Harmony: the First Three Weeks

After having you, my constant tiny friend, with me always 

for nine months, traveling 

along/inside as I sang, cooked, slept, wondered,

I thought I would feel strangely empty

now that you have taken this first step

towards independence.

Yet the expected sensation of loneliness will never come,

I realized with relief,

because there is too much love

filling my heart for you,

too much of your personality to discover,

every day a new adventure 

as you teach us Who You Are.

You held your head up

on your own strength the very first hour after birth;

now your neck grows stronger all the time.

You try to coordinate those arms and legs,

rolling over onto your side,

and we already worry about baby-proofing the apartment.

Patience is one of your virtues;

you wait calmly to be fed,

rarely crying 

even as we fumble to figure out the language

of your needs.

Bath time has been lovely so far.

You coo happily when we gently pour warm water

over your tummy.

Polka dots are a fascination.

So are patterns of flowers, stripes, and stars.

You will stare and stare 

at the world around, all curious eyes

and exploring mind.

What makes you laugh and smile

while you dream?

We can't wait to see that grin someday

when you are awake.