Without realizing it, this afternoon was a special and proud mom moment. Amidst running around with mom tasks, a brief Sophia James Designs jewelry session with a dear friend and my daughter struck me.
My just over 1.5-year-old (19-month-old) gal tagged along for a rushed design and collaboration session of custom bracelets for loved ones, myself and, unexpectedly, for my sweet girl.
Upon walking in, she was magnetically drawn to the table spread of the cornucopia of colors, sparkly gems and glass beads. Now, I had an inkling that girlfriend appreciated accessories (bows, necklaces and hats) as she continues to develop her own preferences. She immediately climbed up to reach for the beaded bracelets and rings. One after one, she stacked, took them off, rearranged and more (not giving too much attention to her same-age friend who wanted to play).
Given I had a timely pickup for my son and had to check my own needs off the list, I didn’t fully realize the authentic joy and enthrallment that this brought her.
You see, one could say that a love of jewelry runs in my family. My grandpa opened his own jewelry stores in Indiana, and helped jumpstart his brother-in-law (my great uncle) to open jewelry stores in Florida. Childhood visits to my grandpa and great-uncle’s stores were always a highlight. I loved looking at the beautiful jewelry designs, and as I got older, buying and collecting them for myself and creating some of my own (and even selling beaded jewelry at a local art fair as a kid).
While only a short stint of time, this experience with her and the enjoyment it brought made my heart happy. And naturally, we had to order a special bracelet for her.
Also, it’s a reminder (at least to me) that as we all get caught up in the busyness and whirlwind that is life (and parenting), may we all soak up every second.
