread to the beverages, and local farmers contribute. It made me think about the relationship between my husband and daughter. It’s naturally organic and something so authentic about their connection. Admittedly, I do feel that their father/daughter relationship is not necessarily better but different than our mother/daughter relationship. They have something special that cannot be recreated: a strong bond. For that I am grateful.

Happy Father’s Day to all of the fathers, fathers-to-be, like a father, uncles, pop-pops, etc. This is your special day!

All the best,

Tanya