MARVELOUS MOM WHITEWH > Back To Stories

Mom and Daughter Share
Everything from Dolls to Dress Shopping
Naperville resident Courtney Lamkin-Feldstein enjoys being a full-time mom. She has two stepsons who are now grown and on their own and little Maddie, a seven and one-half year old bundle of joy. "We are a blended family and it has worked so well. Maddie's brothers love their baby sister," says Courtney. She says boys were great fun and she now enjoys sharing common interests with her daughter.

"We both love arts and crafts and making things. And we both love the American Girl dolls," begins Courtney. "She now has two American Girl dolls which means I get a doll when we play together. We are planning a girls' day together to visit the American Girl Place in Chicago soon."

The mother and daughter are also involved in girl scouts together. "I was a Brownie and Girl Scout when I was little and my mom was a leader," recalls Courtney. "They still sing some of the same songs but the uniforms have changed. I wore a dress for scouts but now they have the cute pants, shirts and vests." The brownie troop recently finished the annual cookie sale. "Maddie sold 43 boxes which I thought was pretty good but one girl in her troop sold 500 boxes. We could never beat that!"

Setting traditions has been a fun part of the mother-daughter relationship. "Every Thursday, we go roller skating. Well, actually, she roller skates with her girlfriend and I spectate with her girlfriend's mom. I tried roller skating – can't do that anymore."

A favorite family activity is visiting downtown Naperville together. "We go for a walk on the Riverwalk, visit a few stores and then have lunch somewhere. There is no real plan which is what makes it fun," explains Courtney.

When summer comes, the mom and daughter can be found at Centennial Beach. "She loves to swim and wants to go there all of the time," says Courtney. Maddie also plays soccer year around which means plenty of games and practices for the duo.

There are many new activities on the horizon. "We went to a children's production of Kids Kabaret and now she wants to be an actress so I am looking into that. She discovered fashion this year too. She loves trying on clothes and says she can't wait until we are the same size so we can share clothes," laughs Courtney.

"Everyday is so much fun with Maddie," sums up Courtney. "She is the best gift in the world." -Judy Buchenot

DO YOU KNOW A MARVELOUS MOM? If so, we want to hear from you. Send your story to editorial@glancermagazine.com