Kilz, Magic Erasers, and One Very Sneaky Kid

This past summer Shane and I painted the entire basement, although if we are being honest it was mostly me. I went through almost ten gallons of Kilz because Noah had turned the walls into his personal obstacle course. There were dents, dings, mystery smudges, and things I am fairly certain were not from this planet. After the putty and spackling, I felt as if I had earned a medal.

Shane and I sat Noah down for a serious discussion about marking the walls. For a brief and magical moment, peace reigned. Then yesterday I spotted fresh pen marks on the steps to the basement.

I asked Noah who put the marks there. He stared at me with the blank expression of someone deciding whether honesty was worth the effort. I tried again and asked why he would mark up my wall. He replied, “Pen,” which told me he knew exactly what crime we were discussing.

I informed him that we were about to use a magic eraser and some cleaning wipes to see if he could remove it. Minutes later he was already sitting on the steps, waiting. He knew exactly where the scene of the crime was and what was expected of him.

Sometimes we all wonder how much Noah understands when we ask him something or give him directions. Then moments like this happen, and it becomes very clear that he knows exactly what we are talking about. He simply enjoys pretending he does not understand. I am not sure which is more frustrating, the act itself or the fact that he performs it so well.

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