Going on 6

When I was 6 years old, and all grown up in my opinion, I was allowed to get my ears pierced. NOW, I had the opportunity at 5, but after watching my twin go through it, I decided to wait another year. Pain is not my forte. I don’t handle any kind of uncomfortable well. During labor with Cobe (which ended up being a emergency c-section) I had my mind made up that I was going to go as long as I could without the epidural. I had told Tim during birthing classes that this was my decision. He was to help coach me through the labor until I called for the pain releif. All was going well. In fact I was dilated to a 6 with no pain. Epidural? I laughed in the face of the Epidural…UNTIL they broke my water and I FELT my first contraction. Oh yes, I knew it was only getting worse after that and I summoned my “coach” to call the anasteseologist asap. 

On this day, when I was 6, however, I didn’t even cry. I was surprised. I was calm. It was pretty impressive if I don’t say myself. In fact I thought I should deserve some kind of acknowledgement since only a year before my sister had cried like a baby…but not me. I was brave. 

I had forgotten what an amazing feat of strength that was until one of my daughter’s best friends decided to walk down the same path as I. At 3 months old, Cayden had no choice. No matter what she was wearing people called her a boy. So I gave her beautiful earrings with the help of Jennifer Marblestone and a nice Indian man.

But Hailey, who was going on 6,

she had the CHOICE, and she was ready to make that step. A step into growing up. A decision that she had been begging for. So it was time.

At first she was confident. Then they started marking the dots where the holes would be placed and you could see her confidence turn slowly into uncertainty.

And then it was time for the real thing and Hailey wasn’t so sure anymore. So her mom, Kelly, tried to coax her with a sucker. Cayden went from holding her hand to hiding because she could not handle her friend going through so much pain.

It must have done something for her, because Hailey agreed to proceed.

Scared?…

Oh wait! It wasn’t that bad….

Hailey LOVED the result and in fact spent the rest of the short time with us on cloud 9, or whatever cloud you go to when you think you are the DIVA of the world. She was there with her side kick enhancing every part of it.

 

Hailey is proof to all you other  ”going on 6″ year olds of the world that beauty is pain…well, not all that much pain…but it IS beauty! 

Hailey I love you and I am so proud of your step into being a girl! Wear your bling with pride and when you get your earrings out I am going to buy you some big dangly earrings like your mom bought Cayden. You know the ones that she refused to take off, no matter where she was going. The ones that practically touched her shoulders. Yeah those. ANY big pair you want! You got it!