Grandparents Day & Momma Grizzly

You guys. I really suck at writing lately. I have opened my computer probably half a dozen times to post a blog entry and I just suck at it. I have writers block. My brain is broken. No mojo. I don't know what's happened to me.

Anyway, this simple blog entry proved to be just as difficult. Bleh bleh bleh.

Kirk had the opportunity to attend a special event at Lyla's school this week. It was technically Grandparents Day, but we had to get creative since we have yet to adopt any grandparents in Texas. I was feeling sorry for ourselves and complaining about all the nonexistent memories our kids are making with grandparents. I really tried to focus my energy on all the goodness that exists in our lives, but the truth is my heart was hurting. I miss Idaho a lot sometimes. Kirk took notice of my sadness and suggested he attend as Lyla's special guest instead. I gave this idea two thumbs up.

Kirk's job can be full of surprises, so we decided to keep it a secret from Lyla. We didn't want her to be disappointed just in case he had to cancel last minute. Plus, surprises are super fun! The day arrived and Kirk was able to make it. YAY! I was excited to show him around our school and took him to greet Max first. Max's class was not celebrating Grandparents Day, but I still wanted Kirk to stop in to say hello. Max was completely shocked when he saw Kirk. He ran right up to him and wrapped his arms tightly around his neck. *Que the water works* Then we let Max get back to his normal routine and continued to Lyla's classroom.

I entered Lyla's classroom first, as she was expecting me to join her for lunch as her special guest and nobody else. Kirk entered the room as she was washing her hands and sat down next to me at the table. Then Lyla turned around and saw him, which is when I expected the joyful embrace to happen. I had this big vision of Lyla being so excited and surprised but it was actually quite the opposite. She completely ignored him!!! I knew at this point she was overcome with nerves, but I still stated the obvious, "Hey, Dad is here! Aren't you excited?!" She honestly looked like she was about ready to cry. She held up one finger toward me and said "shhhh please just be quiet." We sat down for lunch and she was silent the entire time, so opposite from her typical demeanor at school. It was obvious she felt uncomfortable. It was weird having Dad in her element at school. It's totally okay and I completely understand. She wasn't being rude or sassy. I could tell she was just having a moment of being so overwhelmed and not wanting any attention on her whatsoever. I am SO familiar with that feeling from my childhood. I felt sad for her, but it was also a moment of genetic-fascination because she is so much like me. And my dad too! It's so crazy to me.

Anyway, lunch continued and they eventually made ice-cream sundaes. It was time to tour the book fair and I finally saw my girl shedding away all that fear. She was her happy, outgoing self again as we stopped by Max's classroom to bring him with us to the book fair. The school is so strategic planning Grandparents Day the same week as the book fair, turns out it works on dads too. It was a really fun day! I feel bad that I was initially so grumpy about not having any grandparents nearby, because having Kirk there made me really happy. And I think Lyla was happy too, despite her being unable to show it in the beginning. My kids are loved and we are so fortunate.

I feel like I've been wasting way too much energy feeling mad lately. It can be exhausting. The lack of grandparents on Grandparents Day is just one example among the spoonfuls of negativity I keep piling on my plate. It's so important to me to practice gratitude daily, but recently I've been doing quite the opposite. I have a bad attitude, as even Lyla pointed out. Bless her honesty. I keep finding myself choosing one bad moment that's happened and allowing it to impact me for the rest of the day. In doing this, I've raised the bar to an impossible level of perfection and it's so frustrating. I'm so hard on myself, my kids, my marriage, and every aspect of life that I easily forget about all the happiness that does exist in my life.

I think I need Lyla to get back on board with the Frozen obsession because having "Let it Go" on repeat every single day was actually really inspiring. Ha! It used to be so easy for me to let it go within five minutes. I kept low expectations and could almost instantly release angry feelings back into the universe, but now I keep a tight grip on that shit like it's actually worth something. And I'm pretty sure this shift in my mindset happened when Lyla retired Frozen!!!! Ha, not really. That part is a joke. Anyway, that's just a little self-reflection for the blog. I've learned the seasons of life are constantly changing and I will ride this wave through the storm. As for now, I'm really working on being more mindful of what I choose to focus my energy on. I can't always choose my feelings, but I can choose how they affect my life. The time with my family is so valuable because our kids are changing every single day. They are growing up. I don't want to look back and regret wasting time on anything insignificant.

