Dear Elise,

Momma realizes that you are starting to readjust your waking schedule, but we need to come to a compromise.  I loved the winter mornings when you slept until 10am.  When we both woke up together.  When I rolled over and peeked over the pillow in between us to see your little toothless smile.  I also loved when every once in while you would sleep until 10:15 or 10:30 and give me a chance to have my morning cereal and milk before scooping you out of bed.  Then a couple weeks ago you starting getting me up around 9am.  I thought "eh, no biggie, I'll take 9 over 7am any day!"  So, 9am it was... we had to get up and start watching Regis & Kelly.  Momma adapted.  Then a while after that you decided that 7:30 or 8am was a more appropriate time to be up and playing.  Momma is still trying to adapt to that, but we're making it.  I stay awake and play in bed with you for about an hour, and then you repay me by going back to sleep for about 45 minutes to an hour... which is takes me about 20-30 minutes just to fall back asleep.  So, that very small window of opportunity is just a tease and leaves me longing for one more hour!  But then this morning, at 4:30 I am awakened to the playful sounds of your "ooohhhh"  "eeehhhh" and "aahhh."  This is where I draw the line!!  I refuse to get up and play with you at 4:30am!  Being up at that hour is unnatural as it is, but being awake and wanting to play is ludicrous!  Do you remember last night around 11:15 when Momma woke you up to feed you before she went to sleep?  And do you remember how very angry and upset you were to have your peaceful slumber interrupted?  Well, that's kind of how your Mommy feels at 4:30am.  So, I hope you and I can reach an understanding about getting up in the mornings.  How about this?  If I don't wake you up past 9:30pm and you don't wake me up before 8am?

Love,

Mommy