Tag Archives: Mommy’s Baby Steps

Luminature Lights Up the Night While Family Lights Up My Life

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Lumuminature Love

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.

Light Up the Night

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.

Cousins

All the best,

Tanya

I’m Trippin’ My Fifth Grader Still Wants Me to Chaperone!

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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

Getting a Boost of Fun at Today’s Run!

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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

A Special Lunch Date Connection with My Sweet Daughter

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I rushed from strength training, washed up and hurried to the local McDonald’s because this afternoon, I had a lunch date with someone extremely special to me, my sweet daughter Quinn. Her school has a lunch connection for parents to not only interact with their children but to get to know the teachers too.

While Quinn enjoyed her nuggets and fries, I enjoyed seeing the smile on her face and my fifth grader eagerly welcoming me to sit with her and her friends.

I wholeheartedly agree with the quote the school included on the invitation by Fredrick Douglass, “It is easier to build strong children, than to repair broken men.” I look forward to more opportunities to be there for Quinn offering support and love.

All the best,

Tanya

We Say “Boo” at the Zoo to the Rain

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As the forecast for rain increased as the today approached, I hoped that our set day to go to the Philadelphia Zoo’s Halloween event wouldn’t be a total washout.

This has been a tradition for my ten year old daughter and me since she was one and her cousins since Pre-K and kindergarten age, and we all look forward to it, including the adults.

Thank goodness Quinn and her cousins were given almost two hours of rain free weather to trick or treat, see animals and enjoy each other’s company! 🤗🎃

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

Fifth Grade, Here She Comes Along With A New School Year & New School!

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Alas, the day’s here! My ten year old is not only entering fifth grade but also starting at a new school. I’m glad that she’s excited and eager to meet her new teacher, new classmates and make new friends as the school year goes on. But I’m also a little nervous with all that sometimes comes with “middle school.”

Thank goodness there’s a transition where the fifth and sixth graders will be on separate floors in the school building; nevertheless, there’s still that possibility for Quinn to face her fair share of challenges and dilemmas as she encounters new children and teachers, some who are kind and welcoming and those who may be mean and confrontational.

As I continue taking “baby steps” as her mom, I want to try my best to be supportive without being overbearing, allowing her to navigate some situations on her own, knowing that I’m there if she needs me. We’ve already had our first conversation about what and who she may encounter in hopes of helping her have a smooth transition. I know this will be the first of many as there are months to go until the last day of school.

Here’s to a wonderful semester where we both grow, feel confident and learn along the way.

All the best,

First Day of School Welcome!

Tanya