As I sat at the table surrounded by colorful origami paper, my three-year-old son eagerly watched me fold intricate designs from an Origami World set I found at Blick Art Shop shortly after our move from Munich to Washington State. Each fold became a lesson in patience and creativity, as I struggled to create vehicles while he cheered me on. His joy reminded me of the beauty in small victories and how art can connect us across generations, transforming moments of frustration into opportunities for growth and bonding.

As a mom, I’ve learned that the journey of parenting is filled with ups and downs, especially during those developmental "leaps." The Wonder Weeks app helped me track these phases when my son was a baby, revealing that challenging behaviors often coincide with rapid cognitive growth. Now at three years old, I see that these leaps continue, bringing moments of frustration alongside sheer joy. Recently, I captured one of his happiest smiles in a painting inspired by a special moment at Starbucks, reminding me that even amidst the chaos, there are beautiful moments to cherish.