ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma

You may have picked up on the fact that I have been waiting for a long time now to hear Elijah address me as "mama." I mean, it's cute when he says it when prompted with a question, but not quite the same. I imagined what I'd do when it finally happened, how I'd make a big deal out of it, and clap my hands, and say "Yay!" and run to him, and hug him and kiss him. Oh, those were beautiful dreams! They were shattered this morning at 5 am.

Elijah woke up early (5 am) and started by saying "Hi" to us, as he usually does. Then he barked like a dog for a little. We tried to ignore him hoping he'd go back to sleep (fat chance, but one should never lose hope). If he wants to be up at 5, that's his deal. We are not getting up any earlier than six. And then it came: "Ma-ma, ma-ma, ma-ma!" Oh, NO! Not at 5 am! Not when I am half asleep, and don't want to encourage him in his wakefulness, either! Why couldn't it have been some sweet moment while reading a book or playing together outside? How was I supposed to let him know that it was a beautiful sounds to my ears, and that he should do it more, and at the same time make it clear that night (and especially early morning) is for sleeping, not talking? I wish he had picked a different time. But as it were, I ignored the "ma-ma" I've been waiting for all this time. He hasn't said it again all day. Bummer.