Got Ink?

I do, yes that's right I DO. I got my first tattoo this week, and I love it. I've wanted a tattoo since I was a young teen. Ever since my friend Paula used a fake id to get one, I had the bug. However, the threat my father handed down of not paying for college persuaded otherwise. He failed to put in a piercing clause, but that's another story. His oversight, clearly. This may have been the case where father really did know best, as I would have ended up with the Red Hot Chili Pepper's band logo or some super cheesy earth or peace sign. Needless to say I don't think I would be that thrilled with what I would have picked out at age 16. That was a long time ago, and I like to think I am a little wiser now. Although my college days ended almost 10 years ago, I didn't rush out and get that tattoo I had been longing for. It never seemed like the right time, and the right design never presented it's self. I always said that if I get a tattoo it has to represent something important to me, and something timeless. What was important to me at 18 or 21 not so much at 32. I could have ended up with a tattoo of a bottle of Smirnoff Vodka on my lower back. I figured what could be more constant that you relationship with your child. It's not like getting a boyfriends name permanently inked onto your chest, only to break up 2 weeks later. You are always going to love your kid, it's a everlasting relationship.

So, I knew I was going to get a tattoo that symbolized the arrival of Atticus, but I have been spending the last 6 months wondering what that would be. I felt like just his name was too bland. With all beautiful designs out there, why use the alphabet. Next idea was his foot print, and as precious as it was as a newborn, it's really overdone. A lot of people had that same idea. I needed something more unique. I looked towards things that represented the month he was born, his sign, Taurus, or Chinese Zodiac sign, it's Year of the Rat, so that was a NO! Finally I turned to the greatest source of info I could think of...Google. I searched for symbols for motherhood. And there it was. The triple spiral. The tattoo I had been looking for. Not only was it simple, and represented motherhood, it's Celtic. Being part Irish this was an added bonus. I think I would have felt a little strange with a Chinese design being very much, not Chinese. Although this triple spiral doesn't mean Atticus directly, it's all about motherhood. I wouldn't be a part of that motherhood club if it wasn't for him, so indirectly it's in his honor.

The other major bonus in taking this long awaited step was that my brother-in-law Nash is a professional tattoo artist. It was such a comfort having someone I know and trust do something that will be on me forever. He is an extremely talented artist and I had 100% confidence in him.
Plus, I knew I wouldn't be embarrassed if I cried because of the pain (I didn't cry). And about the pain. Really, it wasn't as bad as I though. I chose the top of my foot, and many people warned that the foot is one of the most painful places to get tattooed. I was expecting to cry, pass out, have to take breaks, decide halfway through, I was done. None of these things happened. Granted, it didn't feel like a back rub or anything thing, but it really was more irritating than anything. People told me it felt like a bee sting, which if you know anything about me, that did not set my mind at ease. I would say it was a more like a mild electrical shock. Like touching an electric fence.
Anyway I am very happy with how in turned out. I can cover it if needed, I can see it whenever I want, and it means something to me. Will I still love it when I am 80? I guess I will just have to wait and see.

No, my foot is not hairy. That is a sock fuzz dog hair combo.
Location on foot meant to distract from the 2 story toe.

The original design