You got your ears pierced!
This is a big deal. For years, you were scared any time we brought it up, naturally linking the idea to the pain of doctor shots. I used to kick myself for not having them pierced when you were a baby like Nonno suggested—but none of that matters now. Your studs are in!
Getting to the appointment at Ulta Beauty was a journey months in the making. You started wearing sticker earrings almost daily (SO CUTE) to match your outfits, and I’m glad that satisfied you for a while. As the school year went on and more of your friends got their ears pierced—especially your bestie Aliyah—you began dropping hints: “I might want to get my ears pierced soon,” or “My friend said it doesn’t hurt that bad.” Then, suddenly, you turned a corner: “I want to get my ears pierced next week!”
Whoa. We thought you’d wait until your birthday in the fall. But you were determined to have them done in time for your big dance recital and before the school year ended, so you could show your friends. We even offered Matteo the option to get his ears pierced too. I told you the story about getting my eyebrow pierced in high school—not advisable. Matteo gave it some thought but ultimately passed. This moment was all yours.
You and Mom went to our local Ulta to scout the piercing process and earring options. You came back beaming—completely convinced you were ready. Mom booked the appointment for a few days later, and we all went as a family, joined by Aliyah and her mom (and our friend) Lindsey. When our little support crew arrived, the piercing specialist said it was the biggest audience she’d ever had. Little did she know just how big your cheering section really is.
You sat in the chair with your classic stoic look: big eyes, chin dropped, silent and focused. You were ready. The specialist lined up the piercing gun, and—bam—one ear done. You smiled right away, realizing you were already halfway there and it wasn’t so bad. Just moments later, the other ear was pierced just as quickly. We clapped, cheered, and snapped a ton of photos of the new you.
Since then, you’ve done an amazing job keeping your ears clean and turning the earrings. You probably over-clean them—you tell me at least twice a day when you’ve done it. Better safe than sorry. The earrings look fantastic, and your birthstone tourmaline (that lovely pink!) suits you so well. I can tell you’re proud of yourself—and we’re so proud of how brave and grown-up you are too.
Love,
Dad