Incident at 9 p.m.

It can be hard to get them to sleep sometimes.

Soft little voice coming from the darkened room, two hours after bedtime:

"Arielle? Wake up!"

Pause

Wake up, Arielle!"

Pause

"Mommy!"

Pause

"Mommy!"

Pause

(repeat three more times)

Mommy resolutely ignores the call.

"Oh, no." (said in tones resigned, yet resolute, with a hint of annoyance)

Sound of rustling.

I waited. Sure enough, I soon saw Gabrielle trotting around the corner, clutching a toy purse to her chest with one hand and her teddy bear to her chest with the other hand. She stopped when she saw me and smiled hugely.

"Mommy!"

I tried not to laugh, I really did. But how can you help but kiss such a cute little sweetiepie?