The morning was not off to a good start. I hadn’t slept well and I woke up with a headache. I was grumpy. I really, really wanted to go back to bed.
I lifted a groggy Pinky out of her crib. As I changed her diaper, she protested being up so early. When I pulled her little sausage
arm through the sleeve of her shirt, she pointed to a sock monkey (the theme of her room) and very clearly said, “monkeys”.
I was shocked. She says “mamama” and “daddy”, but that’s about it for her verbal skills (although make no mistake, she makes her wishes known quite clearly). She hasn’t even said “no” yet, a word to which she has quite a bit of exposure.
“Monkeys?!?! I said.
“Monkeys,” she confirmed.
And then we celebrated. I showered her with praise and kisses. We ambushed Willis as he got out of the shower with our good news. We did a monkey dance of happiness.
And just like that, grumpiness turned to joy. Mental and physical exhaustion transformed into gratitude. With that one word, I no longer dreaded the day ahead.
I appreciate Pinky’s reminder to focus on my blessings and the opportunities that each day brings.
Monkeys to you!



















