Here's another first.

You'd think she were five months instead of five years, with all these new things she's learning and doing. She's been telling me for months that she wants a haircut. Short. Deep inhale from the mama with extensions. Just kidding. I started to think back on my own hair adventures growing up. My mom didn't seem to have a problem marching me to Supercuts when in second grade I figured a perm was in order. Nor did she (that I remember) take issue with my two-inch Aquanetted bangs all through junior high. I've had it super short and super long, and actually didn't even consider (that I remember) coloring it til a summer of swimming in college had bleached it blonde. So, the lesson = it's just hair. Be normal about it, and your daughter will, too. That's the thought, at least.

So, I snapped a quick 'before' shot, marched her on over to my own hairdresser, and got super excited for her. Mostly because I knew she'd look so cute, but also partly because I was impressed with her nonchalance about it. It's just hair.And all I've been able to tell her today when she steps into the room is I love you because she just looks so cute and so free! Now, little girl, if I hear one word about wanting to straighten your hair in later years, I will probably not handle that as well. Just a heads-up.