Just the 3 of us...: "You're piercing her ears already?"

Yes, we sure did! When we first found out we were having a girl, Pete and I had to have "THE" piercing conversation. Pete's inital response was "When she's old enough, I'll let her decide when she wants to get her ears pierced." My response to this was "all Hispanic...(correction) Cuban babies get their ears pierced in the first few months because it's a cultural thing. It's not optional." Pete thought about it and upon arriving in Spain, (and talking to a few friends) we eventually agreed that we would have it done here. However, we encountered a problem. Back home, the child's pediatrician pierces the baby's ears. Here on-base they will not do it, meaning we had to go out in town to do it. While I was pregnant, I asked every Spaniard I knew where they got their daughters ears pierced here in Rota. Fortunately, they all referred me to the same clinic: Rota Medica. (Although, some suggested the local pharmacy).

For her birthday, Sofia got her first pair of earrings from her cousin Niurka and her hubby Javier. Niurka sent them from Barcelona to Miami and when Abuela Monchi came she brought them to us in Rota. (Yes, we know..they had to leave Spain and go to the U.S. before they made it to us here). LOL When Sofia was 12 weeks old, we finally decided it was time. I must say we were truly blessed. The doctor who pierced her ears was extremely patient and nurturing. She would carry her and try to calm her! I couldn't have asked for someone more caring during this entire process. Just so you know, ear piercing in Spain is a little different from the way they do it back home. Here the doctor did not use a piercing gun, she used a needle while Daddy held Sofie down (and Mommy nearly had a heart attack). Anyhow, our daughter, being the trooper that she is, slept the pain off for about 3 hours and woke up and was back to normal. Here are some before and after pics. I think she looks AMAZING! But I may be a little biased ;)