One reason so many people like dogs is that dogs are so happy about almost everything and are especially excited when their humans return home. Such an enthusiastic greeting makes you feel special and loved.

You are getting to the stage where you start to look for Mommy and Daddy if you can’t see them. Sometimes you even start to cry if they don’t reappear soon enough. In the mornings, this habit manifests itself in a slightly-fussy-baby alarm between 6 and 6:30. You are standing on the side of your crib facing the bedroom and start to bounce up and down with a big smile as soon as you see Mommy or Daddy. Once they pick you up, you drape your arms across their shoulders and just lay there for a while as if to say, “Yay! You’re here! I missed you so much! I can relax and wake up happy now!” These morning hugs are becoming one of Mommy’s favorite parts of the day.