Parker reached his first birthday last month and with that special day came the dreaded reality that it was definitely time for his first haircut. His hair was so much a part of his personality- it stuck out in all directions and he had the most awesome bed head. It was crazy and cute and just so...Parker! I had been successfully ignoring the fact that we had to tuck his hair behind his ears to keep it out of his face for several months and could not face the fact that it was time. I had shrugged off harassment from well-intending friends and family joking that his hair would look best in a ponytail, curled so the back wouldn't stick an inch over his collar, or feathered in the front so his sideburns wouldn't look so thick and long over his ears. I smiled at the pointed comments then ruffled my Parker's soft, long, baby locks, loving every strand.
Because once you cut the baby locks they are gone.
No more excuse for letting it grow and grow and grow. No more silky softness. No more golden wisps. No more baby for me. Once that first haircut takes place baby boys take on a new look; they look less baby and more little boy...and I already have a little boy that brings me all the joy a little boy can.
I want to keep my baby.
When people would ask me when I would cut it I would say, "he's not even one yet! He's still a baby!" So with the arrival of his first birthday I had no more excuses and broke down, collected all my courage, and pulled out the clippers.
As his locks fell away a part of me died. I know that sounds a little melodramatic but its true. Because of certain circumstances a new baby is not in our near future- at least not as near as I'd like it to be. I have treasured every second of this sweet baby's existence, loving every noise, movement, and expression he's made. I love him with all my heart. And a lot of his baby-ness left with his hair.
He now looks like a darling little boy- a lot like big brother Caleb! He has entered a new phase of life, as have I. The phase where I have two little boys to love rather than a little boy and a baby. And after all is said and done {and cut}, I love this phase too.
The evidence of a baby in need of a haircut:
And so it begins...
You...you...you...cut my hair???!
Hair in the eyes! I hate that part!
It is done. Granted- I get that his hair is too short. This length has always worked for Caleb and Kiel and I didn't even think of modifying my method but now I know. The shorter look is not for Parks. Next time I'll leave it a little bit longer....maybe a lot longer.
**BEFORE**
**AFTER**
