So Mike and I ended 2018 with two very important firsts for Caroline: her first haircut and her first rock concert. In that order! Vivienne came along for both, in true little sister style.

Caroline’s hair had started looking a bit unkempt and I got a referral for Salam, a toddler girl hair stylist from a friend of a friend who has little girls in the area.

So after nap time, off we went! Salam was busy so we kindly popped into Duck Donuts to eat a delicious donut before the big event.

Then, it was Caroline’s turn…Salam propped a little booster seat on the chair and Caroline climbed right up, no problem, with all the confidence in the world.

She squirted water on Caroline’s hair and we chatted a bit about the length. She agreed to take off about an inch, evening it all out. Caroline sat perfectly still, admiring herself in the mirror. Mike tried to calm his nerves. Salam started snipping and everyone breathed a sigh of relief…it was going to be OKAY.

She kindly offered me the first few pieces she cut, so I could take them home safely for Caroline’s memory box. I know…I am such a strange ranger.

Salam kept chatting and snipping, snipping and chatting…she kept having me help Caroline look down, so we pretended Elmo was on the floor. 😉

Caroline loved watching Salam. She was still and quiet and Mike and I were surprised that this was our kid!

The blow dryer tickled and made her laugh!

All done! Whew–we still had some curls left!

At the end of it all, Caroline got more than an inch cut off but she looked adorable! I was happy, she was happy, and Mike was happy. Caroline even got to select her very own lollipop and she received a First Haircut certificate. I really think Mike should have received one of those…it was clearly more traumatic for him than for her.

The next day was New Year’s Eve and our weather was less than stellar…cold, grey, and raining. But I’d pre-purchased tickets for all FOUR of us and you know that means we were going! We packed up the family and headed to Jammin’ Java for the Rocknocerous NYE Rock Concert, Ball Drop, and…you guessed it…apple juice toast!!

As we walked in the door and got our hands stamped (yes, this was a legit concert, only for toddlers + their caregivers), Caroline immediately started dancing and made a beeline for the stage where a small army of 3 and 4 year olds decked out in party attire were dancing away.

Well I never.

Who knew this was THE place to be on NYE? It was a mob scene of delight and excitement and just so much jumping. I was impressed by any adult who was brave enough to drink a beverage among the melee of toddlers clad in tutus, sparkly headbands, and light up shoes.

Caroline loved every minute of it. Vivienne slept through every minute of it. And when the countdown began and the Dixie cups of apple juice were passed out, Caroline skipped numbers 10-1 and opted instead to repeat # 2 until we got to yell HAPPY NEW YEAR and sip our juice.

After the concert, we headed to Lee and Raul’s for some delicious chicken chili, champagne, and toddler fun.

Roman Noodle even helped keep Vivi Kate happy!

All in all, it was a great way to close out 2018!