Category Archives: Baby Musings

Cue the Violins: A Wonderful Spring Orchestra Concert

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This week has been super busy. My daughter had two track meets, was inducted into the National Juniors Honors Society, and I attended my college’s commencement ceremony as a faculty member along with several other tasks. I know, cue the violins for my “sob story,” but all of these tasks are anything but that and filled me with joy.

Wrapping up the week by attending the spring orchestra concert at my daughter’s school was a welcomed activity, and seeing her play the violin alongside others put a huge smile on my face. She and the other students on the orchestra have been working hard, and at many times, I had to remind myself that they are just seventh graders.

I guess you can say “cue the violins” as my eyes welled up with tears of joy as I applauded Quinn and the entire orchestra.

All the best,

Tanya

It’s An Honor! My Daughter’s Officially A Member of the National Juniors Honor Society!

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This evening, my seventh grader was inducted into the National Juniors Honors Society, and I’m absolutely elated! While this is a prestigious honor requiring a high GPA, which is one of the core pillars of membership, to be considered, it’s the other requirements that Quinn met which are all reflections of her character.

Regarding Service, Quinn was excited to serve on student council and to volunteer in our community. With leadership, her teachers often share with me how resourceful she is and that she’s a natural problem solver. Though I can take partial credit for molding her character, she has always leaned towards honesty, respect and integrity. One time, she came across a wallet and was eager to go out of her way to get it back to the owner which made me feel so proud. I’m also amazed at how she understands the importance of civic engagement and respecting rules.

Maybe so had a little something to do with her achieving these core pillars, but she is officially a teen and certainly at the age where she may face challenges and even dilemmas with living up to them all.

This is more than an achievement; it’s adding to the solid foundation of her future for which I am grateful.

All the best,

Tanya

Regardless of the Hurdles, I Will Always Be My Daughter’s Anchor 🤗

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For a little over a month, my seventh grader has been diligent, consistent and even confident as she tried out for her school’s track team.

Today was her first track meet, and I was probably more excited than she was! Her Nana (my mom) and Auntie (my sister) even came out to support her. The weather was perfect, and I was bursting inside trying my best not to be that obnoxious mom in the stand yelling out my daughter’s name from the tops of my lungs.

I’m so proud of her and her track team. She’s such a natural athlete, and participated in four events. 😅 I’m eager to see where her track journey takes her.

All the best,

Tanya

“Universal” Fun at the Franklin Institute

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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

New Year’s Eve 2025 Reflections

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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

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

Spring Into Memorable Moments

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For the first time, my eleven year old daughter and I traveled abroad for her spring break. We chose the Dominican Republic, the same resort where I married her father, and had an amazing time.

While the pool, food and experiences, especially swimming with the dolphins, were memorable, our heart to heart mother daughter talks added an extra special element.

I’m so grateful for our bond and having extra time together and hope this is the beginning of a new tradition.

All the best,

Tanya

Back to School Night! Proud About What I Know 🤗

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For the past seven years, kindergarten to sixth grade, I’ve been attending back to school nights to meet my daughter’s teachers, find out about the curriculum and to see how she’s doing.

But I also get to learn how I’m doing. Every year there’s a “how well do you know your child” worksheet. For Quinn, some interests and favorites remain the same while others drastically change. What doesn’t change, however, is my hope to always know my daughter well. As I filled out the paper, I was confident yet nervous in my responses. Quinn’s teacher even hovered over my shoulder briefly as I wrote. Then came the big reveal! Though our responses weren’t identical for every entry, there was some overlap for each one. It makes me feel proud still “knowing” my daughter, especially as she’s in her pre-adolescent years 🥰🤗.

All the best,

Tanya