Only if you call it a 'trim'

Let the negotiations begin! The conditions needed to be met for Ian to agree to get his haircut was a mile long and completely out of control. It all started harmlessly by telling Ian he could have a lollipop. Then he'd ask for two. Give an inch and he'd take a mile.

Before you knew it, this is what had to happen before Ian would get anywhere near a Cartoon Cuts:

1. 2 lollipops (and one of them better be blue!)
2. No robe will be worn or even a towel around his neck
3. Do not call it a haircut, only a 'trim'
4. No scissors can be used, only the electric razor
5. Thomas the Tank Engine (specifically "Calling All Engines") had be on the tv
6. One hand held the lollipop, the other must be holding trains
7. Directly afterwards going to the candy store Fair Oaks Mall opened for specially chosen colored m&m's
8. Only Abby can do the cut
9. Must be sitting on mommy or daddy's lap

It's surprising to learn that we'd go through this ridiculous exercise on average once every 2 months, since Ian was 12 months old. Seriously. And, even with all the conditions met, it wouldn't guarantee that Ian would sit still and be a well-behaved boy. Oh no! Either me or my husband (usually me because I was the lucky one to take him during the week) would have to use our arms and legs to wrap around his body and try to keep him still. All the while, the haircut was occurring, Ian would scream "NOOOOOOOOOO", "It's over", "We're done" Or, "Time to go" at the top of his lungs while crying and working his way out of our hold. Abbey is a pro and amazingly was able to work her magic fast and get us out of there in under 10 minutes, with his head looking completely even.

Somewhere about 3 haircuts ago, Ian all of sudden stopped asking for his list of demands when the mention of getting a haircut came up. It was a Saturday and tears came to my eyes watching Ian (who announced he could sit in the chair all on his own) doing his absolute best trying to sit still with a robe on and a towel around his neck. I never thought I would see the day that Ian became mature enough to handle the haircut experience like every other little boy and girl out there.

I guess no one knows Ian better than he knows himself. He knew when he'd be ready to do it on his own and not need a list of bribes to be met. Ian still only wants Abbey to cut his hair, but I have to agree with him on this one. She and Binh are the best stylists at Cartoon Cuts. And, now believe it or not, during the last visit, Abbey was even able to pull out her scissors. This is great news for someone like me, who is dying to give Ian a real style to his hair. We are currently a work in progress on creating something very cute.

After what we've been through, it's hard to imagine we are now at the point where Ian is requesting to get his haircut. As I was saying good-bye to him at camp this morning, he didn't ask to go to the pool when I come to pick him up or to go to Chuck E. Cheese or go bowling. He said, "Mommy, can Abbey cut my hair today after lunch bunch?"

We've come a long way baby!