My siblings and I have been talking about getting tattoos together. All with a common theme. This past Friday we attended the annual Denver Tattoo Convention down town. We thought it would be a good way to find an artist. Even JoJo got into the festivities. 
Before the convention I was able to look at websites of the tattooist that were participating in the show. I came across a few that I loved but they were all from out of state. Goodfellas was one shop in particular that stood out. They are based out of California. When I stopped by their booth and started talking to them about a tattoo I had in mind, I was elated to find out that they would have time to do it while they were in town. I wasn’t planning on getting it done until next month (birthday present to myself) but I jumped on the amazing opportunity and he started drawing up a sketch. The 3 koi represent me, Jo, and Ana. The second fish has a small heart shaped scale that mimics the heart birthmark Jocelyn has on her left shoulder. The third fish will have a small bend in it’s fin to match Analise’s ear.
I returned the next day at 11:30 in the morning to start the marathon of needles, pain, ink, and blood. I left the girls at home with my sister and Michael was nice enough to keep me company (even though HE was supposed to be getting a tat too but punked out). Aprille is still a little too young to get any ink done without parental consent.
Painful! As everyone will tell you, the ribs are one of the most painful places to get a tattoo. They were not kidding! I stuck it out and didn’t complain once. As he moved down my side, the pain was more tolerable. I watched movies on my iPhone, texted, listened to music and tried my best to ignore the discomfort. 
After 6 hours (yes 6 hours straight), we were done for the day. The shading on the koi and waves still need to be done but we’ll hold off until next time he’s in town to complete it. Until then I’ll have a few months to heal.
you’re always making me say ‘wow.’ i totally agree with aprille! you are so brave!!
that ish is huge. that’s what i’m talkin’ ’bout! go big or go home..so sick tin!!
tako.
that’s an amazing design! can’t wait to see how it turns out after coloring.
WOW! I can not believe it! I had no idea you had that in you?! It’s so pretty. I like it. Where is the artist based in Cali? You know you can always come this way to have it finished…..
Wow! That’s beautiful! Gosh, Christine. 2 labors and a six hour tattoo? You must be a masochist!!! You go, Mama!