I agree. There should not be a pee pad in the crate with her. It might be that she does know that when she comes out, she gets to lay with you so she whines earlier. Take her out to potty, give her a treat and put her back in the crate (or have hubby do it) and don't deviate from this. She will eventually learn. And also what danyellm said. Maybe picking up the water dish around 7:30 the night before will ensure that she doesn't have to urinate so early in the morning.
