Incident in Theo's Bedroom

Caption: Natalie, at 21 months.

Allow me to set the stage for an incident that sentimental readers might describe as “adorable,” and one that little Natalie’s proud parents would describe as just another in a long line of similar incidents that often go unrecorded in our family’s humble history. The time is 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, and the freshly bathed children are preparing for bed. On one side of Theo’s bedroom, Margie is reading to Theo from a book about salamanders. On the other side of the room, Casey is playing “Itsy-Bitsy Spider” with Natalie.

Suddenly Natalie makes a suggestion in a language only she and her mother can understand.

“Wahh,” she says.

Casey continues leading her through the various stages of Itsy-Bitsy Spider.

“Wahh,” Natalie repeats, becoming agitated.

Casey is at the part where the rain water begins to vaporize.

“Wahh,” Natalie repeats.

From across the room, Margie interprets for Casey: “She wants you to play Open Shut Them.” She says this as if there isn’t the slightest possibility that “Wahh” could mean anything else.

As soon as Casey begins chanting the phrase “Open shut them,” little Natalie’s face glows in appreciation and pleasure.