Last night I had the best intentions of running early this morning. I set out my clothes and shoes and prepped myself to get up at first-light. I didn't want to set my alarm because my hubby hasn't been sleeping well and I wanted him to sleep, undisturbed in the morning. I woke up at 5:55am when the sun started coming in our window. I got up, dressed and made it as far as the bathroom, when I heard little feet pattering towards the door. My 2 1/2 year old daughter poked her head around the bathroom door and said: "A-morning Mama!" I was caught!

This is a new issue for us. Sunday was my last morning run and I dressed and easily snuck out of the house before anyone was up. But that was when Sophia was still sleeping in a crib and Sunday night we moved Sophia to a "big-girl-bed." So far the transition has been incredibly smooth, I think in part because we built up the anticipation of the "big move" for several months so she was incredibly eager and excited with prospect of sleeping in the big-girl bed. She normally rises at 7 or 7:30 and she did so on Monday and Tuesday. We've arrived! I thought. But yesterday she and came charging into our room at 5:38am.

I chatted about this early morning wake up with NYCRunningMama on her blog yesterday. Her son has been waking up early too and she was looking for tips and advice. I gave added my thoughts about toddlers and sleeping. But now I'm the one who needs advice! (I spoke too soon. Isn't that how it always works?)

This morning I wanted to let my husband sleep: he's been working hard and not sleeping well (bad combo). So I didn't want to wake him up and say "Hey, Sophia's awake I'm headed out for a run. Bye!" Didn't seem cool.

I tried to put Sophia back in her big-girl bed with books and stuffed animals and gave her permission to play and if she needed anything to go see Daddy. I explained I was going for a run and would be back for breakfast. She has independent playtime in her room on a daily basis, so this isn't a new concept or foreign expectation. She is used to entertaining herself with books and toys. But I think the thought of me leaving was too much and she burst into tears.

I consoled her and then asked if she wanted to snuggle with Daddy in bed instead. She agreed so I quietly put her next to my hubby and she closed here eyes and started sucking her thumb. Perfect! I thought. She's going back to sleep. But once I got to the door she burst into tears, waking my husband. At that point I decided this run wasn't happening and took her downstairs to feed her breakfast.

My amazing, loving husband came down a few minutes later and said "Why don't you go for a run." Poor exhausted man, I love him!

I got my run in anyway, but not the way I envisioned.

Do any of you have toddlers/littles who are sleeping in their own beds? How do you help them stay in bed in the morning? If you run in the morning how do you do it?

--Sarah

Caught by my Two-Year Old

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