To Cut or Not To Cut?

The dreaded haircut is fast approaching and the gloom is setting in. To be entirely truthful, it is only dreaded for me, but a welcome event for Mikey. He cannot wait for the kids to "look more tidy". We are both at odds with one another, semi-maturely realizing each other's points so that it doesn't evolve into a full-blown fight (thankfully). His stance: ...well, have you seen his hair? 'Nuff said. My POV: with the short cropped style he will want for our boys, I know this will be the last time in their childhood they will have luxurious curls. *sigh*

I am aware that most mothers get weepy eyed at the prospect of the first haircut, and I have been wondering why I am so attached to these locks... Thinking about it made me realize that this is yet another phase we will be leaving...the beautifully wild and delicate first hair that symbolizes everything baby - the complete essence of all that is the pure and innocent infant - defined by a simple curl. Once that goes away, they will be all boy - all boy that will be screaming and walking and wrestling and sticky. Eating bugs and throwing stones, offering boo-boos and tantrums in stores. The sweet cooing baby that slept in my arms will be gone, in one seemingly harmless snip.

Of course that's not how it is...our children don't magically transform themselves from vulnerable babes to raging toddlers up on that barber's chair...but the memory certainly does! At that moment, we have to accept that things have changed, and that they will continue to change. The mothers being the only ones affected, clearly sentimental about the growing up of our babies that has to be done, this rite of passage is held off until we are ready.

I am ready for them to be toddlers, in fact - despite the dread sounding in that last paragraph - I am really looking forward to it, in a way, because I get to be home with them. But this makes me hold them back for a second in my memory, full of nostalgia and yearning for that special baby stage, saying..."ohhh, remember when...?"

I do realize that they all need a haircut soon...taking them to church has been difficult to keep them presentable. They are lucky they are so cute, so that no one will notice the "Alfalfa" sprout at the crown of their heads! ;) The hour is full of me licking my hand to smooth down the cowlicks of the boys...which bounce right back the moment it dries. Boing! So hard to control, we have stopped really trying to. Do you think they need a haircut? I know Alex does...but she will be the only one to escape the shears! I think I have Mike held down for a few more weeks at least, but it won't be long! Luckily, I have a few people in my corner cheering me along, keeping him at bay. When we are ready, Mike's barber, actually named "Joe the Barber" (wonderfully exuberant and hilarious guy!) has offered a special day for the boys to get their first cut. He will open the shop for us on his day off, and he says, "bring the grandparents, the video camera and some pastries. We'll make it special!" It's a date! But only when I'm ready. ;)

Alex, who desperately needs a barrette...

Mr. B, not so bad yet, just a trim over the ears and on the top...

and "Crazy-Hair" Cole...