Daddy-Daughter Date

We were having lunch at Chic-fil-A last week as we noticed an employee walking around the dining area informing any dad-type figure of an upcoming 'daddy daughter date' event. This happened on a weekday afternoon and we were not accompanied by Kirk, so I guess our dad-less table made us unapproachable or something. However, that did not stop Lyla from overhearing the lady spreading the news about this date night business. I was a little surprised when Lyla took the inititive to stop the employee as she passed our table to ask her what exactly she was talking about. Lyla's face lit up as she explained in detail a very elegant evening for dads and their daughters, including tables covered in white linens, decorated with flowers, and lit by candlelight. 

Lyla informed Kirk about the event at her first opportunity to do so. Although Kirk was as excited about a date at Chic-fil-A as you could imagine, he still accepted her invite...because how could he not? I think he was secretly hoping she might forget all about it by the time the day actually arrived, but this girl seriously does not forget anything. I repeat, anything. Sometimes she will bring up an event that happened before she even turned two or details of a blurry memory I can only vaguely remember. I usually just stare at her intensely for a few seconds whenever this happens because I'm pretty sure she is really some sort of mutant super human with a rare memory ability. Then I realize I'm probably nuts when I start asking questions about what it's like inside my womb. Okay, off track, anyway...

The date night arrived and Lyla was on cloud nine before it even began. We got her all fancied up and she patiently waited until it was time to leave. I insisted on a photo-shoot, which was fine because my family has gotten pretty accustomed to me forcing them into photos. I can't say I'm sorry about that...because I'm not. I don't even have to bribe them anymore. Kirk and Lyla departed for their date and I could tell Max was feeling left out. He will be okay though. I gave him lots of love and it's his turn for a special date next time.

They returned home and I was surprised to learn they went to BJ's restaurant instead of Chic-fil-A, especially considering how excited Lyla was about going to Chic-fil-A. Kirk swears it was all Lyla's idea and she pleaded to go there instead after they started driving. I might believe that, only because I know Lyla is super fascinated by the revolving door and is a big fan of their root beer. I'm still skeptical of how exactly that change of plans went down though. Regardless, it was a lovely evening for the daddy-daughter duo. Lyla requested to go to TjMaxx after dinner [smart move] and Kirk claims she was very hilarious as she led him all around the clothing section. She came home with some new Nike shorts and a surprise gift for her little brother. It was very sweet of her to think of him during her date.

I had to laugh when I noticed this unfamiliar attitude about her when she arrived home. It wasn't a sassy attitude, more of an attitude of confidence. I'm not exactly sure the best way to explain it, but she definitely had a little pep in her step. I mentioned it to Kirk and he said she was acting the same way all throughout their date. I think she was feeling very pleased knowing she had daddy all to herself for the evening. 

They have gone on little dates together before, but I think all the anticipation leading up to this one is what made it so special for Lyla. It's an occurrence that will most definitely happen more often.

PS >>> Lyla is looking so grown up lately. I can't handle it. 

Kirk asked me to point out that he is not going for the hipster-dad look with the collar buttoned to the top. It was meant to be a joke, but then he forgot about it. Hahaha

Hello October!

October is here. This year is going to be over before we know it. I know I sound like a broken record by now, but the weeks and months just fly by. We still have the occasional day that drags on forever, but I always tell myself not to worry because I know all I have to do is blink and it will be next year. Life is good to us. 

There is much chatter going on in our house lately about Halloween. Max has proven Lyla is the indecisive one, as he made a solid costume choice about a month ago and hasn't changed his mind even once. I've heard ideas from Lyla including Wonder Woman, Rapunzel, Elsa, & a mermaid. It changes on the daily basis, so I told her we're going to wait a couple more weeks before making the final decision resulting in the big purchase. However, these kids are fortunate enough to have so many wonderful grandmas who treat them like royalty. Lyla may have let a costume idea slip during one of many in depth conversations with ol' granny and guess what? Surprise! A mermaid costume showed up at the front door. Max was delighted to find a Captain America costume for him as well. Costumes get used a whole bunch in this house, so they're a wise investment, but those grandmas are pretty sneaky! I hope I'm lucky enough to become one someday.

There has been a lot of Lyla stories on the blog lately and it's honestly by pure coincidence. I don't want anyone getting the idea there is a favorite child or anything...well, actually, it depends on the day. Hehee! I remember always nagging my mom with the question about who was her favorite child. She would always respond that I was her favorite daughter and Jake was her favorite son. That was an easy response considering she only had two kids. I would pressure her more by asking who she loved more, seems a little messed up now that I think of it. She would tell me how she loved us equally for different reasons. I never thought that made much sense but I get it now. I love you Max! I love you Lyla!  

