Category Archives: Baby Milestones

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

The Happiness of Celebrating My Daughter’s Birthday

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Something I enjoy more than celebrating my own birthday is celebrating Quinn’s. We had a wonderful weekend together with her friend and our family, and seeing her happy and one year older brings me so much joy. 🥰🥳. Read more @mommysbabysteps.com . #mommysbabysteps #motherdaughterbond #birthday #fun #familytogetherness #familyfun #birthdayweekend #love

Motherhood: Hardly a “Piece of Cake,” But a Pleasure Baking it for My Daughter

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I’ve heard people say motherhood is not a piece of cake. While I agree wholeheartedly with this statement, especially when the “cake” doesn’t quite turn out as I hoped, I live for the moments when everything from the selection of ingredients, process of baking and feeling the appreciation and love from the person for whom I am baking comes together.

This year, my now 11 year old requested for me to bake her a cake instead of getting one from the bakery. Even though this tends to be a busy time for me with grading end of the semester, I was happy to fulfill Quinn’s birthday wish.

In her thoughtfulness, she said that she was okay with a simple design, but after giving it some thought, I decided to add a bit more color and flair to represent her personality. Upon seeing her birthday cake, her eyes widened, and she ran over and gave me a huge hug.

She repeatedly told me that she loved her birthday cake and thanked me for taking the time to make it and how it made her feel special. She even told me that I should open my own bakery which put a huge smile on my face.

No, motherhood is not a piece of cake. There may even be times where Quinn is unhappy with me or something that I’m making her do as her mother, but I have a feeling that baking her a birthday cake is a memory that will remain with her well into adulthood.

All the best,

Tanya

Let’s Soar Back to School!

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With three weeks down and many more to go, my fifth grader is off to a great 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 this school year’s no different. Starting a new school year, let alone a new school with new teachers, classmates and trying to make new friends can be difficult. I know it was for me, but Quinn is soaring high.

During back to school night, her teacher said that he’s very pleased with how well she’s doing and is looking forward to a great and exciting school year. I am too!

These are the years of growth and many changes, so something that put a smile on my face was getting most of the facts about my ten year old correct. I’m hoping that she continues to share her new experiences with me and knows that I’m there to support her.

All the best,

Tanya

The Art of Friendship: Painting Smiles on Faces

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There’s something special about childhood friendships. Watching my daughter and her best friend blossom over the years from kindergarten to fourth grade is no exception. Yesterday, my daughter was super excited to celebrate her best friend’s 10th birthday.

I’m so glad Quinn was included in her friend’s intimate painting party, especially since they will be in different classes this year. Watching them paint together with the other children in attendance, chat and giggle definitely painted a smile on my face. What a wonderful way to close out summer break.

All the best,

Tanya