Sunday, July 5, 2009

Haircut

BEFORE


Abbey decided to get her hair cut two weeks ago. She has been asking to do it for months. I told her we could do it when we got back to Utah. She then told me that she wanted to stop at a hair salon on the way home from the airport! Well, we didn't quite do that, but it finally happened.

Because the 4th of July was coming, and Abbey had convinced Mary that they needed to look like twins on the holiday, Abbey wanted her hair cut only to her shoulders so she and Mary could have the same kind of braids. So when she sat down in the salon, she made sure that the stylist knew how much she wanted cut. As the stylist played with Abbey's long hair, she said that it was long enough to donate to Locks of Love if she would let her cut it just a little bit above her shoulders. Abbey really didn't want to agree, but somehow she was persuaded. As the stylist began to cut, I walked over and asked Abbey if it was too short. She said everything was fine.

Well, just above the shoulders turned into just under the chin. Abbey seemed happy as we walked out of the salon. Then we ran over to Target for a few items. That's when the tears started. How do you comfort a daughter who says through heavy sobs,"I should have stood up for myself, but I didn't want to hurt her feelings!"? It was amazing to me that she could verbalize such a complex personal struggle. The deed had been done, so we tried to make the best of it. The funny thing was that Abbey was more upset about not being able to be twins with Mary for the 4th than she was about her hair being shorter than she wanted. I told her that twins often wear their hair differently so people can tell them apart. That seemed to calm her a bit.
AFTER
Brett and I both think she looks so grown-up and so pretty. And the best part . . . . Mary knows how to braid even the shortest of hair! Below, are the cute twins at the parade.

5 comments:

Amy said...

Oh, I can so empathize with Abbey's experience! This happens to me ALL THE TIME. I never stand up for myself, then leave the salon kicking myself for not saying something. I've gotten a little bit better, but I'm impressed she could verbalize it as well.

I do think her hair looks fantastic, though. I love the little curl she has behind her ear, and the matching twins look so cute in their braids!

Amy said...

Mary is a GREAT sister! Good for both of them!

Abbey's hair is beautiful, and since the traumatic twin-ness of the event is over, I bet she'll LOVE the short hair once she gets used to it. (Especially with the HEAT!)

Richardson Five said...

Abbey,
Your hair looks so beautiful even if it didn't turn out like you wanted. You are such a smart little girl. Sometimes it's hard to stand up for yourself. We are proud of you for realizing that. Hope you are having fun in Utah!

Abbey, your hair looks great. London

Jan.lyons said...

Abbey, I love your hair. The great thing about hair is that it is so forgiving and always grows back. (so do hips, darn it!)

Jan.lyons said...

Oh, I forgot. The best part is that there is a beautiful person who will soon have your golden hair and even though they don't feel very well, your hair will bring them such joy that they will probably cry too. So, crying is good.