Category Archives: Baby Milestones

Reflections on 2016 with My Little Girl

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Excited After a Stroller Jog

Just about three years ago I started my “Mommy’s Baby Steps” blog chronicling my experiences as a new mother and the experiences of my little girl discovering the world around her. It’s been a wonderful experience, and I love being able to look back on some of the entries I’ve composed to see how much we both have grown.

No doubt, 2016 was a year full of memorable moments, and I am proud to note that I surpassed my goal of one post a week and nearly doubled the 77 posts I did in 2015 with 133 posts in 2016. Of course, each post is special to me, but some of my favorite posts from 2016 are as follows:

Snow Much Fun With My Little One: (Posted onJanuary 24, 2016): We haven’t had much snow yet n 2017, but last year’s moment was fun for us both. Quinn actually remembers being in the red sled and has asked me on multiple occasions when it is going to snow again so that she can use it.

What Would We Do Without It Wednesday: Let’s Exercise with a Shake Break (Posted on February 24, 2016: My little girl, loves to exercise and get moving. Even a year later, she wants to do a “shake break.” It’s a great  way for us to spend time together and exercise.

Terrific Toy Tuesday: Boy Oh Boy, Race That Car Girl” (Posted April 12, 2016):Quinn still loves playing with cars, and I love that she enjoys all different types of toy without them being designated as “boy” or “girl” toys.

Simple Sunny Sunday Sayings From My Little Girl (Posted on April 24, 2016): In 2016, Quinn has bestowed so much wisdom, often beyond her years. This post was just one of the many examples of how she teaches me everyday and still does.

What Would We Do Without It Wednesdays: The Roller Coaster of Life (Posted on July 27, 2016): My little girl had just turned three in May, and she was such a brave girl getting on a roller coaster for the first time. This moment just reminds me of the many more milestones we both have in store in the future.

Terrific Tuesday: The First Day of Preschool (Posted September 6, 2016): This was a major change and milestone for Quinn and for me and still is ongoing. I see her now interacting more with the teacher and her school friends and enjoying the many activities.

There are so many more posts that I thoroughly enjoyed composing, but I’d like to save some on which to reflect when my little girl turns three, which is in just four months.

When people say, “Where did the time go?” I definitely can relate to that statement, but having these blog entries is a terrific way to reflect back on memorable times as a mommy with my little girl.

All the best,

Tanya

What a “Happy” Way to Bring in the New Year (2017) with My Little Girl! 

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“Happy New Year!” My three year old bellowed out with joy as she grabbed as much confetti as her hands could hold and put into her crazy paper bag hat. For the third year in a row, on December 31st, my husband and I took our daughter to the Please Touch Museum to bring in the new year for their countdown until noon event. With each passing year, Quinn enjoys it more and more. This year, she proudly counted down starting at 30 seconds eager to blow her noise maker horn.

Another New Year’s Eve tradition she looks forward to is bringing in the new year at my brother-in-law’s home. But prior to setting off to their house, we attended a Kwanzaa celebration which is usually held prior to New Year’s Eve. It was a great time filled with activities, learning about the principles of Kwanzaa, music, food and community.

Needless to say, with three outings, it was a packed day, and my husband and I both wondered if Quinn would be able to stay awake until midnight without being cranky. Luckily, Quinn and I both were able to get cat naps in between each event, so we both were up and ready to party with our family to bring in 2017.

“I want to bring all of the confetti I collected at The Please Touch Museum to Uncle Scott and Aunt Dee’s house,” Quinn informed her father and me. “I can’t wait to throw it in the air and say, “Happy New Year!” she said with excitement. Her wish was fulfilled as we all counted down together, and she along with our other family members threw confetti and noise makers too.

Just thinking about how much she has grown and matured throughout the course of 2016 leaves me in awe.  Just thinking about how much I’ve grown as a mother leaves me feeling blessed and motivated about my journey and the baby steps I will continue to take in the years to come.

As I said in my 2015 post leading into 2016, “I am so happy and blessed that I was able to bring in the new year with my husband, daughter and family.” Here’s to an awesome 2017!
All the best,
Tanya

Halloween & Fall Fun with My Little Girl 

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I’ve always loved the fall season, and not just because my birthday is in October but because there’s so many wonderful activities and ways to have family fun. Last year, I did many activities with my little girl, and now that she’s three and in preschool during the week, she’s even more eager to have some autumn weekend fun. I didn’t want this season to go by without taking out some time to reflect on this fall and Halloween season.

Usually, I’d post separate entries on our adventures, but our new and very busy schedule has been an ongoing transition for us both. But I could not allow this season to go by without acknowledging all of the fun moments we’ve been having together.

