National Tattoo Day 2012

Did you know today was National Tattoo Day? I didn't until Still Standing magazine started advertising that they were going to open up a gallery for people with memorial tattoos to share on the website. Of course I had to jump in on that. I was actually the first to post right after midnight this morning. I didn't plan on being first but being up late with this lingering cough was killing me so I figured why not!

So let me tell you about my tat! I was never big on tattoos growing up. When I was little, the only tats I really ever saw were those on military men. They were usually some kind of anchor, they were kinda messy, and they were always GREEN! For a long time I thought you had to get one when you joined the Navy LOL.

Well then I met my future hubby and somehow the subject came up and he said he was really against it. What?! Isn't your Dad in the Navy? Doesn't he have tattoos? Well he was and he does but somehow the tat gene didn't crossover. I've never seen my father-in-law's tattoos and never really asked what they are but I guess hubby didn't like them and so decided he would never get one.

My Mom has a couple. So when I really started thinking about getting something for Bailey, I figured I would talk to her first. We were living close to her so it was perfect. Finally I told the hubby. Hey, I'm gonna get a tattoo. He asked WHY?! I said because I want something of Bailey's that I can look at anytime I want to. That didn't really convince him but he knew it was something I really wanted and he couldn't stop me anyway!! HAHA

Mom made the appointment. I photocopied Bailey's footprints from the little card from the hospital. They were side by side so I cut them out and arranged them slightly off of each other and taped them back to the paper and copied it again. Cool! I took my little piece of paper with me and the artist copied it to transfer paper and placed it on my arm. Let the buzzing begin!

Placement. I thought about this A LOT!! I didn't want it where I couldn't see it. The whole reason for getting it was so that I could enjoy her tiny tootsies anytime I wanted. I sat looking at the few pictures I had and realized that when I held her, her feet would touch the top of my forearm up near my elbow. Oh wow, this would be perfect. So that's exactly where they are. They are perfect there. In the summer they can be seen, I can look at them, I can rub them, I can even kiss them. They are always there for me to see. A small reminder that she is still with me.

Oh and btw, the hubby loves them!!