Johann has been asking me questions before going to bed lately to stall a little and because he is genuinely afraid of the dark. Last night the dialog went something like this:
Johann: “Mommy, wake up! What does ‘nocturnal’ mean?”
Me: “Sweetie, you know what it means. It’s time to go to sleep.”
Johann: “Tell me anyway. I want you to tell me.”
Me: “‘Nocturnal’ is when an animal sleeps during the day and is awake at night.”
Johann: “And what’s the other word for animals that are awake during the day? I don’t remember.”
Me: “‘Diurnal’ is when animals are awake during the day and asleep at night. You and Mommy are diurnal.”
Johann: “And Daddy is nocturnal?”
Me: “Yes. (chuckle) Daddy is nocturnal. It’s time to go to sleep now. I love you. Sweet dreams.”