Two Faces With Braces

This week my two oldest children got braces. WOW! They are in pain and no one is eating--well, except for macaroni and cheese and milkshakes. Tyler has an expander on the roof of his mouth, in addition to the braces. No fun. He is quite unhappy with us. He says he doesn't care if his teeth are crooked. "No one makes fun of me at school and I'm pretty athletic, so I don't need straight teeth," he says. Audrey is a little bit sore and tempermental, but doesn't complain. She is more self-conscious and wants straight teeth.
I think the braces make them look older, which makes me a bit sad. Where does the time go? I honestly feel like it's only been a few years since they were my babies. Oh well. Someday our kids will be grateful for their beautiful smiles, no matter what they say right now.