early morning surprise.

the other morning, zane's alarm went off at 5:30 sharp. he got up, gathered his work clothes and opened the door. he stopped for a few seconds and came back into the room.

"nola's light is on. she isn't in her bed."

i jumped up, we scanned the upstairs and noticed the baby gate opened. walked downstairs in the dark to find her sitting in the recliner with her blanket, a book and the light on. she smiled and greeted us good morning.

HOW (and WHEN) did she manage to get up, turn on the light, gather her favorites, open the baby gate, walk downstairs, step OVER the dogs (and the dog beds) laying at the foot of the stairs in the pitch black, and make her way to the chair to settle in and turn the light on?

it's a mystery. she hasn't done it again, and i'm thankful. it was a bit too startling to wake up that way ;)