This year, we kept with tradition, and my husband, Quinn and I went to a local pumpkin patch, Shadybrook Farms, to select pumpkins to decorate and to have some fun doing the different activities. Though it did rain a little, it was awesome seeing how much more involved she was in the pumpkin selecting process. She was so excited to get home and work on her pumpkin. Since Quinn loves Paw Patrol, we made a Marshall pumpkin, and it was actually quite effortless with the help of a kit from Target.

For the first time, we were able to attend the Harvest Festival in our township where there were hayrides, bouncers, face painting, treats and other activities. Though many of the bouncers were geared towards older children ,which was a bit frustrating for my little girl, especially since she wanted to follow behind her older cousin, she really enjoyed having her face painted like Hello Kitty.

While it does not involve what adults would be considered a “fun” activity, Quinn had a blast helping my husband and me rake leaves. Of course, she insisted on jumping in them after she helped rake a big pile of them together. Her laugh is absolutely infectious!

We couldn’t have Halloween and fall fun without visiting Quinn’s favorite amusement park, Sesame Place. We planned on attending last Saturday, but it was rained off and on all day. Though I had tons of papers to grade on Sunday, I carved out a few hours to take Quinn there so that she could see the Halloween version of the Sesame Place parade. We sat and waited on the parade route for over an hour to ensure that we had a good spot (it was already packed with people waiting). Just to see my little girl’s face light up with excitement made the wait well worth it.

Another “first” was attending the Halloween party at our local library for children five and under last Monday, October 24th. Even “Llama Llama, Red Pajama” stopped by to entertain the children. It was far more crowded than I anticipated, approximately 50 kids, but Quinn thoroughly enjoyed herself and didn’t want to leave. She’s always liked going to the library, but she now associates it with a fun-filled time.

This makes the third year in a row that we’ve attended the “Boo at the Zoo” event at the Philadelphia Zoo, and as always, it did not disappoint. Though I did not have Quinn wear her actual Halloween costume for fear of it getting dirty (It’s all white), she and my niece, who accompanied us, had a great time trick or treating, learning interesting facts, riding a few animals and seeing some of the animals as well. Plus, it’s always fun to see all of the children in their costumes.

Even though I haven’t been posting as frequently as I usually do, I am grateful for the moments I’m creating with my daughter. I love her so much and truly do enjoy our time together as a family. Here’s to autumn and Halloween fun! My fingers are crossed for good trick or treating weather tomorrow.

All the best,

Tanya

 

 

What A Difference a Week Makes! The Ups and Downs of Starting Preschool

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2016-09-02-16-31-32“There’s no school tomorrow! Why not, Daddy!” my daughter inquired in a teary eyed voice Friday evening before bedtime. I asked my husband, “Did I hear what I think I heard?” He shook his head with a smirk on his face, “Yes, you did!” he said.  About a week and a half ago, Quinn told me she didn’t want to go to school and cried when her father or I dropped her off in the morning. I was so concerned and was so nervous about her developing a strong dislike for school since she missed us so much and kept asking why she had to go (even when she admitted that she had fun.)

All last week, her best friend Grover (from Sesame Street) has been accompanying her to school and spending a little time with her in the morning before the day’s activities got underway, and there’s been no tears: only smiles and stories about how the two of them had a great day. Though I do not know for certain what this week will bring, this evening, as we prepare for tomorrow, Quinn excitedly asked to “play school” and told her dad and me, “I’m going to have the best day ever at school tomorrow!” What a difference a week makes!

All the best,

Tanya

Grateful to Grover: Easing the Transition of Preschool for My Little Girl

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2016-09-10-19-50-55“Please, Mommy! Don’t Go!” my three year old cried out. My chest tensed up, and I could feel a tear or two welling up in my eyes as I pried my daughter’s hand off of my arm while struggling to comfort her as I left her with the teacher who was trying to console and distract her with an activity or toy as I left for work. What a difference a week makes! Quinn went from being excited the first week to adamantly voicing her dislike of being left at school by her father and me in the second week. We’ve explained how fun school is and how it’s great to meet new friends and learn from the teacher, but she is still somewhat resistant, especially considering that this is her first school experience.

Actually, she mainly cries for us not to go during the initial drop-off, and the teacher has reassured us that she is smiling, having fun and interacting with the other children for the rest of the day. So, we’ve been trying to come up with a way to help with the transition from home-life to school life in the morning.

