I need to take a few moments to appreciate all of the baby steps and milestones that brought me to my 14th “mommyversary.” My little girl is officially a teen, and I’m gearing up for more milestones snd memorable moments.
Motherhood is not always easy, but I always try my best to be physically, emotionally and mentally present for Quinn. I’m blessed to be a mother to her and to have my mother there to offer advice.
I’m grateful for motherhood and all that it has taught me about life.
Alas! Another major milestone has occurred. Born in 2013, by “baby girl” is officially 13: a teenager. While I’m grateful for every moment from Quinn being placed in my arms minutes after her birth to taking her first steps and saying her first words, I need time to slow down a little because this mommy still feels like she’s taking baby steps.
Though every year is special, similar to when she became a toddler, these years tend to have so many changes in development and at such a rapid pace, and I’m just hoping that I can keep up with her needs and be who and what she needs me to be when she needs me to be it.
Some family and friends have asked what it feels like to now have a teenager, and if I could only use one word it would be “overwhelming,” not because of my daughter but because I know that she’s now closer to adulthood than childhood, or at least that is how she will be recognized by society in just short five years. But even still, she will always be my sweet girl who deserves the world and for all of her birthday wishes to come true.
It’s a happy New Year’s Eve as I reminisce about the wonderful memories and moments I had in 2025 with my mini me. So much has happened, but a few that have a special place in my heart are the many conversations we’ve had, our first spring break trip together to the Dominican Republic, attending the Eagles Superbowl championship parade, and getting a new workout and running buddy.
Quinn’s also had many accomplishments of her own in 2025 from becoming a leader at her school in a student council position to improving her violin skills and successfully completing her first 5K, the Rocky Run.
As 2025 comes to a close, I’m grateful to have a daughter like Quinn and look forward to more memories in 2026
A wonderful way to celebrate the Eve of Christmas with family is at one of the sweetest places on earth: Hersheypark. With sunny skies, temperatures in the mid forties and a relatively crowd free park, we couldn’t ask for a better day!
We enjoyed our experience from start to finish, and I took on my usual duty as designated bag holder while my daughter Quinn, cousin Ellie and husband got on roller coaster rides. It’s already a merry Christmas with family.
Since Quinn was four years old, one of our holiday traditions is going to Walnut Street Theatre to see a play for the holiday season. This year, it was A Christmas Story the Musical. Though my husband and I took my nephew to see it years ago when he was a little boy, it was like seeing it for the first time with my 12 year old daughter. We both loved how they brought the classic movie to the big stage with fun musical numbers.
As a special treat after the show, I treated Quinn to dinner at Barra Rosa, a lovely Italian restaurant, and we had such a lovely time together talking and enjoying our food. ☺️ I’m so grateful for this tradition and the strengthening our our mother and daughter bond.
Each year, we look forward to the Philadelphia Zoo’s Luminature event. What made this time even more special was their “Pherris Wheel” addition making it a memorable moment.
Mommy's Baby Steps 