GB - you are too kind. Noah is a little old to be my son, he is actually my step-son My husband and I have full custody. Next week is the 4th anniversary of the day we got custody, a really special day in my book.
TheMelster - I use acrylic paints. mostly DecoArt Americana (because of Sheila Landry's recommendation) but I have a few other brands as well. If you are ever looking for it, check out one of the craft stores and they will have an aisle for acrylic paints, mostly small 2 oz. bottles.
Thanks everybody for the comments! this was a really fun project to work on, as will a few of the updates I have in mind.
Thanks
Katie