It’s the little things in life that really make life grand. Today was one of those days.
Typically I cut John Paul and Michael’s hair at home to save time, to save money, and because I can do it. But today we ventured out to try a local barber shop to get my boys ready for our 4th of July vacation.
I asked some of the Auburn-Opelika Moms Blog Contributors where I should take my one year old to get a hair cut, and someone suggested Ledbetter’s Barber Shop in Opelika. We gave it a try and I am so pleased with the result and the experience!
Upon arrival, I felt like I was stepping in to Mayberry. On the outside, the barber shop has more of a “house” look than a “shop” look, and it really did feel homey. When we walked in, three men were “shootin’ the breeze” which made me feel like I was stepping out of a “big city” into a “small town.” Having grown up in a big city, it’s not everyday that you feel truly “at home” and like a “local.” I felt that here.
There was no wait which was pretty remarkable to me for a Saturday.
John Paul was the first to get his hair cut. I took before and after pictures of course. Since I’ve cut his hair before, I knew he’d do pretty good but I wasn’t sure how he’d feel being in a new environment and have someone other than mom cut his hair. He did great. John Paul sat on my husband’s lap while the barber trimmed away. John Paul watched a video on my phone. Occasionally, he looked up at the barber to see what was going on but overall did a fantastic job. No tears for this little guy.
Before we knew it, he was all finished. John Paul got his summer cut and left looking much older.
Next was Michael, my husband’s, turn. I don’t think I need to bore you with the details. The barber did a great job on Michael’s hair and was super speedy, which was great because John Paul was ready to go, go, go.
While this seemed like an ordinary activity to do on an ordinary Saturday, for me there was just something special about the whole experience. It was the highlight of my day.
It was a special thing for us to spend the extra money to get the boys a haircut. I wanted to do it to try out a local place and to have a new experience. I’m glad we did it.
The simplicity, the normalcy, of the whole experience, really did make it a memorable thing for me. While it’s not a big deal for most to go to a barber shop, this trip was special. My little boy was getting his first big boy haircut from a real barber. He looked so grown up afterwards. He looks like a different little boy.
It made me realize how quickly they grow up. How quickly they learn.
To see my little guy try something new, to have a new experience, it meant the world to me.
To see my little guy be so brave and so big, it made me a proud mama.
John Paul is only 14 months. Today I realized just how quickly he’s growing up and how much more we have to look forward to.
To all the mamas out there who think that these ordinary, simply, daily events are just another task to check off the list…. they’re not.
These are memories and moments that can last forever. These are snippets of our children’s lives that are worth holding on to.
So, to the barber shop in Mayberry, thank you!
