Ella is two. She’s a fiery, climbing, tough kind of princess. She climbs over the crib walls better than Spiderman and always lands on her feet. In great caution, Troy removed the side of her crib and transformed her crib into a toddler bed. One would think that would make her happy. Nope. She still scales the sides to slide or jump down for the thrill. She also refuses to stay in her bed or room at night. She’s under strict warden surveillance until she drifts to sleep. But she fearlessly walks the dark hallway to our room several more times during the night until we tire of returning her. Our baby CEO is developing her character. She’s determined, independent, self motivated and doesn’t take no for an answer. We’re obviously so very proud of her.

At 7:17am this Saturday morning, Abigail bounds in the room, “Good morning!”

“Yes, good morning, baby,” I groggily answer. “Why don’t you try going to the bathroom?” I manage to tell her, searching for the time.

“Good idea!” she exclaims loudly enough to startle the rest of the family sleeping peacefully. “Is it morning time yet?” she ask even louder.

“Almost” I answer, there is light peaking through the blinds. She returns 90 seconds later with cold wet hands and ask again, even louder, if it’s morning yet. The baby pops her head up like a mole out of a hole.

“Morning!!” Ella squeaks out in her sweet baby voice, flinging her foot on her father’s shoulder. I repeat that the morning is good, gently push her head down and softly pull her foot off of her father. I suggest Abigail watch a video with headphones while I get adjusted. Abigail quickly obliges.

The baby is now stirring and beginning her alligator rolls. She flings her foot back over to her father. I take it down. She kicks it up. I pull it down. Abigail turns up the cartoon so that everyone can hear it through the headphones. Ella tosses her foot up on top of her father again. I look over to slide it down but her father is on the phone. During my circus act, he’s checking email? I’m not helping him, I leave the baby foot on his shoulder. It’s now 7:21am, good morning sweet Saturday.