You can do that??

Yesterday I took an hour and a half off of work to get my hair cut and highlighted. I've always thought I was lucky to have a job that allowed me the freedom to come and go like this because there's no way I have the nerve to bring Anna with me and expect her to fully cooperate the entire time. Not even for a quick haircut! How can I chase her around with my hair cape flying in the wind? Talk about an uneven cut.

So you can imagine my incredible AWE when I witnessed this woman pleasantly getting her hair colored, while her 14 month old and 3 year old sat patiently for around 2.5 hours!! I mean, no fussing no fighting, no running, no screeching. This woman even had the nerve to have calm, fun conversations with her stylists as she was getting her scalp massaged and hair washed in the seat next to me.

Me to my colorist: I know you're only 20 but do you comprehend the magnitude of what's going on over there? Let me explain why I thought this kind of thing didn't happen in this universe. Where do these kids come from?

My colorist: Yeah, actually that's impressive.

Me: Well if she's a SAHM I guess she just has done it lots of times before because she had to make it work, so these kids just must be good at behaving themselves?? Just used to it?? It's the double edged sword I have with Anna. I have anxiety about taking her out when I need calmness or patience or I need to think. So she usually stays home with Daddy or I do this stuff by taking off of work! Do you think this mom knows how good these kids are being? It's amazing!

Colorist: I have a two year old brother...blah blah blah....

Later I got close to the mom and had to snoop. It's something I've taken to since Anna's been born. Normally I'm not a talker :)

Me to mom: your kids are amazingly well-behaved!

Mom: Yeah, I'm really shocked! I've never done something like this so this was a test to see what would happen. I was so nervous about this!

Ah...OK so some moms do just take the plunge and try it. Even with tin foil in their hair, knowing they can't get up and chase their 3 year old when she decides to run off. Even when she has to sit under the hair dryer for 15 min.

Surely her 14 month old must be down to one nap per day? Or surely she can nap in public in her stroller (unlike Anna)?

I am a fully accomplished, intelligent, motivated, respected individual. Bringing my 19 month old to a place where I myself have to be still and good is a challenge beyond my comprehension. Even though Anna's not a difficult toddler...she's just: A TODDLER.

I am amazed at the whole show that went on there yesterday. Truly amazed and it's just a reminder of how all kids and families are just different. It also again makes me question my perception of what I think is difficult about having a 19 month old. Maybe it truly isn't as hard as I'm making it in my mind?

My colorist and I agreed to bring Anna next time just to see what would happen. But oh yeah, with SpaceDaddy in the waiting room for back-up. Ha!