mimi begged for years to get her ears pierce. we finally said, 'don't ask again until you're 8'. when 8 came we said, 'ask again when you're 10'. we finally relented and let her get earrings for her 10th bday - that was in july. the background of the picture is clearly christmasy, no clair's didn't have a christmas in july sale, mimi had to wait (5 months) until soccer season finished. why did it take so long to allow the lobe adornment? because i wanted her to be old enough to take care of them herself (check), and without reminders (not so checked)

cute pick, the blue middle matches her eyes

brotherly support? for the first 5 minutes - yes, the rest of the time - no! good thing there was a friendly bird in the pet store next door

m & m