Apparently, Quinn had the answer all along; it was me who was not receptive to the idea because I wasn’t sure if it would be acceptable by the teacher. “Can Grover please come with me, Mommy?” Quinn would ask in such a sweet yet desperate voice. I suggested that she could bring him for show and tell to which she quipped, “Mommy, Grover is my friend, not a toy. We bring toys for show and tell, not friends.”

On this past Friday, we had a talk in the car before heading into the preschool building, and she seemed to be doing okay. She asked again if Grover could come with her, and I said that he could but needed to stay in her book bag, and I’d ask the teacher if it was okay for Quinn to nap with him. Quinn was fine with this compromise, but as I hung up her book bag and little jacket, tears began to form in her eyes.

As I gave her a hug and tried to console her, the teacher saw that Quinn was visibly upset and asked, “Where’s Grover, Quinn?” I was surprised at this inquiry. How did she know about Grover? Maybe Quinn mentioned him during nap time or when they were talking about friends or toys at some point. I asked, “Is it okay that she has Grover?” The teacher smiled and nodded, “Of course, she can have Grover!” She then looked at Quinn as I handed Grover to her from the book bag, “Your friend Grover can spend a little time with you this morning, and then you’ll be able to put him away in your book bag until nap time. Okay, Quinn.” Her tears subsided, and she smiled and clung to Grover. Quinn was going to be okay. I later found out that my husband allowed Quinn to bring Grover on that Thursday but just didn’t tell me.

While some people may think children should not be permitted to have “security blankets,” such as a binkie, favorite toy or an actual favorite blanket that provides comfort, I think it is sometimes necessary to get them through a major change or transition. I am so grateful to Grover, for he has provided my daughter with some comfort during this major change, and when I picked her up, she immediately informed me, “Grover and I had a fun day at school Mommy!” Hearing her say this really made my day because it truly did upset me to see her so distraught.

All the best,

Tanya

Trying on a New Pair of Shoes: The Preschool Change is Going to Take Time for Both My Little Girl & Me

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Just a little under a week ago, my daughter attended school for the first time. Tuesday was great. On Wednesday, she was still excited! Then on Thursday, the inevitable happened. When I picked up my three year old, the teacher said, “Quinn was a little sad today and cried a few times asking for you and her daddy.” As I looked at my little girl’s facial expression and imagined her crying, my chest tightened, and my throat became dry. “Oh, she did!” I then turned to console my daughter while trying to be positive and asking, “How was your day, sweetie?” With a unchanged face and monotone voice, she said, “Good.”

While on the car ride home, she asked why I left her at school for so long and didn’t come for her. She was upset that I wasn’t there to watch her play and do different activities. When we got home, I emptied her lunch bag and saw that for the third time in a row she barely touched her lunch. To focus on the positive and to get her mind off of the major change, we played a little in the playroom and got dinner ready, she seemed to be fine, but right before bed she asked, “Do I have to go to school tomorrow too?” To which I asked, “Don’t you like school? School is fun!” “Yes, but you aren’t there, Mommy!” I tried to convince her that school was just for her to not only learn but to meet new friends and do different lessons and activities with the teacher.

The next morning she claimed, “My leg is bothering me, Mommy, so I can’t go to school today.” “I think you’ll be just fine,” I reassured her. When I dropped her off, I was a bit nervous wondering if she would cry or be extremely upset. It would break my heart seeing her cry, and I would have a limited amount of time to comfort her because I had to get to work to teach one of my classes. Surprisingly, she smiled when she saw the teacher and eagerly went off with her after giving me a big hug and kiss. I smiled and said, “Have a great day, honey!” She responded, “You have a great day too, Mommy!”

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked her up but prayed that she had a fun day and enjoyed herself. I arrived a little earlier so that I could see her doing an activity since she said she was upset that I did not see her doing one, and she was happy to see me but then quickly exclaimed, “Mommy, I’m not ready to go yet!” What a wonderful phrase to hear and a sharp contrast from that Thursday. I know it’s going to be tough at times walking in these new shoes of change with many ups and downs as we both continue to become accustomed to Quinn attending school, but it certainly makes the time we spend together that much more special.

All the best,

Tanya

Terrific Tuesday: The First Day of Preschool

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After tossing and turning, constantly waking up full of anticipation throughout the night for both my daughter and me, the first day of preschool and attending school altogether finally arrived this morning for my little girl, Quinn. Knowing that I wouldn’t be there to take her to school for her first day increased my anxiety, but she was so excited that she actually woke up extra early, and I was able to give her a big hug and kiss and tell her to have a great first day at school before I left for work.