Anyway, a little tidbit about Max to keep the blog balanced. He is really obsessed with Kirk's car lately. I think it's the main reason he chooses blue colored items whenever possible. Kirk gets home from work and Max immediately questions him about his "boooo car" [boooo = blue] He seems to think Kirk will forget to bring the car home one night or something. To Max's surprise, he is always happy to find it in the driveway. After confirming the status of the car, he usually moves onto questions Kirk's work shirt. He points to the "1488" logo and says the numbers in his cute little voice. Don't freak out --- he can't actually read, he was just taught that's what it says. He moves to Kirk's name embroidered on the opposite side of the shirt, he points to the letters and says "daddy." Then he looks to Kirk for confirmation that he got all the information correct. It really cracks me up! I want Kirk to have a real work shirt that has "daddy" embroidered on it instead of "Kirk." That would be great. 

Oh! Also, one more cool fact about Max. I discovered a way for him to eat all kinds of fruit, finally. I simply blend up raw fruit, pour it into a popsicle mold, and voila! It's a miracle! Thank you to Charli for the magical gift of a popsicle mold. Max no longer rejects fruit and he doesn't even know it. Now if we could only make some progress with this potty training gig, which has transformed into a terrifying & disgusting project. We're just going to keep on trying!

The first photo I'm sharing of Max is from the park. It appears his hair is wet --- yes, he is drenched in sweat. Crazy kid! And the second photo I love because it represents Max's versatile fashion choices.

Happy Belated Father's Day

Here's a little Father's Day recap for blog purposes...

Lyla was eager to wake up Kirk first thing in the morning to deliver his gift in bed. I forced her to let him sleep in, as she waited impatiently in the living room. She was basically walking in circles. And if she could tell time, she definitely would have been staring at the clock. Kirk is developing an internal alarm clock of an old man and his slumber only lasted until about 8:30. Poor fella.

We spent a lovely day together as a family doing what Kirk enjoys the most --- relaxing. Then we managed to get off our butts for Kirk's second favorite thing --- Mexican food & Margaritas! Lyla and I put together a photo book for Kirk with every single photo including him and the kids since the beginning of time. It was an extensive process going through the several folders of photos on my computer, but totally worth it. I know it was fun for Lyla to look at her newborn pictures, especially those first moments with her daddy. Those two had a special bond since day one. I'm so grateful to have Kirk by my side through this journey called parenthood. He is patient and level-headed. He keeps me sane. I know Kirk credits a lot of his greatness to his own father, who is a loyal husband, dedicated father, and an incredibly hard worker. 

I'm also grateful for my own Dad. I've been his favorite daughter my entire life and he's always been my numero uno. My tendency to think fast and act even faster comes from my him, along with his sarcastic and lighthearted attitude towards life. I have a handful of grandpas that have influenced my life more than they probably know. And shout out to all the other Dads out there choosing to not hide under a rock. You guys are awesome! 

I learned a few years back that Kirk is capable of braiding hair. I guess having four sisters will do that to you. Regardless, he earned some brownie points in my book. 

The Day Dad Made Pizza

It may be unknown to some that Kirk's lifelong dream is to start his own pizza shop. He believes it's his ultimate destiny and his love for pizza is no coincidence. He has brainstormed so many different ideas to create the best pizza experience imaginable. I honestly think if he didn't have a family to provide for he would quit his job and focus all his energy on pizza. Of course, he would also need to find a willing investor. Haha! Anyway, he started experimenting with some different recipes recently. He believes finding the perfect dough is the first step he needs to take in order to achieve his dreams. 

Sadly, his first attempts did nothing to satisfy our pallets and proved he still has a lot of work to do. At the very least it provided a few hours of entertainment, some bonding time with his Lyla girl, and lots of laughing as we watched Kirk try to master the art of tossing the dough. 

Sunday Funnies

Story 1:

Lyla has officially reached the age where she cannot be trusted with a secret. Kirk's been drooling over a pair of new shoes for several weeks, but refused to pull the trigger and buy them for himself. So, I figured it was a good opportunity to surprise him for Valentine's Day. I was super excited, especially since it gets increasingly more difficult for us to surprise each other as time goes on. The shoes arrived during the afternoon while Kirk was at work and upon their arrival, I expressed my excitement to Lyla and Max. I took the shoes out of the box to admire them, then quickly stored them in the upstairs closet, eager for Valentine's Day to come. 

