The Sixth Day of Christmas: There’s a store my family loves to go to during this time of the year just for the environment: Feeney’s! It’s just so festive and whimsical, putting us in a happy mood and even giving us some inspiration for our own Christmas decorations. Sometimes, it’s not about spending money but just spending time together getting in the Christmas spirit.
All the best,
Tanya
The Fifth Day of Christmas: Since before my daughter was born, we’ve been having holiday parties to bring our extended family together for some food, fun and fantastic memories. As the hosts, my husband, daughter and I will wear “festive” clothes for the occasion , which we all enjoy. But this year, it took Quinn and me some time to figure out what we wanted to wear. So we used my husband’s T-shirt as an inspiration.
Last year, I got a Cricut for Christmas, so I couldn’t resist designing ones for Quinn and me. My husband suggested “busy bod” for her to match his “Santa Bod” shirt, but she felt it was negative making it seem that she gets into trouble, so she went with “cute bod” and was too adorable. As the fitness enthusiast of the household, I went with “fit bod.” Quinn thought it was perfect. I think we all looked great in our shirt and think we may have a new tradition on our hands. 🤗🎄
All the best,
Tanya
The Fourth Day of Christmas: For the first time, when I asked my daughter if she wanted to take a picture with Santa at the mall where we usually go, she said no thanks. Maybe it’s because she’s in double digits, is maturing or didn’t want to seem like a “baby.” But low and behold, when we went to the Luminature event at the Philadelphia Zoo and had an opportunity to see and chat with Santa.
To my surprise, Quinn eagerly walked towards Santa and happily chatted with him and took a picture. Of course, I’m always eager and happy to see Santa, so I took a picture with him too. 🤗🥰
All the best,
Tanya
The Third Day of Christmas: Quinn and I love decorating our Christmas tree. The sweet treats theme reminds me of all of the sweet memories we’ve had and will have together. 🥰🎄🍩🍭🍬🍡
All the best,
Tanya
We’ve been purchasing real Christmas trees since my daughter was a baby, and though the price has just about tripled, it’s a pricey tradition we’re willing to keep.
We failed to name our tree this year as we’ve done in the past, but he’s welcome in our home as a member of the family through the new year.
All the best,
Tanya
Though my ten year old is not into toys like she used to be, she does love many of our Christmas traditions. One of them is receiving a 12 days of Christmas treat.
Since Quinn is now into smell goods and spa stuff, I had to get her a 12 days of wellness calendar. Though the first day is something she wants to give to me, collagen peptides, 😅, I hope she’ll enjoy the rest.
All the best,
Tanya
For years, my daughter and I have been going to the Philadelphia Zoo’s Luminature event for the holiday season. We both love the lights and everything about the atmosphere. But there’s something that has made this activity even more special for us: going with extended family.
My mom (Quinn’s nana), my sister-in-law and nieces, my cousin, her daughter and mom (my aunt), have been joining us too. Since Quinn is an only child, I’m so grateful that she has such a close bond with her cousins and that they got to see each other and enjoy the lights together. This most certainly lights up my life.
All the best,
Tanya
Something I love about Thanksgiving more than anything is not the food or a day off from work but spending time with my family. Though my mom’s Mac and cheese is a close second, ten year old feels the same. 🥰
Here’s to another happy Thanksgiving.
All the best,
Tanya
I’m so excited for the field trip that I woke up at 2:30am,” my ten year old told me. She then asked me if I was excited too. While I didn’t tell her directly, I was probably a little more excited than her because she actually didn’t mind me volunteering as a chaperone. 🤗
We toured historic Philadelphia and learned some great facts through our animated, lovely and fun tour guides. Her homeroom seemed to all have a nice time. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to be there for Quinn and for her to want me to be there. 🥰
All the best,
Tanya
After a few weeks of my daughter fundraising for her school, she and the fifth graders participated in a fun-filled Boosterthon. There was music, inflatable archways, water stations and tons of children ready to burn off some energy for a good cause.
While there weren’t many parents in attendance, my husband and I were among the few who cheered as some kids zoomed, skipped or walked by. Quinn even came up and gave us both hugs and said that she was glad we came. I am too! 🥰 I’m also so grateful for family and friends who were kind and generous to support Quinn and her school.
All the best,
Tanya
Mommy's Baby Steps 