Dear Emilia

Dear Emilia,

No matter what the day is like -- tantrums or lack of naps; throwing toys or not getting what you want; runny noses or being picky about what foods you will eat; distress at the end of a Sesame Street video or getting strapped into a car seat -- at the end of the day, Daddy and I are guaranteed what will happen as bedtime approaches:

Our daughter transforms into Little Miss Perfect. She sits quietly on the floor playing, begging not to be noticed. "I am so good," the message is clearly conveyed to us, "that there is really no reason to send me to bed. No reason at all. Surely, a good Emmy like this can stay up past her bedtime."

And sometimes, like tonight, it works.

Love,

Mom