Proud mama

Took the kids to get their hair cut yesterday. Oliver went first, Natalie was playing with the train tables. By the time she got called back, she was in a shitastic mood (probably hungry, it was close to lunchtime, and she had been trying to play nicely/share with a younger boy, but he was being a total brat and I think she'd finally had enough, but still). No major tantrum, but I had to put her in the chair, and she glared the whole time. Storm cloud face, wouldn't say a word except about how much she hated the glitter the woman put in her hair (for the record, it was really fine, like pixie dust, and looked so cute in the sun). Then was pissed because I wouldn't buy her a toy as we were leaving. As if.

Took them to IHOP for lunch, as it was next door. She perked up after eating, and was very chatty/polite with an old couple across from us - rare for her - she's cautious around strangers. As we were leaving, she told me "I'm really sorry for being mean in the hair place. I'm SO sorry. I'm very sorry". I told her I forgave her, then told her that she really made that old couple's day by speaking to them so nicely (they mentioned that they missed having little ones around).

Then she looked at me and said "Mommy, could you take me back to the hair place so I can tell that lady I'm sorry?". I told her sure, absolutely. Wasn't expecting much because I expected her to get shy - I was just impressed that she even thought to do that. Damned if she didn't walk in, go up to Crystal (the lady who cut their hair) and said "I'm sorry for being mean to you. I really like my haircut". This other woman's kids were just finishing up - she was there when Natalie got pissy - we were commiserating over girly attitudes. She asked how I got Natalie to do that, and I told her I had nothing to do with it - it was her idea. She commented "Many adults wouldn't come back and do that".

I was in tears. Seriously heart bursty - just so very, very proud of her. We all know how difficult it can be to apologize and admit when we are wrong - that she did it of her own volition, and to a stranger no less, just bowled me over. I gave her lots of positive praise of course - I wanted her to know that I know apologizing when we are wrong isn't an easy thing to do, but it is the right thing, and very very grown-up.

Later that evening, oh-so-earnestly, she told me "Mommy, I was really proud of you today for taking us to have brekkus (breakfast) for lunch".

God, I love that child.