milestones

So today was what is called a "Big Day" for Miss Hope.  This afternoon, she experienced that milestone many of us females have been through.  That's right, Hope had her ears pierced today!

I had planned ahead and arranged for our visit to our local Claire's store to be a time when they would have two people available.  That way Hope would have her ears both pierced simultaneously.  Good idea, huh?  Otherwise, she would be too upset from the first ear to ever go through with the second one.  I did tell Hope the truth ahead of time... that, yes, it would hurt, but only for a moment.  Even knowing that it would hurt, Hope was still very excited to be getting earrings today!

Here is her "Before" shot--still smiling!

Okay, a little nervous now... 

Grandparents, look away before the next picture!

This was the hard part... for Hope and for Mommy!

Even looking at her new earrings--pink hearts--in the mirror

did nothing to improveHope's pitiful expression. 

Then, the clerk gave her a lollipop and she was again all smiles!

Looks gorgeous!

So, I called this post "milestones," meaning there was more than one milestone today.  The other was that Hope had her first ballet class today!  She calls it "Ballerina Class."  Cute!  Hope just naturally enjoys dancing, and routinely performs her own versions of ballet spins and moves at home.  So, to be taking an official ballet class is just SO exciting for her.  In fact, walking into class, Hope announced, "I so excited!"

Here are some highlights from today~