Incognito

Having just stepped out of the shower, I was putting my face on in front of the mirror. Holden wanted to go downstairs, but I didn't want him down there unsupervised because he has a habit of getting into trouble. He said,"Okay, I'm just gonna go in my room." Then, as he walked out of the bathroom, said,"I'll shut the door." Nice try. I was on to him. To this kid, the word "no" is simply a challenge. "Shut the door" is code for "I'm sneaking down the stairs anyway." So I said,"Oh, no. Leave it. I like the cross breeze."

I went back to working in front of the mirror. I could see him through the reflection pacing back and forth in the hall, watching me. This went on for a couple of minutes.

The bathroom also opens into the master bedroom, so I walked through to my room. I could see Holden in the reflection of a mirror in the room, only he didn't know that. He thought this was his chance. He bolted for the stairs, but then I quickly turned my head towards him. He did a quick turn around, and acted cool, like he was just chillin' in the hall.

He paced around some more, watching my every move, but soon disappeared. I assumed he got bored and moved on. What a fool I was. Next thing I know, I see him moving down the stairs like this:

Never Simple

When Holden doesn't want to do something, he'll say he can't do it because he's too tired. So this morning, we had this conversation:
Me: "I'm cleaning up!"
Holden: "I'm just gonna watch cuz I'm tired."
Me: "You've been tired a lot lately. I think we need to take you to the doctor."
Holden: "WHAAAT?!"
Me: "It's not healthy to be so tired all the time. I think you need to see a doctor."
Holden: "Maybe my brain is weird."
Me: "Yeah?"
Holden: "Yeah. It needs more nutrients."
Me: "Should we tell the doctor that when we see him?"
Holden: "Food could work. I probably just need food. Then I'll get nutrients. I need vitamins, too."
Me: "So, if I give you food and vitamins, you'll help me clean?"
Holden: *long pause* then a quiet,"yeah," and he quickly changed the subject,"Hey! Do you see birds outside?"