Knowing Better
Some months ago, a good friend of ours chuckled when I asked if I was allowed to start calling Asher a toddler. "He doesn't walk," she said. "And he doesn't know how to say no."
Well, Asher still doesn't do either of those things, even if he is close. But he sure wants to walk, and he sure understands the word no.
Last night, Meg was coaxing the last punchy, laugh-turns-to-tantrum energy out of Asher before bed. It's become a familiar ritual; his goofiest moments are at this time, somewhere between 5 and 6:30. Asher paused on his fuzzy wool rug and ripped out a handful of fibers. Then he looked to Meg and slowly moved his hand toward his mouth.
"Asher, no," says Mom.
His hand moves closer to his smiling maw.
"No."
The smile broadens. Now his fingers are guiding the fuzzy bundle past his lips.
"NO."
And finally, the kid complies. Yet only a few moments later, as he's making a move like he's about to suck his thumb, Meg notices that smile again and sees he's trying to not-so-stealthily sneak in that prize.
Asher's had opinions for awhile. Take a toy away, and he's none too happy. But these are the first signs of willful disobedience. He's a super good kid. But he sure does like playing at being bad.