When the cat's away . . .

For over a year, little Kate (who is barely three and a half,) has been begging to get her ears pierced. She asks once or twice a week normally but over the last few weeks she's been asking daily - I think because I've been wearing earrings (something I don't normally do.)

Over the course of this last year I've been explaining the pros and cons of ear piercing to both Sarah and Kate. I explained that it feels a bit like a vaccine when they put the earrings in -and like a vaccine - it doesn't hurt for long though it may throb a bit. I explained about cleaning them and how you have to wear the first pair for several weeks.

Well, today Kate begged and begged and I decided she was ready to have her ears pierced - and since we're moving - we'd better do it now so we can have it done at Lollilocks. I made her an appointment.

Upon telling Kate that she could indeed get her ears pierced, Sarah decided that she too needs hers done. I wasn't sure Sarah would really do it, but I told her she could if she wanted to.

Off we went to Lollilocks.

Kate went first. She was very excited.

Supermom was feeling excited for her.

One last hug of encouragement from big sister.

Ouch!

Supermom feels like a jerk for letting my child be hurt. Look at those eyes.

Kate had a delayed reaction.

She sat for about 5 seconds before she started to cry.

Ninety seconds later, after being held by mom she was better

and encouraging big sister to go for it.

Look people, I'm okay if you don't touch, look at, or even think about my ears!

Supermom is still feeling bad. Look how red her sweet little earlobe is. How could I let this happen, let alone pay someone to do this to my child?

Kate rallied again and coaxed big sis into the chair.

Sarah says - can I just do one ear?

Mom: Sarah its your choice. You don't have to do it. You can do it another day if you want to . . .

Kate says, "Don't worry Seerah, it just hurts for a second!"

I'm goin' for it!

I can't wait to show my friends at school.

Pre-piercing placement dots. Are they even?

MISSING PICTURES. WE HAD BIG TEARS

Sarah's hurt quite a bit - for about two minutes. She cried right away so there was no shock photo, just immediately into moms arms.

Three minutes later a group photo.

Miss Brooke (who also cuts their hair) in yellow.

Everyone was feeling happy now.

After calling Superdad (who's in Illinois) and letting him know what his little mice did while he was away, both girls were feeling pretty good. Showing off their I Did It! stickers and calling Nana and Poppy in Virginia to share their big news.

You go girls!!

P.S. Things are changing so fast in Schultzville, the girls are growing up faster than I ever expected. This ear piercing thing was a tough one for me. My only hold-up was making sure that both girls really wanted it and knew that it would hurt when they got it done and it would take some work to keep them clean.

At the moment that the ladies pulled the piercing guns away from Kate's ears and I snapped the shot of her teary eyes my heart sank. How could I willing allow hole to be made in my precious child's ear. She's scarred for life, and I let it happen . . . Both Kate and Sarah are thrilled with their earrings and can't wait eight weeks to try others on. But I have to say, I will never forget the look on Kate's face and that look will come to mind everytime one of our girls has to make a major decision.

I wonder if it's too late to order protective bubbles.