The exit (and Dora)

This morning, a few minutes before my alarm was to go off, Nora started crying from her crib. I hopped out of bed in a bright and happy mood, completely full of energy. You know, like I do every morning,  and went into her room. As I neared her crib, she suddenly stopped crying and just lay there with her eyes closed.

Could it be? Was she really going back to sleep? This was too good to be true. I turned and started back towards the door but then the crying started again. I turned and walked back to her crib; it stopped. Slowly, slowly, I crept backwards and sat on the edge of Claire's bed and waited, trying not to get my hopes up and trying not to breathe too loudly. She didn't move. She didn't cry. Then I started the most ridiculous exit of her room. I slid my bottom down towards the floor, trying ever so hard to put all my weight on my wrists and not on my knees. I can't tell you how many times those popping knees have ruined a good stealthy exit. I made it to the ground without incident and very, very slowly crawled towards the door. It was the strangest crawl I've ever performed, as I tried so very hard to not move in a way that would cause any pressure on any type of joint that is known to pop. As I was crawling across the floor, I started laughing. What a crazy thing for a grown woman in her thirties to be doing, first thing in the morning. The things we parents will do for a few extra minutes of sleep. I made it to the door and cracked it open. It didn't make any noise. I slowly slithered myself through the small crack and then, as I slowly pulled the door closed, reveling in my moment of triumph, the door made a very loud squeak. I froze.  Nothing happened. I pulled it some more. It squeaked. I froze. Nothing happened.

There is no dramatic ending to this story. I am lying in bed, about to get up and start my day, and Nora is sleeping in her crib. The exit was a success and I'm pretty sure my knees will be sore for the rest of the day due to that ridiculous crawl, but it will be totally worth it. :) A quiet morning with a few minutes to myself makes such a big difference in our day. 

Also, if you have ever seen an episode of Dora the Explorer, you must watch this. Hilarious. 

http://youtu.be/TnpTcrtsN3U  ( I can't get the link to work so you'll have to copy and paste. But do it. So very funny.)