Well. Here comes the part when I learned my lesson. 

Kirk walked in the door from work and not even one minute later Lyla says, "Mom, let's give Dad his Nike shoes." I gave her the look of death and told her to be quiet, unsure if Kirk was even paying attention. She responds to my reaction with another honest remark of, "Oh never mind, Dad. I can't tell you, it's a secret. Sorry." By this point Kirk is listening, half chuckling and half confused. Then Lyla, very assertively, walks up to Kirk and tells him the new shoes are black like his shirt. Ugh! He obviously knew she was talking about the shoes he has been wanting after she made that last comment. There was no point trying to bounce back at that point and he ended up getting his gift two days early. I was slightly disappointed in Lyla's lack of ability to keep a secret, but it was mostly hilarious. I guess I didn't actually expect a three year old to keep a secret. It's just the first time she has truly sabotaged me, so I was a bit stunned.

Story 2:

I know a lot of parenting experts frown upon the use of reverse psychology. Apparently it's cruel to play mind games with your children. However, my own experiences are leading me to believe otherwise. Max is going through a phase of wanting to do everything on his own. He is becoming very self aware. He is a big boy and he can do it himself. As such, he will likely do the exact opposite of anything you ask him to do. This story happens to relate to his eating habits, which seem to be evolving. He continues to eat most foods, but his ability to focus is lacking. He is easily distracted and it takes him f.o.r.e.v.e.r  to eat a full meal. However, if you tell him not to eat, he gets great satisfaction in doing the opposite. The other night he ate seven pieces of broccoli during dinner. This all happened because we told him not to. He thought it was hilarious to disobey. The gene of rebellion lives on!!! The reverse psychology trick didn't work long for Lyla. I think it only took her one day to realize we were trying to outsmart her and she can't have any of that! Max is still young and naive, so it is working out quite well on him. I'm going to take advantage of this trick for as long as I can. If I pay for psychological damage later in life from tricking my child into eating vegetables, so be it.

Story 3:

As many people already know, Kirk has bestowed his love for Superheroes to his children. Lyla and Max can recognize all the characters and have all their names memorized. Kirk is a proud father. Ha! DC Comics is the favored series in our house, Flash in particular for Kirk.  I've banned the "boom" game in the past, which is just lingo for playing superheroes. We still read lots of books, have lots of action figures, own several items of clothing, and watch all the movies. However, Max is beginning to comprehend the rules better, so the real life game is slowly making a comeback. 

Anyway, Kirk owns a Flash t-shirt. It was a gift from the kiddos for Christmas. At the request of Lyla, Kirk wore this shirt three days in a row after work. Initially, he attempted to avoid wearing the same shirt multiple days in a row by claiming it was dirty. Lyla didn't see this as an issue. She dug through the dirty clothes to find the shirt and put it in the washer. She even started it herself, although I'm sure there was no soap. Then she promptly transferred it to the dryer when it finished. Needless to say, Kirk wore the shirt again. 

 

Boom Town Hiatus

Today I did a very very bad thing. I took a trip down memory lane by looking at baby pictures of Lyla & Max. Holy crap. Now I've got that fever. Go away baby fever! Don't worry. My health will improve when the next meltdown happens. 

Speaking of meltdowns, we've been on a good streak lately. As long as everybody gets a proper nap, then we don't have any irrational break downs leaving someone lifeless on the floor. Yes, sometimes that lifeless person is me. It can get pretty dramatic around here. My only complaint right now is the hitting that occurs between siblings throughout the day. I can't blame them though because they've been inspired by this awesome game they play with dad every day when he gets home from work. 

It's a pretend super hero game called "boom town" and I dislike it very much. Actually, I enjoy it in the moment because all three of them really get into character. There is lots of hysterical laughing. Body slamming. Tackling dad. And BOOMING, of course. But no matter how you lay it down for a two year old and one year old, they just can't grasp that it's dad only game and it ends when dad says so. So I ended it. No more boom town because the non-stop booming the following day drives me insane. Maybe it can be reinvented when they are older and wiser. 

they really do get along, MOST of the time!

Lyla has outgrown most of her size 2T pants. She stills wears them, just looks like a super dork doing so. I purchased some new pants today in size 3T. I had to force myself to buy them because just by looking at the length and waist size at the store I thought they looked gigantic and there was no possible way they would fit her. Well, to my surprise, when she tried them on they fit perfectly. I told her to stop growing because it was going to make me cry. I made her stop for a picture and captured her expression perfectly as she said, "Yep, Mom. Daddy is going to cry too." 

