Attack of the Manic Pre-schooler

0300 hours: Reveille. Sort of like in the service but my drill sergeant never grabbed my face and yelled; "Papaw, time to get up." I sat up quickly, and when I could focus enough to see the clock told Charlie to go back to bed. He did, so I settled back into sweet slumber.

0315 hours: It's back. "Papaw, is it time now?"

I rolled out of bed and stumbled out of the bedroom turned barracks.

Charlie started hopping across the dark living room. Each bounce sounded like a distant mortar exploding. "Let's watch cartoons. I want cereal. Wanna play cars?"

"Go to bed.", I growled. With the effort required to overtake a small country I marched him back to bed. I warned him that Santa was watching and was getting pretty upset. As he feigned sleep, I sat on the couch, waiting to intercept him when he sneaks out of bed. I nodded on and off to a five year old's rendition of "Special Agent Oso".

0600 hours: Can't sleep. I'm sure the opposing force will attack at any moment. As I resolve myself to wakefulness, it awakes....

Battle plan: Tonight every time he dozes off, I'm going to poke him. We'll see how early he wants to get up tomorrow!