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The Most Interesting Baby in the World.
Here we are. The big reveal. The FIRST HAIRCUT. Now, to be fair, Nolan could have reasonably had his hair cut about 3 months ago. Strike that, I’m being ridiculous. Nolan could have had his hair cut straight from the womb, with a back wax thrown in for good measure. But once we could fashion elaborately coiffed up-dos and he demonstrated reasonable neck control, we were out of excuses not to cut it.
If you saw yesterday’s post, A Photo Retrospective of a Baby-Boy Wolverine, I’m sure you’ve been quite anxious these past 24 hours, wondering how little Nolan is doing without his prized feature. I suspect you’re on pins and needles right now. But, before Nolan’s new look is revealed, I’d like to give you a little family hair history. This will require you to contain your excitement for just a few more moments.
When I was born, in the very moment I was handed over to my mother, the doctor caught a look at the fur ball in front of him and said to my mom, “You gave birth to an ape!” That was music to my mom’s ears, as I’m sure it would have been to yours at the moment you met your offspring (if this were to happen to you by some lucky chance).
Interestingly, an article about this mother/child ape combo came up on Facebook as a “related post” to my post “Baby, There Ain’t No Easy Way Out.” It’s like the inter webs know me personally!
Here is a photo of me during my first weeks of life. Something may look familiar to you. Try to place it…
A few months after the above photo was taken, I had my very first haircut by Jimmy of S. James Company. My mom has been getting her hair cut by Jimmy for over 40 years, and Jimmy was the one to give my little sister Catherine her first ever haircut when she was a baby. Catherine still gets her hair done at that same salon, and so did I until well into my twenties. So, I think you can appreciate why it was really important to me to have Nolan’s first haircut with Jimmy. Have some sense of tradition, people!
Nolan and me with Jimmy (easily identifiable on account of being a man), my Mom, sister Catherine, and Dana (our other long-time family hairdresser)
In keeping with this tradition, on Saturday Nolan and my mom got their hair done together, because who doesn’t like a nice grandmother/grandson joint salon outing. Is that not a thing people do?
And now, without further ado, the photos:
Things were going well. Nolan felt GREAT, like this was just the change he had been waiting for. Perhaps a way to shake off the mid-year crisis he has been battling.
And then things went south. Way south. The winds of change turned, as they are want to do with a baby whose very world is being turned upside down. Nolan began to fully process what was happening; he sensed that he would no longer be able to catch the breeze in his flowing mane. That he would not be able to twirl his fingers in his tendrils before bed. That he would not have any hair to absorb the constant stream of baby vomit dribbling down his chin and past his ears. “Oh, hells to the no!” his eyes screamed. Also his mouth screamed.
Luckily, Nolan’s Grandpa Dan was on hand to run interference. This was a whole family affair. Grandpa Dan, sensing catastrophe based on the fact that Nolan was already howling like a rhesus monkey, sprung into action. He knew that rhesus monkeys also sometimes fling their own feces on the wall, and we did NOT want to walk that path at a SALON, of all places. We have standards in our family. Grandpa Dan knew that he would have to swallow his pride and literally kiss Nolan’s feet to turn this free fall around. And so he did.
Kiss my feet, Grandpa. That is the only thing that will rectify the situation.
The foot kissing was quite successful. Nolan regained his composure and re-adjusted his attitude. Sure, he had just gone through a massive trauma. But on some level I think he knew we were acting in his best interest. It’s a fine line between looking shaggy-cute and looking neglected, and Nolan knew we were walking that line.
As soon as the shorn hairs settled and Nolan had a minute to check out his reflection, he realized, hold up, I look FANTASTIC. His babbling was loosely translated to “I don’t even recognize the hobo baby I was when I walked in here 20 minutes ago. Who WAS that kid?”
Later the same day…
Your pictures are amazing Liz! Nolan is absolutely adorable.
Aw thanks Debbie! It was a little sad to see the long hair go but I’m glad we have photos for posterity….
After a sleepless night, Annie and I could not be more excited for this reveal! We both agree, “Hubba Hubba!”
Phew! Nolan’s big concern was Annie’s reaction. Well, Annie’s, among a few other lady babies he has his eye on. I’m a little surprised Annie is not upset about Nolan’s park picture. He was worried that she would be displeased that he had a wandering eye (AGAIN!)
Lizard he is so cute! Seriously one of the best looking babies I’ve ever seen. And interestingly enough, I think he morphed into Danimal Curtis with this new hair cut.
Ha! Thanks Rocky! Hmmm he DID kind of morph into Danimal Curtis! I hadn’t considered that. We may need to get him a baby neck-weight machine to help him keep up with his Grandpa.
A baby neck-weight machine MAY just help battle those pesky neck rolls… Annie and the other baby-girls are going to swoon, for sure.
Jimmy reminded me that I also balled my eyes out at my 1st cut. Apparently, it’s also family tradition to lose your shit at S. James & Co.
Ah!!! Grandpa Dan kissing Nolan’s toes! Nolan’s tiny quiver lip while crying! The fact that your entire family came out for Nolan’s first haircut! This post is cuteness overload-I feel like my brain might explode. I think I need to go Google “garbage” so I can get the proper cute versus not cute balance back in my brain.
Ha! Definitely google garbage. I look at pictures of toxic dumps every night before bed, just to get the image of Nolan in his cute pjs out of my head…
SO cute! My 2.5 yr old still has monstrous meltdowns every haircut, though we have not yet attempted toe-kissing. I think I just may have to try that…
Yeah, having a grown man kiss his feet publicly was really the secret weapon…
What I really want to know is how Brian felt in his return to the salon chair…
Toni, I hadn’t sat in a salon chair for about 14 years!
I’m pretty sure Nolan’s lip quiver was him imitating me in the mirror…
Wow. 14 years?! I didn’t think it would have been THAT long! haha.
I hope you received a complimentary scalp massage for being such a good sport/dad holding Nolan.
Toni, Brian’s reward was just being accepted at a salon in the first place. It was the excuse he’s been waiting for to get back into the swivel chair and sport a gown…
I didn’t think he could get any cuter, but he just gets better and better!
These really seem to be his glory days! We will ride the wave of attractiveness as long as we can.
He looks so grown up!! And as cute as ever:)
He really is grown up. He looks like a small business owner today.
he is so adorable – I love his little facial expressions – what a family adventure – I enjoy reading all your posts – always looking forward to the next !
Thanks Cathy! That’s so nice of you!