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, š , I hope sheāll enjoy the rest.
All the best,
Tanya
For years, my daughter and I have been going to the Philadelphia Zooās Luminature event for the holiday season. We both love the lights and everything about the atmosphere. But thereās something that has made this activity even more special for us: going with extended family.
My mom (Quinnās 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, Iām 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 momās Mac and cheese is a close second, ten year old feels the same. š„°
Hereās to another happy Thanksgiving.
All the best,
Tanya
Iām so excited for the field trip that I woke up at 2:30am,ā my ten year old told me. She then asked me if I was excited too. While I didnāt tell her directly, I was probably a little more excited than her because she actually didnāt mind me volunteering as a chaperone. š¤
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. Iām so grateful to have the opportunity to be there for Quinn and for her to want me to be there. š„°
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 werenāt 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! š„° Iām also so grateful for family and friends who were kind and generous to support Quinn and her school.
All the best,
Tanya
I rushed from strength training, washed up and hurried to the local McDonaldās 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, āIt is easier to build strong children, than to repair broken men.ā I look forward to more opportunities to be there for Quinn offering support and love.
All the best,
Tanya
Itās that time of the year that both my daughter and I loveā¦getting dressed up in costumes and doing a little trick or treating at the Franklin Institute. Quinn even got to bring her best friend along for the fun!
All the best,
Tanya
āWhy donāt we wear our matching outfits?ā my ten year old asked. Tough sheās officially a tween and becoming her own person with each passing day, Quinn still enjoys being my mini me. This truly made my day! I love how my daughter adds so much color to my life. š„°
All the best,
Tanya
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 yearās 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 heās very pleased with how well sheās 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. Iām hoping that she continues to share her new experiences with me and knows that Iām there to support her.
All the best,
Tanya
Alas, the dayās here! My ten year old is not only entering fifth grade but also starting at a new school. Iām glad that sheās excited and eager to meet her new teacher, new classmates and make new friends as the school year goes on. But Iām also a little nervous with all that sometimes comes with āmiddle school.ā
Thank goodness thereās a transition where the fifth and sixth graders will be on separate floors in the school building; nevertheless, thereās 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 ābaby stepsā 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 Iām there if she needs me. Weāve 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.
Hereās to a wonderful semester where we both grow, feel confident and learn along the way.
All the best,
Tanya
Mommy's Baby Steps 