Earrings

We hit another milestone today in the Walker household.  Our oldest daughter got her ears pierced!  She has been wanting to get them pierced since she turned eight years old, but our busy lives seemed to always get in the way.  I was ready to drive her over to get them done a month or so ago, but then she felt too scared, so we postponed.  Today it all worked out, and I have one beaming little girl on my hands!  

One of the challenges of this occasion was the combination of the fact that all four kids came along, and the shop where we had it done is tiny and FULL of small items.  Emma's two little cheerleaders, seen here grinning for the camera, were on their very best behavior.  However, their little brother, below right in green, grew increasingly antsy as the full explanation of how to keep the earlobe properly sanitized went on a little long in his book.  He is gazing out the window at the baseball hat display, wishing he was anywhere but in a girlie accessory shop.

Emma seemed only the slightest bit nervous, but she was committed.  She was definitely more excited than scared.  

Before

After

Emma was so giddy afterward, that I had to shoot a little video to capture the sweet moment.  By the way, the whole process was almost completely painless! She didn't hesitate or shed one tear.  Our sweet ear piercer, Heather, was very kind and patient with us, and yet knew when to get it over with!  Overall, this was just a super fun moment, and no drama whatsoever.   

I know lots of people these days get their little girls' ears pierced as babies, and I think that's awesome, plus they look so adorable!  I guess when it came to my own daughters, I wanted to purposefully make it a mini-milestone in their lives.  When Emma turned eight, something changed in her.  She took a step forward in her maturity.  She started talking differently and acting a little more grown-up.  She is becoming a young lady before my eyes, and I love that I got to experience this with her. I know it's not anywhere near earth shaking, but it's a tiny memory that she and I will always share, and that makes my heart happy.