Some kids are just early risers, and I think every child goes through phases of earlier waking. My older one has always been an early bird, though we were thrilled when his 4:30am wake-up stretched into a 5 or 5:30am one! Once in a while, he's asleep untill 6 or even (gasp!) 6:30, and I start wondering if he's getting sick when he "sleeps in".
My younger is 7 months and times vary. She's usually a 7am waker, but sometimes has been as early as 5:15! I hate putting her back to sleep in the morning because I don't want to get her into that habit! My day starts around 5 or 5:15 (sometimes before since she usually wakes around 4:30 to nurse, goes back to sleep, and by that time, my older is up!). I figure I'll get to sleep in somewhat when they're both old enough to entertain themselves quietly and understand not to get mommy up. Maybe by the time they're teenagers! :)
We've played with bedtimes for both, but it's always true that the later they go to bed, the earlier they're up. The baby goes to sleep by 6:30 or so, the 2.5 yo by 7:15 or so. Because my day starts so early, I'm usually in bed around 9. You probably just need to adjust your schedule and way of thinking for a few years. But if you find a way to get a later wake-up in the mornings, let me know, I'd LOVE it!!
