Haircut

 For the past 8 months Etta has wanted to get her haircut.

Buzzed off to be exact.

It was a constant battle to wash it, comb it, touch it. She never let me braid it, put it in pony tails or add bows and ribbons. And while some of you may say, "What? She's five. What do you mean she won't let you do those things?"

Let's just say that I could make her do it, but it was not pleasant for anyone. 

On our block.

I did talk her into donating it to Wigs for Kids so it would go to a good cause.

Etta has had two "real" haircuts so far. The first one was not on purpose, but got very near to the same look she got this time. The second one was on purpose and more for trimming and evening purposes.

But this hair cut. This hair cut was Etta's decision. One of the things that I am (slowly) learning, is there are some battles you fight. And some that you don't.

Hair grows.

It may grow slowly, but it grows. 

And having Etta make this decision means that she (kind of) understands the consequences of her actions. So when people ask how she likes being a big brother, or the little girl at Whitman Elementary says she can't come in the girls' bathroom because she is a boy, she is aware that it was a decision she made.

We talked a bit about it after she got it cut.

Me: Etta, people may call you a boy or ask how you like being a big brother with your hair cut like this.

Etta: Are people going to laugh at me?

Me: . . . Probably not.

Etta: [Content look] - No further comments.

I even offered to let her get her ears pierced today. She wasn't interested.

So while I may miss her long hair, it's just hair. I want her to find her identity in Christ. Not in what she thinks of her hair, what I think of her hair or what others may think of her hair.

She is my beautiful eldest daughter. Inside and out. Regardless the length of her hair.

Before shot - back.

Before shot - front. I think she was nervous and excited at this point.

All brushed out. Very beautiful, silky and shiny. But the effect only lasted about 30-40 minutes before starting to curl up and get tangled. Even when I tried to blow dry it straight.

Four ponies ready to be chopped.

First cuts.

All of the ponies gone. She was getting pretty excited at this point.
(14 inches is what ended up getting donated!)

Back view.

Hair washing. Who doesn't like this part?!

I thought it looked pretty good like this.

Almost done. Breast cancer cape. Fitting for what we were doing.

All done. Proud and happy.

Don't forget to check the links above to see her other hair cutting adventures.