The day we all knew was coming

The trouble with baby curls is that they can't last forever.  Like everything else in childhood, you have to eventually let them go.  Peter's curls have had a good run.  They've stuck around for at least a year longer than originally planned.  They have been much-loved.  But they were not without their down sides.  For example, combing them out every evening had become a major thorn in everyone's side.  It often consisted of me, bent double, following Peter around the apartment with a comb in his hair while he screamed for someone, anyone, to save him.

Then there was the heat.  As the temperatures climb it becomes more and more uncomfortable for Peter.  Heat rash is looming in the near future (our approaching trip to the Northern Hemisphere notwithstanding.)

So, the time had come for Peter to have his first haircut.  Bear was brought along for moral support.

We chose Wednesday morning so that Eliot would be in school.  We weren't sure how much attention Peter would need from one or both of his parents.  Turns out Peter was all too happy to be perched on the booster seat with the fun apron draped around him.

It started out with a comb through which was quietly received, though with a definite look of concern.

Then came the first cut.  Not so much as a whimper from any of us.

Peter sat quietly and still throughout the entire cut.

In fact, for much of the cut he could barely suppress a smile.

It was clear that he was happy with the proceedings.  Perhaps he was thinking how nice it was going to be to run outside on a windy day without getting hair in his eyes and mouth.  Maybe he was looking forward to lying down on the floor next to his beloved trucks without fear of having his hair stepped on (accidentally and otherwise) by Eliot.  Then again, he could have been thinking how pleasant swimming was going to be now that his hair wouldn't be getting caught in his armpit any more.  Whatever the reason, he was beaming.

Clippings were kept for posterity, of course.

And then he was done!

To top it all off he was rewarded with a lolly!  Next we drove Daddy to work and then Peter and I ran a few errands.  It was funny to see how his whole demeanor seemed to change.  You know how it is after you get a new haircut and you walk out of the place with a spring in your step?  You're ready to take on the world because gosh you look sharp.  That's what Peter was like.  It was pretty clear in the way he carried himself that he felt like he was the big man on campus.

Then bedtime came.  And my baby was back again.

The next day we were still getting used to Peter's new look and learning new things about him, like the fact that a vein pops out on his neck when he's worked up.  I'd almost forgotten that he had a neck.

One thing is for sure, short hair or long, he's still our fun little Mr. Boo.