(A collaboration with Rhonda Mason)

This morning, like many mornings, I woke up to this smiling face. As soon as Audrey saw that I was stirring, she excitedly reported, “Mommy! I brushed my teeth and got dressed before anyone in the house woke up. I had apple jacks for breakfast and Madeline is still sleeping.” Pause. “Good morning!” She beams.

Audrey and I are so much alike in so many ways, I think I just assumed that she would be a night owl like her mama. But nothing could be further from the truth. Audrey is, undeniably, a morning person.

Her sunny disposition is especially apparent in comparison to her little sister, who’s currently going through a “moody” phase. This one is a typical 8 o’clock scenario. We convene in my office for a last minute check before they are off to school. (Are you wearing the right shoes? Where are your backpacks? Did you pack your sweater? Did you brush your hair?)

To be fair, Madeline isn’t always grumpy in the mornings.

Photos taken with iPhone 4S and Nikon D300. Camera photos edited in PicTapGo. Black and white conversions done in lightroom using VSCO presets.

Be sure to also see Ronnie’s eighth hour post here.