When Lauren and Kiera got their ears pierced towards the end of '08, I only allowed Lauren to get it done because not only did she really want it, but because her hair was just beginning to grow back and she kept being mistaken for a boy. I remember one time visiting the Golden Gate gift shop (Lauren always had to stop at every gift shop), the lady behind the counter said directly to Lauren, "What a cute boy. You are a boy, aren't you?". She only had a pink sweatsuit on, or whatever they are called. Kiera's dad wasn't too thrilled about it, but not only was it Kiera's idea, but Lauren really wanted to get them done together, so what could he say?? When we asked Marissa if she wanted to get her ears pierced, how could we not ask her at the time, she said "No. I don't want them done until I'm 19 (that was her favorite number at the time)."

A little side note: Marissa is transforming into a mini-Lauren. There was a Sketchers commercial on the other day. Marissa was uninterested in the shoes, but when I mentioned that Lauren would have loved them, she yelled, I want them! Lauren loved dresses and didn't like jeans (because pants were uncomfortable due to her puffiness), now Marissa loves dresses and hates to wear pants. Marissa didn't want to play basketball, but she saw Lauren's basketball trophy and basketball pictures, now she wants to play basketball. Marissa also asked when she could start Daiseys. Almost every morning Lauren use to call granda and invite him to breakfast, now Marissa has been calling Granda inviting him to breakfast.

Fast forward 8 months or so later to this past Sunday. Marissa noticed that Hilary was wearing different earring. She ask, "Are those granny earrings?" Hil told her, no they are Lauren's. Marissa then asked, When can I get my ears pierced? Hil asked her, "When would you like to? Marissa said, "Today." But it was late, so she changed it to tomorrow. So yesterday, with her ears coated with some of Lauren's old numbing cream, Marissa, mommy, granny, and Finlay, went to the mall and got them done. Since the girl at the body piercing/tattoo parlor or wherever little girls go to get their ears pierced, was by herself she had to get each ear done one at a time. It also didn't help that the girl who went before Marissa cried. Once in the chair she said she was nervous. So Granny held one hand and since Hilary was taking pictures and couldn't hold her other hand, she told her to hold your hand out and hold Lauren's hand. She held her hand out and clutched it as if she was holding Lauren's hand. This might be a surprise to a lot of people, but when it comes to formal things like this, doctor's appointments, face painting or swim lessons, Marissa gets very serious, quiet and really concentrates. Not moving a muscle. After the girl did the first ear, everybody was watching her face to see how she would react. Everybody thought she was going to cry, when a huge smile came across her face, she yelled, it didn't hurt at all!

While we are sad that Marissa is sad and misses her big sister, it's nice to know that she hasn't forgotten about Lauren. They truly loved each other. The other day her friend Tyler was over and he was watching TV. She came up behind him and gave him an affectionate head lock hug, just like she use to do to Lauren. I think she did it subconsciously. This is when we can tell she really misses Lauren and is lonely. Too bad Tyler will be moving to Hawaii in August.


Other stuff:

* Father's day was very hard. One of the hardest days for me yet.