The angel is holding a baby, and my daughter's first and middle names are in the banner. When Rylie was born, she was not breathing. Immediately, I realized exactly how little I had truly known of a mother's love. For the time period between realizing what was happening (emergency c-section, so I was strapped down) and hearing her cry upon resuscitation, I think I lived a million lifetimes. I chose the tattoo to symbolize the feeling I had of God handing my baby back to me. I think it's generally supposed to be a memorial type of tat, though.

yeah--I think it does too, like the stylized thistle designs in a way. I left that pic with him also, so that he could see other styles I like. The tat will hopefully end up being different from any of these, but sort of inspired by them if you know what I mean. I simply can NOT get my mind to bend toward surrealism when try, and the attempts always look way too forced. I'm trying to relax with it and stop editing my mind, and hopefully I'll be able to come up with something one day. Till then, I have confidence in this guy--his work is gorgeous and I loved his excitement at this prospect. :)