She didn't even flinch

Tatum got her ears pierced on her 5th birthday. Quinn had always said she had to be at least 12. My opinion was that if she's old enough to want it, starts to ask for it, and if she understands that there's pain involved, I'm fine with it. But I had to defer to Quinn on this one. And Tate didn't really bring it up all that often. Then suddenly one day Quinn said, "Well, how about we do it for your birthday?" and surprised us both.

Braiden held Tate's hand the whole time, even while they were marking her ears. He also gave opinions on which earrings she should choose. He suggested plain diamond-looking ones, but Tate chose pink.

She held perfectly still, was thoroughly excited, and didn't make a peep. No flinching, no wincing, just a slight nervous look in her eyes, but she was all smiles as the earrings went in.

The Best Seat in the House

Never mind the big, fat TV downstairs (the one Quinn spent years talking me into getting—the one that looks like it's going to jump off of the wall and eat you). Tatum's favorite spot to relax is on our bed, in the middle of the big pillows (some days I wonder why I make the bed at all), watching the tiny TV that sits on top of the dresser.

Here's to the Sweet Tooth

Chocolate. Teague loves it. I was going to keep him off of junk food, particularly sweets, until he's at least two because I read in a book that kids are less likely to develop a sweet tooth if you do (and the sweet tooth is the bane of my existence!). So I wanted to spare Teague the torture. But thanks to the one-year birthday cake, the slippery slope began. He now begs for chocolate. And I now say yes when people want to give my baby a cookie.

It's Finally Hot Enough

It's been such a cold spring that we were thrilled to have a hot day. After we went on a walk, Tatum wanted to play in the water. She got out the slip 'n slides and didn't even mind that both are worn and ripped. She just hosed them down and slid anyway.

Teague had a love/hate relationship with the hose. He loves the water but was surprised at how cold it was, and the hose can be tricky. He played hard and then had a nap and slept like a drunk. He usually only does an hour in the afternoon, but today he did 2 1/2.

It can be tough to get a good shot of Tatum because if she sees the camera, she poses. It's cute, but the candids are my favorites.