I took it as a "just wait for what else I have in store for you" moment. 

If you don't find this hilarious, well then, apparently you had to be there. The stuff that is coming out of her mouth lately is cracking me up. 

Baseball Frenzy & Mom Time Outs

Saturday evening took us to downtown Houston for an Astros baseball game. We took the kiddos with very low expectations. I knew it could get ugly as we neared their bed times and I would feel satisfied if we lasted an hour, at best. To my surprise, they were so good and we didn't leave until the top of the ninth inning. I was feeling a little antsy myself by that point anyway. 

Lyla and Max don't shy away from big, loud events. They seemed so enchanted by all the people, the cheering, the music. The crowd sang "take me out to the ball game" and Lyla belted it out loudly, although she didn't even know the words. She had this undeniable sparkle in her eyes as she said, "let's sing that again!" They were busy bodies during the game, of course. Luckily, we had six seats for them to shuffle around, plus a little ice cream break! I think everybody had a really fun time. 

The night at the baseball field was good for me. I needed some family time beyond the daily cycle. This past week was a real doozy. The constant rain causing a bit of cabin fever, Lyla sleeping like a wild woman, and Max's top molars coming in have quite simply drained me to the point of exhaustion. Oh yes, and the preferred method of communication this week was just lovely. ----> Crying. Hitting. Biting. 

Ugh. I just wanted to scream "I CAN'T HANDLE THIS!!!" [runs away & hides]

But I can't do that. 

Because I am the adult. 

And being an adult is really sucky sometimes. 

I really do my best to embrace the chaos and find joy in the small moments, it's sorta my mantra. But there was very little of that going on this week. My ability to remain calm was vanishing quickly. I was feeling so defeated and pitiful, wishing I could call my mom and say "PLEASE come take these barbaric children for the afternoon!" I really miss that lady. She always rescues me when I need it most and I'm okay admitting that. That is exactly what moms are for, right!? 

Then I remembered the YMCA offers a "save our sanity" program twice a month for other like-minded moms nearing psychosis. I signed them up as quickly as possible. My three hours of freedom consisted of a pedicure, Starbucks frappuccino, and wandering around aimlessly in Barnes & Noble. I just needed to breathe. Without occasional breaks, I find the mom I want to be and the mom I actually am heading in opposite directions. And that isn't what I want. I want motherhood to be an amazing, fulfilling experience. AND USUALLY IT IS. As I said, this past week was just a killer. I am obviously venting here. 

Anyway, during my little mom time out it gave my some time to think, reflect, and observe. I noticed a woman in the parenting section at Barnes & Noble looking deeply into a book titled "Parenting Your Strong-Willed Toddler." It made me smile. I watched another woman chase her toddler around the children's section as he pulled books from shelves. It made me smile again. Then as I pulled in to the YMCA parking lot I sat in my car for a few minutes, questioning why I was picking them up an hour earlier than necessary. [The truth is I was bored without them! LOL] Anyway, I looked over to the car parked next to me and noticed another book laying in the front seat. It was titled "Sleeping Through the Night." All these signs were dropping like bombs! I walked inside the YMCA to pick up my babies, feeling like myself again. I watched them from the big glass window before making my appearance known. Lyla eventually saw me and gave me a big hug. She told me she missed me. It felt good to be missed. I missed them too.

All of these moments were quiet reminders to me that we are all connected. Knowing that we are all in this together brings me some peace. We all have struggles. We all have hard days. We all have fear and guilt brewing inside. I think it's okay to say, "somebody help me!" I think it's okay to admit that being a mom is hard. It wasn't meant to be easy.  Sure, there was a time I thought being a mom sounded like an easy, carefree gig. Being a mom is something I dreamed of becoming for as long as I can remember. And yes, some days are easy, run smoothly, and are full of smiles. Some days are not. And it is okay. We get to try all over again tomorrow.

I hope nobody perceives this blog post as me being a negative Nancy. Because 1. my name isn't Nancy, and 2.  I would be lying if I said my life was rainbows and unicorns. I want my blog to include the good days and the bad days. I want it to be real. I want it to be honest. Someday I will look back at all these entries and laugh, probably cry, and just maybe it will be a source of support when Lyla ventures into the world of motherhood for herself. 

