The other day I was nursing Smith after a morning spent trying to provide him some comfort despite his gassy belly. As I sat there unable to move on the couch, Ruby looked me straight in the eye and asked, "Mama, do you still have enough room in your heart for me now that Smiff is here?"
It was one of those moments where I became painfully aware of my limitations and my heart swelled with compassion wondering how I could reassure her. I patted the couch next to me and felt her lean in as I put my arm around her and told her she'd always be my best girl.
She brought me a book and I read it to her while Smith nursed and I silently hoped she'd always know of her special place in my heart-carved out with long eyelashes and her slightly gap-toothed grin. She's now sandwiched between my two boys who are equally precious in that one made me a mother and one gave me the opportunity to enjoy these early, challenging days in ways I was too tired and overwhelmed to with the first two.
Lisa Leonard has been creating special jewelry (and more) for as long as I've been a mama. I remember first learning about her work shortly after Sebastian was born. One of the very first necklaces I received from her featured a single tag with his name on it. Those early days of pushing the stroller to the park just to get out of the house and interact with anyone else between the hours of 8 am to 5 pm felt so long.
There were always cheerios underfoot, towels pulled out of drawers, and Elmo's voice always ringing in my ears. I had no way of seeing beyond the end of the week much less the time when I'd miss him while he was at school all day. Fast forward seven years and two more tags and I'm almost looking forward to a little more Elmo again.
My Fresh Cut Birthstone Necklace is a beautiful reminder of how special and unique each of the little hearts in our family are and how there's enough room in mine for all of them.
Lisa Leonard Designs has so many lovely pieces that would make a thoughtful Mother's Day gift and you can take 25% off your order right now with the code 'momlove' at checkout. Or maybe send the father of your children a subtle link to your favorite necklace with the appropriate monogram or gemstones attached? I vote yes.
THE GOOD NEWS is that Lisa is offering a giveaway to one lucky Smile and Wave reader! Leave a comment below sharing which necklace you'd love if you were to win and I'll randomly pick a winner by Sunday, April 27th.
NOTE: Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you if you don't have a link or active e-mail address attached to your link.
Have a lovely weekend!
-Rachel