Tattoo Baby

Seth loves temporary tattoos. He is always saying, "Want tattoo." It's turned into a whole ritual with him and Mark. I think Mark secretly relishes Seth's budding love of skin art. It is strangely similar to getting a real tattoo. This is how it goes:

Seth casually begins asking for a tattoo. Gradually over the next few days the frequency increases until it seems a tattoo is all Seth can think about. He and Mark will look through the stack and choose one. Right now, we have a bunch of Ed Hardy temporary tatts that range from birds, to bees to fish. Sometimes Seth chooses quickly and other times he ponders. (It's a big decision, you know.) Once the design has been chosen, they decide where to put it. Usually, it's on the arm but sometimes the chest or belly. Mark will roll up Seth's sleeve and put a damp cloth over the design. To which Seth responds with "Ouch. It hurts." sometimes accompanied by some whimpering. It doesn't really hurt - he even says he's fine. It's just part of their little game. Don't ask me how he knows tattoos hurt, but somehow he knows. Then, Mark peels off the paper and reveals the design. They both admire it and Seth shows it off to anyone who will look. Sometimes he talks his way into one for the other arm too. Over the next few weeks the tattoo will fade away and the process will start over.

These things have come a long way from the things I used to get in Cracker Jacks as a kid. They are very realistic looking, vegetable based and all natural, and last for weeks!

I'm not sure how I feel about that perfect baby skin having skulls and such on it. Seth calls it "Halleen (Halloween) Tattoo" because it reminds him of a skeleton, which makes it a bit better. And how can I disagree with something Seth and Daddy love doing together?