Me on Monday -

For nearly six years now, I go through phases that are clearly related to pregnancy and having young children and babies. When I'm pregnant, my normally unmanageable, frizzy hair becomes fuller, thicker and, a little less frizzy. I swear, I don't lose one strand of hair when I'm pregnant. Then, I give birth and several months later, start the lovely phase of massive shedding (trust me, that is the understatement of the decade). Add to that a baby that is either pulling my hair, holding onto it for support, or using it as a lovey on good days and as a burp cloth on others. I end up wearing my hair pulled back into a pony tale and severely lack any sort of fashion or style. This results in the need for a major hair cut and make-over.

So, for over a year now, I've been been growing out my hair. I expected the same results and planned ahead to get it cut once I had at least 10 inches. Why ten you ask? Well, that is the minimum amount that can be donated to Locks Of Love, an organization that uses the donations to make wigs for children suffering from hair loss. In doing my research for donation requirements, I also came across Pantene Beautiful Lengths. Hair donations to Pantene's organization go to women fighting breast cancer. The requirements for Pantene are actually a little less (only 8 inches are needed for them). With that in mind, I decided I was ready NOW!

So, on Saturday, Madelyn accompanied me (and played the role as Event Photographer) to the salon to get my cut. She has also been growing her hair out. In fact, in 5 1/4 years, she's never had a real hair cut. It is my hope to encourage her (and many of you) to do the same. So, here I am...