As a Mom, checking off milestones are exciting events. First tooth, first step, first word; each a clue to deciphering the whole person that this little child will grow into. A milestone is a secret little celebration that parents are privy to because they have been given this little life to mould.
But I had a hard time accepting one of our most recent milestones.
My baby wasn’t born bald, he was blessed with an already memorable hairstyle. He had a mohawk… and a skullet… and that’s it. A tuft on top and a tuft near his neckline. It was precious if not a little strange. I loved it.
Cameron’s hair grew, albeit slowly at first. As I look at even relatively recent photos, I am still amazed at how little hair Cam had. But sometime between his first birthday and now, my son’s hair grew. We started sweeping his bangs to the side, tucking hair behind his ears, and fingering his curls.
I loved those curls. My baby had ringlets! How quintessentially precious. But when his hair was long enough to put into a ponytail, the husband started to complain.
“Time for a haircut!” Dan declared. “He has a mullet! Also? He is mistaken for a girl – often!”
But I knew that once we cut, those curls would be gone.
Forever.
Cutting a baby’s hair is one of the first times we close a chapter as a parent. Akin to packing up all those newborn clothes, cutting this baby hair is saying goodbye to those first locks I laid my eyes on when I first held my child in my arms. It is watching that hair, which once held that newborn smell, fall to the ground and eventually be swept away. And suddenly, as those fresh baby curls fall away, where once sat my baby, a little boy emerges.
Accepting this growth is not easy for a mother; at least, it was not easy for me.
But we did it. It was time. So I ensured this event was as big of a to-do as it possibly could be. I refused to allow my husband and his clippers near my son like Dan had suggested. Instead, I made an appointment at a children’s salon and “splurged” ($25) for the baby’s first haircut package.
I didn’t cry. Not even a little. I was strong and supportive for my little man while he moved through this huge milestone – even while those little curls fell off. And sitting in that little red car at the end of this experience was my little boy.
Babies aren’t supposed to be babies forever. Sometimes it is just a little difficult for a mother to watch this transformation. But being a part of these milestones create some of the most incredible memories.
Natalie says
Awww he looks so adorable with his new haircut…like a little man. I know what you mean though…my little boy’s hair is getting really long, and I know the day is coming for his first haircut!
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Caroline W says
How cute is he!!! Squee! I love the pictures!
Misty @ The Family Math says
Aww, he looks so cute!
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Courtney @ The Mommy Matters says
I remember that day all too well. We splurged too for Noah’s first haircut. Had it done at a cute little old fashion barber shop by a man old enough to be my grandpa. I didn’t cry during, but I admit I shed a tear after. And you’re right. It’s hard to watch our kids go from baby to boy in a matter of minutes. Cute, cute little haircut!
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Christine says
He is ADORABLE! It’s hard to believe what huge transformation takes place during a 1st haircut for a baby boy. He really does looks like a little man now!
The transition from baby to big kid has been different for us. Since ours are all girls, it’s their 1st real ponytail. The feeling is the same…
Stephanie says
He’s still absolutely gorgeous!
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Kimberly says
He is adorable! My kids were born with full heads of hair and I’ve been snipping at them ever since. I didn’t go through this milestone but from what I’m seeing, I think that’s easier on my heart. ;)
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Christopher D Drew says
This is cute Laura. Simeon’s first hair cut was a little lack luster as he has never really had much hair to speak of. And we are likely 2 years away from having to think much about Ariella’s.
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