Disclosure: This conversation is sponsored by Hallmark. It is my honor to share news with you from a company that I enjoy and support! #LoveHallmark

My best friend, Jen, has an older brother. He was so cool. He played soccer, had a cool car, and let us listen to his music. I always thought it would be really fun to have an older brother. Most Sundays after church we’d go out on their boat to Lake Lewisville. He’d try to teach me to water ski. I was absolutely terrible at it, but we always had a great time. After a while, we’d give up and Jen and I would go tubing. We’d laugh hysterically, drink way too much soda, listen to oldies, and sleep all the way back home. I always hoped that my girls would have someone like that.

Well, Julia, being the oldest, has been the sweetest coach to all of her siblings. She loves them fiercely and reminds the boys to be gentle with their younger sister.

Mary Alice really lucked out. Nate and Riley are the perfect older brothers. Nate enjoys teaching her to play soccer and spinning her around. Riley is close enough to her age that he still plays whatever she wants to play. She tries her very best to keep up with them. I’ll never forget looking up one day and seeing Mary Alice, at 18 months, riding Riley’s scooter. She adores them both and wants to do everything they do.

We decided this Easter would be the perfect time to give Mary Alice her first jewelry.

I asked Nate if he wanted to be the one to give Mary Alice her very first necklace. He was so excited and sweet about it. He handed her the box and she beamed as she opened it.

She just turned two, but she sat so still and so quietly as he put it around her neck. It was like she was holding her breath.

I was nervous that she may be too young, but it was absolutely perfect.

We talked to her about not pulling on the chain and that she isn’t allowed to sleep with it on, and each night she sits patiently while we take it off. It has been so sweet to see her gently touch it from time to time during the day. Knowing that this will be a sweet memory for Nate made my heart swell.

I love the relationship that they are forming and I love that he’ll be able to tell her about this moment and show her pictures someday.

My little brother and I still talk on the phone. He loves my children and is friends with my husband. I pray that my children will all stay close and be able to lean on one another in a special way.

Making time for them to share moments like this is a piece of that puzzle I have the privilege of witnessing.

Thank you Hallmark for sending this necklace to our family. We absolutely love it.

Mary Alice is wearing the Hallmark Kids’ Sterling Silver Cross Pendant Necklace.

Hallmark Jewelry’s collection includes bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings and more for both kids and adults. Pieces can be purchased online from Amazon, Kohl’s and JCPenney.