Haircut happiness

Haircuts have been a struggle for the last couple of years. B was great for the first few and then... He. HATED. Them. He was like a different kid - crying, fighting, struggling. I would totally dread taking him every time and have to summon my courage. I hated for him to be seen this way because it is so different from his typical personality. And I also hated that I had to physically hold him back without being able to really explain it all to him. He sobbed the whole way through.

Today was different. I don't even know how it came up but we spent 15/20 minutes of our parent meeting this morning strategizing his next haircut. Could we take our own movie? Take him more often so he gets used to it? Etc. Etc. In my email this afternoon, I had a coupon for our regular spot and so I just decided to do it. We end therapy at 3:30 on Wednesdays so there's a little window of time. Plus, Drew had a sitter here so we could bring them along (to the consignment toy store next door) and I wouldn't have to worry about him while dealing with the awfulness of the haircut like I usually do.

My other worry was him falling asleep in the car since that is always an issue - particularly at that time of day. Sure enough, about 5 minutes before our arrival, he passed out. So, I took him first to the consignment shop. Even something "fun" like this is sometimes an issue for him because of its unfamiliarity. But he did great. He walked in holding my hand and explored the toys. He even labeled a few (Elmo, George, Thomas). We picked up a train, paid for it and left together. NO problem. I held my breath as we walked into the salon but he was fine. He willingly got in the chair, I gave him his coveted paci that I always bring for haircuts and he sat there and watched Cars. He never cried. He never really even flinched. A couple of times, he sort of chanted "ok, ok, ok" as if to say "enough of this" but he was SO good. It wasn't even especially quick. Then, when it was over and we offered a lollipop, he said "lollipop". I don't know what happened - I swear he listens to us in these meetings because when I bring up concerns, the behavior stops. Whatever it was, it made for one happy mama.

Here's the before and after - it's much cuter in person. And it's short so that buys us about 2 months before the next one.