Theo and the Temescal Alley Barbershop

A few weeks ago I took Theo to the Temescal Alley Barber Shop in Oakland to get his first real haircut -- aka not a bowl cut from Grandma. Remember when Lucas was a total champ getting his first barbershop haircut? Theo was still using a paci!

When we first arrived Theo seemed totally stoked on getting a haircut -- we talked about it in the car on the way there and he was excited. But when it was his turn, he started crying screaming that he did not want a haircut and refused to sit in the chair. The barber was so nice and tried everything but nothing worked. I stayed calm and told him we would take a break, get some donut holes (because they cure everything, right?) from Pizzaiolo next door and try again after that.

Miraculously, that little break (and maybe the donut holes too) did the trick and Theo was ready to get back in the chair, this time with a big smile.

Bowl cut be gone! Though I must say I secretly kind of miss it -- made him still look like my baby guy.

Look! It says Theo!

And then this happened -- Theo move a tiny bit and the clipper's buzzing sound got super loud for 2 seconds and scared him. Poor guy!

Signature Theo rocker face on the right.

He looks so grown up with his new haircut!

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Lucas and the Temescal Alley Barbershop

Lucas usually gets his hair cut by my amazing stylist/friend Lizzy at Veer & Wander. She's so awesome that she's always booked! Too busy for a last minute cut, I had to find an alternative as Lucas' hair was getting longer by the hour.

I decided to try the Temescal Alley Barbershop in Oakland. Okay, this place is just rad. It's a modern barbershop that offers traditional services including straight razor shaves and kids haircuts (score!). They are cash only and don't accept appointments (walk-ins only). With both kids in tow, I was a little hesitant when they told me the wait would be about an hour to an hour and a half. But between the huge cookie I got the kids from The CRO Cafe next door, the strawberries/blueberries I brought (my secret weapon for Theo), the long alley, the benches with cool dudes waiting for cuts (thanks for entertaining my kids!), the bocce ball court at Pizzaiolo, the dirty puddles, and the flying pigeons, they were pretty busy for a while.

You know how relieved I was when they called Lucas' name? Rob was Lucas' stylist and he could not have been more kid friendly -- chatted it up with Lucas about superheroes and cars, his two current obsessions.

I was so proud of Lucas who sat super still the entire time after patiently waiting for his turn.

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