E's First Haircut

Yesterday, Tim and I took Emmitt for his first haircut.  It wasn't that his hair was super long or unruly, it was just getting to the point that it needed to get cleaned up.

This picture was take a couple weeks ago.  His hair is curling around his ears and long on the back of his neck.

This picture above is the best "before" picture I have.  It turns out in all of our planning of this sacred, life-stage moment, I forgot to take a couple pictures before we actually had it cut.  Oh, well.  Learning curve and all.

Now, if you've never seen someone give a small child a haircut (which is probably everyone without kids), then get ready.  The stylist, Liz, had to dance all around him.  Emmitt would look left, look right.  He would try to see what she was doing, try to find the blow dryer that started in the booth behind him.  And every time he moved, I panicked.  Liz, however, is a pro.  She just moved right along with him.  After a couple of unexpected movements from E, and witnessing how awesome Liz was at following him, I stopped trying to keep him still.

The beginning of the process.  He's strapped in this chair, wearing a giant "bib," and trying to figure out why she keeps spraying his head with water. 

Spray bottle = not cool when it's not under his control

Beginning to snip.  The request we made was, "Clean up as much as you can, but we're just really worried about the neckline." 

"Excuse me, but what's over there?"

"Dad, why is she still touching me?"

Oh, look over there!

I did get called in to help when the trimmer appeared.  That part was the hardest for him to sit through.

I just pointed out all the angry birds on his cape or, in desperation, made the trimmed hair bounce around.  As crazy as that last move sounds, it was the most effective.

All done!  So handsome.  

We were so proud of the little guy.  (And yes, I did get a small collection of trimmings for his baby book.)  What could have been a horribly traumatizing 10 minutes went so well.  I credit a lot of that to the stylist working with him.  And at the end of the whole ordeal, they gave him a slinky.  How fun!

So, there's E's first haircut.  Thanks for following along! 

Until next time,

Rookie Mom

P.S.  If you're following along with my year of nonfiction, here's the review I wrote on nonfiction book #2.  Enjoy! https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/821146177

New View

One week ago today I underwent LASIK eye surgery.  And I did it so I could see sunsets like this sans glasses or contacts.

It is amazing to see this with my own vision. No corrective lens needed.

I've been asked several times what my vision is like now.  Well, I grew up watching Doris Day, so here's my comparison for the first few days: It's like everything had that soft Doris Day focus.  If you don't watch Doris Day movies, then maybe you'll recall NCIS episodes where they recount something from the past.  Those scenes also get that soft and glowy touch.  And if you don't watch Doris Day movies or NCIS but are still reading this blog, then let me just say thank you for being my friend.  I'm sure we have something in common.

The soft touch has faded away as the week has passed, by the way.  I appreciate that.  I felt like I was walking through memories and was waiting for the Ghost of Christmas Past to arrive and show me all the places I've gone wrong in life. 

So, what have I done to celebrate the 1 week mark? Other than excitedly apply my eye shadow this morning? (Side note: You can't wear eye make-up for a week following your surgery.)

I got my hair cut! (Thank you to Tim for picking up E after work so I could go!)  

My first picture without glasses and with make-up!  

 Maybe it's just me, but it can be hard to give myself permission for a haircut.  I feel like I have to work or I need to cook dinner or I need to stay with Emmitt.  I wonder if this is a mom thing or if it's just me. (I'm hoping it's not just me.)

 The cherry on top was coming home to a kiss from this doodle bug - while he was covered in pizza sauce and parmesan cheese.

"Kiss me, momma! There's not food on my face anywhere!"

 At the end of the day, haircut or not, glasses or not, he is such a bright spot.  If I ever do get to walk down memory lane with a silent, brooding spirit, his smile will appear often.

Bath time!

Over and out,

Rookie Mom

Building Blocks: A blog in pictures

Tim and I picked up a set of blocks for Emmitt the other night.  We spent a little time building the blocks.

I thought this one looked like an ice cream cone.

This one reminds me of a robot.

By the time we were done, that little stack at the beginning became quite the pile of bricks.

We let Emmitt find the blocks the next morning.

It was fun to watch his face. 

He has blocks similar to these at the daycare and he loves them.

Let the destruction begin!

That's my boy!

Oh, and this is the first book I'm reading for Nonfiction 2014.  Well, it's an audio book.  But that counts too!

It sure was fun surprising the little guy.  Plus, it's kind of fun being the parents who stay up to put together the toys.  

Happy New Year, everyone!

~Stephanie