Punky's First Haircut

Punky and I arrived home this afternoon from our weekend adventure.  Given the fact that we are driving back down on Christmas Eve, we left earlier than usual today.  The big day is quickly approaching and I still have tons to do.

The stars aligned and we actually made it there on Friday in time to make our appointment at the hair dresser's.  I was really worried about how Punky would handle the haircut situation.  Every time we'd mention it to try to prepare her a bit, she'd tell us "Hurt."  No matter how many times we promised it wouldn't, she still kept insisting.  I had visions of a screaming child with a crooked, half-finished haircut just in time for all those holiday photos.

In reality, the exact opposite was true.  My peanut surprised me again with some of the best behavior I've seen in weeks.  Seriously, the last month has had its share of rough spots.  She is definitely testing the waters and seeing how far she can push us whenever she has the chance.  The dawning of the terrible two's...

But anyway, at the hair dresser's, she was a perfect angel.  She...listened.  She didn't touch what I told her not to touch.  She kept herself busy while I got my highlight.  She made polite chatter with an old lady who must have commented a hundred times on what an angel Punky is.  And how good she listens.  And how I'm so lucky.

I smiled, and nodded, and threw in a thank-you or two, while my mind drifted to last Sunday when my child was the absolute worst I have ever seen her.  She was a total brat at the store.  She wrote all over the rocking chair stool (light green fabric) with black crayon.  She tantrumed.  She hit.  She stomped, whined, and cried.  She told me "No!" a million times.  She got two minutes in the time-out chair.  Twice.  She had me up till midnight because she absolutely refused to go to sleep no matter how I tried.  Yeah, sweet little old lady, I wish you could've seen her then.

So, when it came time for Punky's haircut, I still braced myself for the worst...and she didn't even flinch.  She sat in the chair all by herself.  I thought I'd have to hold her but in reality I didn't even need to be next to her.  I stood across the room, taking pictures and cheering her on, and she sat still and quietly ate a cookie as little blonde locks hit the floor.  Apparently, it didn't hurt a bit.

First Haircut

On a side note, the family Christmas party went well.  Everyone had a good time, lots of laughs, great food.  For me, it seems like Christmas is somehow more complete this year.  More like it used to be.  More like it should be.  I'm enjoying that feeling while it lasts because next year it's back to a house with pets.  It might be a few years before I'm able to go again.