to those without children it might seem a minor accomplishment and i can’t really ascribe the achievement to much beyond luck and genetics, but nonetheless i have to admit that it fills me with parental pride to know that we have a son who seems to be acutely attuned to when he is tired and proactively communicates his desire to go to bed before launching into a tantrum.

if we’re out visiting family or friends he’ll often announce his intentions by suddenly walking around while waving and exclaiming “buh, bye!” to his hospitable hosts, which of course means, “please take me home and put me to bed.” during the day, he’ll helpfully give us an unmistakable clue by clasping his hands together and placing them against his tilted head while quietly whispering, “nap.” and after a particularly long day filled with errands and running around stores, he’ll look up, his eyes filled with sleepiness during the briefest of baths, and sweetly say, “all done, baff.”