Jewelry

I love jewelry. Growing up, very special occasions were marked by jewelry. Like, once, I got a gold bracelet for getting straight A's. I still have the diamond earrings my mother got me when I graduated from college. I remember the christmas eve she gave me my christmas present early - a pearl ring - because Jared and I were having a fight. (it did make me feel better, much better!). This bracelet, however, is the most special piece of jewelry I own.

It started my 26th birthday, the first after having Pearl. After searching for a present, Mom ended up getting me this charm bracelet with one charm on it - the pacifier. That became Pearl's charm.

Then my next child, Robbie, was stillborn. Mom bought me the carriage shortly after his birth. I can't tell you how many sad days (especially at church, for some reason, that was almost the hardest place to be) I wore that bracelet and played with the little wheels on the carriage (which actually turn) and missed my baby. However, it wasn't all sadness - Pearl's charm was still on there, reminding me of the joys that can be a part of parenthood.

Sam's charm is the shoes - this is because when he was born, the biggest part of him was his feet. They were seriously huge - like half the size of his legs. Max's is the most recent addition - the high chair that really opens. Isn't it adorable?

I asked my mom if she regretted having started this bracelet for me. She said no, but she's glad she didn't do it for everyone (especially in yellow gold!). I personally think she was inspired. I love that I have a reminder of all my children together, and that the happy memories are slowly overtaking the sad ones. I'm sure there will be more of both in the years to come as I raise these little ones I have been blessed with. Thanks, Mom!