I love that Quinn is crafty like me. She eagerly helped me make some new outdoor candy decorations to enhance our winter candy land.
While seeing the “candies” of our labor is rewarding, sharing this moment with Quinn is priceless.
All the best,
Tanya
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
12 Days of Christmas: Day 10: Decorating our outdoor exterior is something I look forward to each year. Upon taking Quinn’s suggestion to enhance our sweet treat them for our Christmas tree, I decided why not do it for outdoors too.
We have quite a few new additions this year, including seven foot nutcrackers, a nine foot pastel tree adorned with lollipops, cupcakes and donuts, giant cupcakes.
I even made giant lollipops and ring pops and my own archway with giant gumdrops, candy garlands and lights.
It brings joy during the day and night, and what makes it even sweeter is people stopping by and sharing how much they love the decorations. 😋🍩🍪🧁🎄
All the best,
Tanya
My daughter and I love going to the Franklin Institute, not just because our last name is the same, but we love their special exhibits. Today was the beginning of the Art of Brick with fabulous and intricate displays made of legos. I was in awe. Quinn and her bestie loved the Lego portraits, and I couldn’t get enough of the three dimensional displays.
It brought back childhood memories for me as I spelled my name and made a creation in the building section. Also, seeing Quinn and her best friend built a tower made me think about the foundation of our relationship. I’m grateful for outings that are not only fun but meaningful while giving us both lasting memories.
All the best,
Tanya
The Elf on the Shelf’s been a part of my daughter’s life since she was two and a half. I remember how she initially thought the elf was Santa or Mrs. Claus and how I had to explain who she is and why she visits.
Quinn eventually named her Lola, and while I thought Quinn had outgrown her visits at ten and a half years old, she still seeks her out each morning and loves that her wardrobe continues to expand with each year.
This year, she was joined by a new friend, Snoop on the Stoop, which we both got a kick out of!
All the best,
Tanya
While I love autumn and the beautiful colors of the leaves, they eventually find their way on the ground, yard and sidewalk. The nostalgia of jumping in the leaves as a kid and watching my daughter play in the leaves giggling and tossing them everywhere is fleeting.
But there’s new moments which may not be as fun but are memorable. While most nine year olds are glued to their devices and have to be cajoled and pried off the couch to do chores, especially yard work, my nine year old volunteered even without the incentive of earning an allowance. So of course, I decided to give her a little something for working hard and expecting nothing but just wanting to help me. 🥰
Here’s to hoping that she keeps this work ethic well into teenage years. ☺️🤞🏽
All the best,
Tanya
Since my daughter was a toddler, we’ve been going to the pumpkin patch to get pumpkins. It’s something the entire family, including my mom (Quinn’s Nana) enjoys. All week, we’ve checked the weather and watched the chance of rain fluctuate from a 30 percent chance of rain to a 100 percent chance of rain. The question loomed over us: would we be keeping with tradition and going to the pumpkin patch the first weekend in October or postponing our plans.
Lucky us! There were clear skies for a brief “patch” of time, and we excitedly yet quickly picked out our pumpkins for Halloween decorating. Though we didn’t do the hayride or corn maze, it was still wonderful having that time together and keeping our tradition.
All the best,
Tanya
My nine year old had a wonderful school year and is officially on summer break! So I thought why not keep our tradition going by celebrating her hard work and accomplishments with a third annual spa day.
While I could have made arrangements for us to go to a pricey spa at an exclusive resort, she deserved the top of the line. She received the full pampering treatment from head to toe at the “Fabulous & Fancy Franklin Spa.”
Quinn had a foot soak, scrub, hydration, rub and pedicure as well as a manicure. She had a lavender face mask with rejuvenating eye gel pads and her hair washed and braided with the color of her choosing. Though the entire process took nearly seven hours, it was worth it to see that smile on her face and to receive a big hug and thank you demonstrating her gratitude. I want her to know that I’m proud of her and enjoy the time we spend together and hope she felt that today.
All the best,
Tanya
Today, my daughter along with 57 third graders did presentations on the United States of America. About a month ago, each student selected a state to investigate and find out facts to share for this special day. Quinn excitedly told me, “I picked Michigan because Daddy went to University of Michigan!”
Though she worked on the project independently in school, my husband and I occasionally asked her random questions about Michigan to make sure she was prepared. We discussed ideas for her outfit, she helped locate images for me to iron on her shirt. Her dad let her borrow his University of Michigan hat and “Michiganopoly” game.
We both proudly came wearing our navy blue and gold to support Quinn, and she did not disappoint. I noticed that quite a few parents stopped by to hear her presentation as I circulated around the room to hear about other states from different children. I’m so proud of Quinn and so glad my husband and I were able to be there for her.
All the best,
Tanya
A couple of weeks prior to Easter, my eight year old asked if we would be taking pictures with the Easter bunny. I was pleasantly surprised when she asked because it seems that she’s been maturing and a more rapid pace since entering third grade.
She was so excited to have her picture take with her toy poodle “brother” Zack, and I was too! Not sure if she’ll want to take pictures next year, but I’ll definitely be holding on to this memory.
All the best,
Tanya
Mommy's Baby Steps 