Twelve years ago my life changed for the better when I became a mother. Though it’s been a joy watching my daughter grow and develop into a lovely young lady, I’ve taken pleasure in knowing that I too am growing as a person in a positive way while on the journey of motherhood. I try to model confidence, strength and love while teaching the importance of patience, determination and kindness through my actions.
While I’ve certainly had done missteps along the way and am not a perfect mom, I am grateful to gain so much wisdom, strength and courage as Quinn’s mom and to be showered with her love.
Exactly seven years ago, Quinn and I were on the skating rink floor for my niece’s birthday party. Now, she’s whizzing around like a pro and even making skating buddies. It’s moments like this that remind me why I chronicle Quinn’s milestones and our fun times together.
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.
It’s hard to believe that my daughter is ten, let alone that she formed a friendship as a baby and had the opportunity to celebrate her friend’s tenth birthday party today.
Ten Years of Friendship
Of course, Quinn’s bond with Arya was formed as a result of the friendship I formed a few years prior, but I’m so glad they (along with Arya’s younger sisters) all enjoy each other.
Though we live in different towns, watching the both of them grow up into beautiful, bright young ladies makes me so proud. Before we know it, they’ll officially be teens. 😅
As I celebrate my eleventh “mommyversary,” one would think that my strides are longer, but I actually find myself taking smaller steps as my “baby” becomes a pre-adolescent.
We’re both entering uncharted territory, and I want to make sure that I’m being a supportive mother who treads lightly as she explores the world no longer needing to hold my hand but knowing that I’m not too far behind to offer support and love.
I’m thankful for being her mom and celebrating Mother’s Day with her, my mom and husband (her dad).
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms, mothers to be, aunties, mother-like-figures, etc.
Finally, I was able to reveal the spring break surprise that I’ve been holding onto for month! 😅 We’re taking Quinn and her bestie to their first Sixers game! 🏀⛹🏽♂️ They’re both excited and ready wearing their specially made shirts from the talented Bridgette Durham( photo credit too 😉)Thanks so much! 🥰 Excited for tons of game pics and videos and a victory against the Miami Heat! 🤞🏽🤗
I can’t believe I’m celebrating my tenth “mommyversary!” I’ve learned and grown so much, but I still have big shoes to fill. Interestingly, one of the gifts my husband and daughter gave me was quite symbolic and reminded me of this fact. About a month ago, my husband sent me a text about a pair of sneakers he planned on purchasing for our daughter for her ninth birthday, and I replied back saying that I wouldn’t mind a pair of those as well and have always loved the classic Adidas sneakers. Little did I know, he was purchasing a pair for the both of us to wear together on Mother’s Day because Quinn wanted us to be twins. She was so excited, and I was too.
Then, the card she gave me just added to the symbolic gesture. It said, “Mom, I’ve got some really big shoes to fill.” She then told me that she picked the card because she loves wearing my shoes and how she hopes to be like me when she grows up. This made my day but made me think about how I’m still learning and growing as a mother. Quinn is in her last year of single digits. Her interests are constantly evolving, and she will be a tween before I know it. I noticed on the side of the sneaker it says, “Superstar” in gold, which is how she often views me. I hope that I can continue to fill those shoes and be the mom that she needs in the years to come.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms, mothers to be, aunties, mother-like-figures, etc.
When I asked my daughter what she enjoyed most about Christmas yesterday, she said that she loved getting presents, but it made her feel good to give presents too because she loves seeing how happy people are as they open gifts. But she also said getting to spend time with family was something she really enjoyed.
Last year, we were stayed at home for Christmas as Covid restrictions were in full swing, there was limited vaccines and it was highly recommended that people limit their interactions to just their immediate family. With the Omicron variant on the rise, we may find ourselves back under restrictions as it continues to make its way to more people.
It’s times like this that I’m glad we have a relatively small family and that we’re all taking precautions to remain safe. While no one knows for sure what will happen in the days or months to come, just like Quinn, I’m so glad I got to enjoy the presence of my family for Christmas.
Not too long ago, my eight year old reminded me that she’s officially eight and a half. On top of that pictures from past years came up on my phone, social media and Amazon Echo devices reminding me of the many special moments over the years. I’m truly amazed at how much my little girl has grown, not just physically but mentally, socially and emotionally as well. I’m so clad that I decided to chronicle special our special moments together because it allows me to slow down a little and just appreciate her life and my role as her mother.
Though there are still many more years to go, I’m still often brought back to those times when she was a baby just learning how to talk, crawl and walk. Now, she’s dancing, skating boarding, reading, multiplying and even writing plays. As life continues too become hectic again, I’m going to try my best to cherish our moments together as time flies by.
While scrolling though my Instagram feed, I came across a picture of a familiar girl in a setting that’s been unfamiliar to her for nearly a year. It was my daughter in her second grade classroom posing for Reading Across America Superhero day. Though her mouth was hidden behind her required face mask, due to Covid-19 restrictions, I could see her smile through her eyes. It was a smile of joy to be back in the classroom simply doing a classroom activity. A smile may not seem like much, and being in the classroom certainly would have been considered a regular occurrence last year. But after missing seeing her teacher and classroom in person, I know Quinn and her other three classmates, who are in-person on a hybrid schedule, consider these little moments to be a big deal. I know I do!
Mommy's Baby Steps 