Her dad later told me that she was very eager to go to school and gave him a big hug and kiss when he was about to leave her at the school. “See you later, Daddy” she said with a smile on her face. In the meantime, I was at work wondering how Quinn was doing, and something that rarely happens occurred when I was in my classroom teaching. My phone, though on vibrate, began ringing. My initial thought was that it was a call from the school with a concern about Quinn. It took everything in me to not immediately excuse myself and check my phone to see who was calling. It turned out that it was a telemarketer calling, and I had to reassure myself that Quinn was just fine.

Then, right after class I raced home so that I could  be nearby, if needed. My husband works from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but wasn’t there, and I wondered, “Did he go to the school? Is Quinn okay?” (I later found out that he was out purchasing a cake as a special treat for Quinn’s first day at school) Without alluding that I was concerned, I contacted the school while my three year old was preoccupied with eating lunch just to see how she was doing. Her teacher, with a smile in her voice, said, “Quinn is doing great! She enjoyed circle time, playing at the playground, doing an apple coloring project and having snack.” She also informed me that Quinn was happy and showed no signs of being sad or worried.

When I picked Quinn up at 3:00 pm, she was sitting patiently with other children, smiled and said, “Hi Mommy! I had a good day at school!” While tomorrow, her second day of school will more than likely be the real test, I’m so happy that Quinn made a great initial transition from being at home with her daddy and me to going to school and interacting with other children and the teachers.

Here’s to a wonderful semester and terrific school experiences for my sweet, smart girl Quinn!

All the best,

Tanya

Mommy’s Monday Moments: The Night Before Preschool with My Little Girl

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2016-09-05 17.52.35‘Twas the night before preschool, the day drew to an end. Quinnie was cuddling Grover, her favorite plush friend: an adaptation of the poem/story The Night Before Preschool  by Natasha Wing. Alas, we are here, and I’ve been going over my checklist, prepping my three year old for what is to be expected of her at school and going over the routine and how to do Quinn’s hair with my husband since I have early morning classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and will be unable to drop off my daughter.

Today, we played together and did a little shopping to get some Labor Day deals on clothing and footwear. After nap, we went to the park and then baked cookies after dinner as a nice treat and a good way to relax us both at the end of the day in preparation for tomorrow.

Quinn loves books, so we have the book The Night Before Preschool to alleviate any anxiety she may be feeling so that she may have a good night’s sleep and look forward to going to school for the first time and meeting new friends tomorrow. I’m just hoping that I’ll be able to sleep through the night before my only child going off to preschool and have a great morning  and not get overly anxious thinking about how my little girl is doing on her first day.

All the best,

Tanya

School’s Back in Session: Preparing for a Major Change with My Little Girl

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2016-08-16 17.38.46While summer may not officially be over, the start of my fall semester begins tomorrow. I’ve been teaching at the same college for nearly ten years and am typically nervous on the first day, but this time, my anxiety is heightened at the thought of knowing that having my daughter at home full-time is swiftly drawing to a close. My husband and I have been blessed to work out a schedule where I’ve worked from home on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and he on Tuesdays and Thursdays to be there for our daughter. This year, I’ll be experiencing two major changes because I’ll be on campus Monday through Friday, and my daughter will begin preschool for the first time the day after Labor Day.

Usually, the night before the semester starts, I’m concerned about having a good first day, have a nightmare or two about something crazy happening in the classroom and hoping that everything go smoothly, but this time, I’m joining the ranks of many parents who are concerned about the morning juggle of getting their child or children ready as the ready themselves to go off to work or school. Though I’m sure everything will go well tomorrow morning, I can’t help but think about how I’ll miss the routines my three year old and I have when we’re home together. We’ve both gotten to know each other so much and enjoy each other’s company, and part of me will miss that time together.

I am, however, so grateful for all of the time we’ve spent together, especially this summer during my break> I just have to remind myself that through these changes will be new and wonderful experiences that will bring my daughter and I even closer together this semester.

All the best,

Tanya

Countdown to Preschool: Just a Month Away

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For a little over three years, my husband and I have both been blessed to have flexible work schedules so that we can work alternate schedules during the weekdays to care for our daughter. While we’ve both enjoyed being home with her and being able to watch her grow and reach many milestones firsthand, the time has come for Quinn to start preschool so that she may not only have the experience of a school setting but so that she can develop friendships with other children her age. Quinn will often ask, “When will I start school?” or say, “I can’t wait to go to school and have friends,” so I am confident that she will be ready next month around this time. I’m just hoping that I’m ready. For now, we’re enjoying this last month we have together with some fun-filled outings and mommy and daughter time together.

All the best,

Tanya

2016-08-03 14.34.47

Quinn’s Stylish, Pouty Smile, As She Calls It