Growing out my hair

After Yorlee was born, I experienced EXTREME hair shedding and some damage.  My first thought was to run to a hair salon and get it assessed and relaxed.  After browsing some natural hair websites and picking up a few ingredients from Whole Foods, I decided to try to mend my hair on my own.  I must say, it's going extremely well.

I still have very thin edges, but I know that in time they will grow back.  The shedding has come to an end, so now I'm trying to retain the growth and protect my hair from the elements.  I've been wearing protective styles, and limiting combing/brushing/heat, and it seems to be going well.  My goal length would be close to waist length.  I'm currently at arm pit length.  The hardest part has been trying to find a regimen that fits my hair type/curl pattern.  My curls shrink tremendously when wet, and I tend to lose patience early on during the detangling/styling process. It is important for me to come to really know how to care for my hair, as I also need to care for Yorlee's hair.

This is where I'm at now:

(My hair was straightened in this picture)

New hairstyle

After looking back on all of my belly pics, I noticed that I NEVER had my hair down!  That is so weird.  In the first trimester I was too tired to do anything but pull it back.  In the second trimester I got it braided, so now that I'm in the third trimester, I figured I should get it done.  And oh what a difference!  I feel SO much better, it's like my self-esteem has been boosted.  Who thought I'd miss the hassle of doing my hair?  Not I.....

Just a small disclaimer: it's my real hair, no weave/extensions, and I don't have a chemical relaxer.  It was blown dry and flat ironed/curled.  I usually don't do curls, but I was feeling spontaneous today.  And I feel great!!  Woo-hoo!  Hopefully I can keep up with it, we'll see.....