Willa's hair has finally grown out long enough to hold a barrette. Never mind that it's the single smallest barrette on the market IT'S A BARRETTE AND IT'S IN HER HAIR. I have been waiting quite a while for this moment. While I'll admit to sticking the occasional toddler hair accessory on Lowell's head it was always a furtive and almost desperate act. He looked so cute with them on but it was a cuteness that dared not speak its name. When I found out I was having a girl almost immediately I was having pigtail fantasies. I can't explain this, but I know some of you out there are nodding your heads. You get it. You understand that there is probably an entire branch of evolution devoted to little girls with barrettes in their hair. Like a panda's thumb. Part of me feels bad for even making a big deal out of this. My feminist super-ego is a bit disappointed that I'm so invested in the accoutrements of the patriarchy. But I am truly helpless. So even after understanding all of this about myself I was still blown away by the way a tiny little piece of metal and plastic in Willa's hair made me feel. She looked up at me after I snapped it into place and smiled and my heart melted into a small, red pool.
I couldn't wait for Matthew to get home. I didn't mention the barrette when we talked on the phone that day because I wanted it to be a surprise. When he walked in the door and saw her he looked up at me and there were tears in his eyes. TEARS. I can't explain the joy but it was abundant and sweet.
I'm making felt flower barrettes right now and I'll be there tomorrow.
Posted by: kara | May 21, 2010 at 08:16 AM
I can't believe you made me tear up, but I have two boys so I'll never know this joy!
Posted by: FreeRange Pamela | May 21, 2010 at 10:04 AM
India will be so happy! We have barrettes that don't fit her hair and she's been wanting to give them to Willa for months. How she even remembers Willa at this point is beyond me. I think the last time she saw her was at the river last fall.
Posted by: Claudia | May 21, 2010 at 10:28 AM
Oh my god, so sweet.
Posted by: jagosaurus | May 21, 2010 at 12:23 PM
Oh I can totally relate. Totally. Charlotte views barettes as being similar to a kidney transplant without anestesia. I have tried multiple times. I have tried pigtails. She clearly hates The Man/me. Sad.
Posted by: jenB | May 21, 2010 at 02:56 PM
SIGH. Simone is practically a tween (ok, she is two + almost four months) and still we are nowhere near barrette territory. Someday. Someday.
Posted by: Alexa | May 21, 2010 at 04:21 PM
Aw Pamela - my sister (see comment above yours) is in the same boat. Hope you have nieces nearby to spoil rotten.
Claudia - for real? We'll take 'em! So funny India wants to give them to her.
Thanks, Jaggy!
Jen - I am sure this is my destiny. Will use a stapler if it comes to that.
Alexa - Your day will come. And then I will pass our barrettes on to Simone.
Posted by: LetterB | May 21, 2010 at 11:03 PM
In my second annual photograph as a child, my mother put a bow in my hair. When I asked why it looked funny, she admitted that it had been taped there. *Sigh*
By the way, Willa looks delightful.
-Gina
Posted by: GCD | May 22, 2010 at 09:56 AM
Thanks, Gina. I bet that is one cute picture.
Posted by: LetterB | May 23, 2010 at 07:38 PM
Oh fabulous. But why does she not rip it from her hair like my child? Oh lucky you - voice of envy.
Posted by: Anne | May 24, 2010 at 08:00 PM
I so get this. I am a full-on feminist, but there's something about my little toddler with her hair all done up pretty that melts my heart. Sometimes Roo dresses in her brother's hand-me-downs, and it's so cute and awesome, she looks like such a little toughie. But then on days that she's in some pretty girl hand-me-downs from a friend, I feel all warm inside in a totally different way.
Posted by: E. | May 24, 2010 at 11:24 PM
Anne - of course she does. I just keep about 5 in my pockets at all times and put one right back in until she forgets about it. VICTORY WILL BE MINE.
E. - maybe we should start a support group - Feminists for Froufrou. I might actually do it if only to design the symbol - maybe a fist clutching a doily? I'm on it.
Posted by: LetterB | May 25, 2010 at 12:42 PM
I'll join.
Posted by: E. | June 05, 2010 at 09:14 PM
Totally clueless to the meaning behind "the barrette," but I'll assume it is something like sending your daughter on her first date, or to college, so in that way, it was touching.
Posted by: Neil | June 10, 2010 at 05:07 AM
I want to comment on you momku and I tried to join but every user name remotely close to mine has apparently been taken- anyway- perfect wife momku nearly made me lose control- where are the Depends when I need them! So funny- thanks for the laugh!
Posted by: KGotdon | June 21, 2010 at 07:08 PM