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Snip, Snip: So Long, Baby Mullet

A trip to the mall led to Ava's first haircut—and a train ride, to boot.

I cheated. I feel awful about it. In fact, she doesn't even know.

Yes, I said she. I didn't cheat on my husband, silly. Nope, I cheated on my hairstylist (and good friend) Jennifer. You see, I took Ava to get her first haircut. I hadn't planned on going elsewhere for this extra special occasion, but when we walked by Snippet's last week while shopping at Yorktown, I took one look at that mullet and decided it was time: Ava was going to get the mop chopped. Like it or not.

This place was cute. Decorated like an underwater scene from a Disney movie, they had seats galore to choose from: a train, a taxi, a horse, etc. And each chair was seated directly in front of a TV. Even better!

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No surprise that Ava went straight for the "Neigh" (horse). Once she was "saddled in," the gal offered Ava a sucker and got to work with her comb and shears. Ava could not have cared less about what was going on with her hair; there was way more excitement around that sucker and the TV in front of her blasting "Elmo's World." The creators of this place are brilliant!

Not even five minutes later, she was all done and we were at the counter to pay. Quickest 20 bucks I've ever spent—and not a single tear. I didn't cry, either! Two for two, baby!

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Meanwhile, baby Jack snoozed away in his carrier. I couldn't have asked for a less painful experience!

As a treat to my newly coiffed kid, we ventured further into the mall to take a peek at Santa and the other kid-friendly stuff that she could ride/play on.

Clearly I was not thinking straight. To venture into a shopping mall with a newborn, and a 2-year-old was nuts—especially when I was still licking my wounds from the whole birth fiasco. Thankfully, I had a puppy backpack on Ava (a.k.a. the Mommy harness) so I could snap her back if she got the clever idea to go postal. Little angel didn't even try. And thank goodness. I always made fun of those "kiddy leashes," but now that I am a mom, I totally get it.

We made our way to see Santa in no time. She took one look at went for cover. What is it about Santa that is so scary to little ones? Don't they know he packs major loot?

So, on we went.

As I scanned across the atrium area, I immediately saw the train ride. Before I could even try to avoid it, she saw it. "Ooooh! Train trakth!" she squealed, and ran straight for it. How could I say no? She was so cute, admiring the train as it went round and round.

The sign said rides were $1, so I went to buy one. Just my luck, I had exactly 80 cents in my wallet. (Absolutely no bills, only credit cards.) How embarrassing. As I was about to throw in the towel on the train, I looked at that sweet face saying "Pa-weeeese Mommy." How do you say no to that?

"Where is an ATM?" I asked the girl operating the ride. She was kind enough to tell me to come back later with 20 cents and we'd call it even. What an angel! I hope Santa saw that! She deserves a snuggie for that good deed!

So little Ava climbed aboard and didn't stop smiling until she passed out on the car ride home. And as for Jack? He didn't catch a glimpse of a single thing that morning, the little snoozer.

Not a bad morning! Each day I gain more confidence in my ability to manage a toddler and a newborn. I have to give credit to the kids, though. They're pretty great. I know they'll have their revenge on me when they hit 13. Until then, I'll enjoy days like this.

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