Maxwell: 15 Month Check-Up

Maxwell passed another checkpoint on the growing scale and that means yet another doctor appointment and one more shot in the leg. We are getting pretty professional at these things. 

Weight: 24 pounds 6 oz, 50th percentile

Height: 31 3/4 inches, 90th percentile

Head: 18 1/2 inches, 75th percentile

He only gained four ounces since his last weigh in. I know. I'm thinking the same thing. Say whaaaat? How does that add up if he is literally always eating? [i just read on my little 15 month handout that I should not use food as a reward. hahahaha what a silly tip.] Anyway, he is definitely a very active little boy nowadays, so I guess he is just thinning out. The sumo wrestler in Max has retired. That's just how it is. 

Another thing boggling my mind is how do we [me & kirk]  have tall children?    

A few doctor appointment highlights include:

1. The one thing that continues to impress me with this doctor is his style of practice. As I said before, he is old school and it never feels rushed. I love how he involves Lyla in the appointment and asks her questions about being a big sister. He gives her tips on how to deal with brothers who steal toys. I can tell she really listens to him. It is nice having someone new to explain those tough little brother situations because she has definitely learned to tune this mom voice out if she pleases. 

2. The doctor was surprised that Max has never visited his office for an illness. He commented that 90% of babies age 9-15 months go to the doctor at some point for an illness that requires an antibiotic. I don't know if that is a legit statistic, but hearing it was enough to make me happy. Max has never suffered through any flu symptoms, ear infections, asthma issues, allergic reactions, or other common crap that seems to attract the baby immune system. I'm definitely grateful for his health. 

3. Max doesn't like cow milk. I'm not overly concerned about it because A. he just barely made the no boob adjustment and B. like most things with toddlers, I know he will eventually surrender and [do i dare say it?] like milk! The doctor suggested I flavor the milk with chocolate or strawberry. I was surprised to hear this suggestion come from a doctor. I actually think it's a brilliant idea, just surprised is all. I need to be more consistent about offering it to him.

4. The doctor kept calling Max "so laid back" during his check up. I am only including this small bit of information in this blog entry because Kirk is extra pleased with the reputation his little man seems to be building for himself. It must be that "like father like son" mentality that makes him proud. Lol. Also, Max didn't cry or even flinch after his shot. I mean come on, Max. I was at least expecting a little wimper, but nothing. not a peep. 

However, I did hear him let out a loud & unusual scream immediately after laying him down for his afternoon nap. Afterwards, I discovered the band-aid from earlier pressed against the sheets in his crib and assumed he probably ripped that thing off. Haha. 

To visit Max's previous check up please click here. 

Max's First Hair Cut

Kirk finally discovered a way to punish me for going to Target. I'm kidding. Well. Kind of.

I left the house Saturday night with an actual purpose [<- rare] for going to Target and when I returned I was shocked to see Max sitting on the bathroom counter and Kirk buzzing his hair. Max was very content, just watching in the mirror with a look of admiration on his face. 

My immediate question to Kirk was, "what in the world are you doing?!?" 

In a very Kirk-esque fashion he responded with, 

"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm cutting his hair." 

I don't think Kirk expected this simple procedure to make me so emotional. It is just hair. I am at peace with it now. However, initially I went into panic mode. To me, cutting that handful of hair symbolized Max making another small transformation into toddlerhood. I like to prepare myself for such events. It's not easy for me to "let go" of my baby. I kept thinking about how some of those strands of hair probably started growing while he was still in the womb. 

Ahh, just writing this is making me feel a little sad again. Breathe. Lol. 

I continued to tell Kirk that this is something we should have talked about. And more importantly, something I should have been present for. Although I did get to watch the last half of the hair cut. Kirk defended himself by claiming we did talk about cutting his hair. Hmm, I remember that conversation going like this. 

Me: Max's hair is getting a little long. Do you think we should cut it or let it grow?

Kirk: We should probably cut it soon.

Me: I think we should let it grow out for a little bit longer.

THE END. I must have missed the part of the conversation where we agreed to cut his hair. 

Oh well. As I said before, I am okay now. Max looks pretty adorable manly with his new cut. I'm sure it won't be the last emotional rite of passage I will experience as a mother. For example, I often think about when Lyla will want the  baby nursery decor removed from her room. I will of course surrender to her request, but it will be tough for me. 

It was a bonding experience for Kirk and Max. 

And I am happy his dad was the one to give him his first hair cut.