Pierced!

Last year, when Elizabeth was first learning to read, I told her that she could get her ears pierced once she became a good reader.  Although her reading progressed in leaps and bounds, Elizabeth has not really been interested in earrings.  She is really good with pain - but not so good with the fear of pain - so sticking a needle in her ear was not going to happen.  A few weekends ago, the girls and I went shopping and they brought their own money.  Emily bought the first pretty thing she laid eyes on, but store after store, Elizabeth just couldn't find something worthy of her money.  She did notice, however, that there were lots of pretty and reasonably priced earrings and so we discussed getting her ears pierced.  I told her that it would hurt, but not as much as a shot at the doctor's office.  When she decided she wanted to do it, we had to call Lee to get his permission (she learned how moms and dads do not make important decisions without consulting each other first!) and to see if he wanted to come along with us for moral support, which of course he did.  We purchased a pair of stud earrings (an adventure in and of itself) and then took her CT Ink to have her ears pierced by a professional.  Although she lost her courage for a bit between the first and second ear, she rallied and proudly left a few moments later with both ears pierced.  Since then, we have been disinfecting and turning her earrings several times a day and having serious discussions about how she can only wear "good" earrings (studs with hypoallergenic posts) for at least 6 months, so that her ears can heal nicely.  I must say, Lee and I were very impressed with her toughness!!

Holding the earrings that she picked out at Claire's.  Nervous anticipation.

X marks the spot. 

First ear.

One down, one to go. 

Jeff was a rock star and was able to calm her down for ear number two.

Holding Daddy's hand helped a little too. 

Pierced ears!