Eliana usually goes to bed at night quite easily. After I sing her a song, arrange the animals in her crib, wind her music box, and kiss her good night, she clutches her bunny and lays down still for blankets and a “long winter’s nap”. Tonight, though, she was restless, standing discontentedly back up. I asked her if she was hungry, making the sign for “I’m hungry” with my hand near my mouth.
Eliana had seen this sign many times, but had never expressed it. This time she did, after which she enjoyed a bedtime snack and then went back to the nursery and peacefully to sleep.