{what? a 5 year old with an opinion?}

I admit, I've had it good.

My girls are 5 1/2, and I've picked out their clothes every day of their life...and they've let me with nary a complaint or word about it.  Lately they've wanted to wear more skirts, which I've obliged, but other than that, I have free reign.  I realize that this is not commonplace among the 5 year old set, but considering my penchant for wanting things my way (I know, you're shocked), it's been a good thing. For everyone.

Clothes?  No problem.

Shoes?  Whatever I want them to wear.

Hair? That's a whole other story.

Every morning they hop up on my bathroom counter to get their hair done.  It's a higher counter, which has been lovely as far as hair-styling goes, except now the girls are so tall I can't see the tops of their heads.  (We might have to change locations, into the kids' bathroom, or as Kate tells me everyday, I need to get a stool. ) 

Kate is going to be my fashionista, I think.  She knows EXACTLY how she wants her hair, and puts in her order each day.  Sometimes it's flipped up, sometimes it's curled under, and other times she wants it as straight as I can get it.  She really wants long and very straight hair, and she has been growing it out for about 7 or 8 months. It started out very short and stacked, so although she has a ways to go, she is very determined. Her favorite style?  Two LONG ponytails--she wants them to flow behind her when she runs. When I'm finished, she looks in the mirror, turns to the side, purses her lips, and asks me if she can wear a little lipstick to school. Great, only eight more years (at least) until I can say yes.

Emma is a little more easygoing, but still knows what she likes.  She prefers the one ponytail look, and after we had to brush out the tangles that were in her hair this past week, informed me she was done with long hair--she was ready to get it cut short again. She has already asked me several times when we're going in to see Marci.  Soon, very soon. I think she is coming to terms with her curly hair, especially now that I've worn my hair curly a lot more than I ever have before.  She likes to count the ways that "we're the same", and now she can add hair to the list.  I absolutely love her hair, and I think she's lucky to have all that fabulous curl!

I'm still in the game, though.  I choose the ribbon/flower for the day, and sometimes it needs to be a "mommy day".

It's funny--I've always wanted my girls to be individuals, and to know who they are and what they like, regardless of trend or what other people say. I have always been very independent, and I want that for my girls too.

I guess I just didn't think about what that would mean for me. :)