snapshots

R: Does it hurt?
Me: A little. Kinda like a flu shot. You can't touch it for a long time.
R: How long?
Me: At least 2 weeks.
R: How long is 2 weeks?
Me: 14 days. You can't fool around with it!
R: I know.

Mumma, I want my ears pierced. Now!

Variations of the top part of this conversation were going on over the past couple of weeks. Risa has always been fascinated with my ear rings, but recently started questioning her cousin about her pierced ears, asking me, and noticing other kids around her with ear rings. When she made her final announcement this week, I was a little surprised. On the one hand I was quite happy that Risa had independently deliberated on this issue and came to her own conclusion. On the other hand, if she reacted negatively during or after the procedure, well, I didn't have the past 2 weeks to think about that.

I made an appointment and stepped up the prep talk, that she had to let me clean her ears, that she can't touch them, that they're going to be sore. All the while she didn't change her mind. Then I gave her some Children's Advil beforehand. Like the flu shot, 50% of the pain is the anticipation and anxiety (probably more on my part!), which means it's only half as bad as you think it will be. Yes, Risa cried. But in her determination, and through her tears after the 1st piercing, she refused to get off the chair and insisted that the job be finished even though the salon suggested she could come back tomorrow. Two minutes after that, she happily accepted a lollipop from the salon, and 30 minutes later was too busy with her White Spot Pirate Pack lunch to think much about her ordeal (but not too busy to point out everyone else's ear rings in the restaurant). Whew. I think the salon should have tranquilizers on hand for the parents!

I'd have to commend the salon, 2nd Look, located at Oakridge Mall. The ladies there were very patient and experienced with kids.