The Great Ear Piercing

Raising a daughter is a delicate dance. You want them to feel beautiful but not too wrapped up in outward appearances. You want them to have every opportunity yet you want to encourage their gifts.

At times it's a little overwhelming. And to be honest, every day with Irene is a learning experience.

Ben and I had discussed ear piercing awhile ago and decided that when she brought it up we'd be cool with it. And sure enough, after Christmas it was a question posed at least once a day. Friends at school started getting it done and she had seen panda earrings that melted her heart.

Part of me wanted to make her wait. I just wanted her to not care about what she looked like at all. And come on, she's still my bright eyed baby girl. But eight year olds are good at reminding you that they are quite independent little creatures. Those baby days were some time ago and whether we like it or not we've entered some kind of other world.

We also didn't want Irene to feel like we were weird about her growing up. We didn't want her to feel like she had to hide this kind of desire. So, we agreed. Of course, I couldn't help but research good ear piercing and found out how awful it can be. But I pushed all that mom fear away and took her hand and marched right into Claire's.

Without hesitation she climbed up into the big chair and looked very tall and proud. I had to take my coat off as nervous sweat dripped down my back. But Irene grinned and didn't flinch as each little earring went in.

It all went a little quick for me. This was one of those moments I had been waiting for and before I knew it, in a blink it was over.

Even though she looks a little more grown up, she still wears ketchup on her face and forgets to flush the toilet, so I still have some time before my baby's really gone.