Daddy's Got the Shotgun Out

"Oh he better get the shotgun ready! Anytime your girls bring home a guy start cleaning the shotgun."

Last Friday night, while I am standing in a small circle of adults I mention that I have two little girls and the first reaction is that their father better start contemplating his scare tactics for future boyfriends when they come to the house to meet us. The things that are said would suggest my daughters could bring home young men that would disrespect them, lack the confidence to demand a good man, or even worse case scenario not know how to stand up for themselves.

I understand the light-hearted comments are well-meaning but since we found out we were having a girl the same comments have been repeated over and over. Instead of hearing that each time I say that I have two girls, I'd like to hear "you should start working on their uppercut". I don't want to raise my girls to become women that need a man to protect them. I hope for my girls to be able to recognize a respectful man, a man that values them for who they are, and treasures them as I do. Strong women only in this household and men that can match that.

Can I get a witness?!

#19 Get another tattoo

In Las Vegas and with the support of my close girlfriends, I did it. For me to get another tattoo was really no big accomplishment since I have known for 2 years what I wanted to get and where it was going to be. I just lacked the follow through so we all thought why not now, here in Vegas.

Tattoo Heaven helped me cross off #19 from my list when they put Julianna's birthdate written in Hebrew on my back. Just perfect.

My first tattoo was a butterfly as a symbol of happiness in the Chinese culture, in honor of my brothers' heritage; the butterfly was designed from a toe ring that my mom and I picked out in Santa Cruz in my favorite colors. The next tattoo Julianna's birthdate was drawn just below the butterfly which now appears to be landing on the text. The symbolism is that my happiest moment was the day that I became a mother.

I do plan to have one done to represent Amaya but I have yet to figure it out. Her addition will be just as meaningful as the first two. But no rush for now.