For Miles on his first birthday
Little Miles
One-dimpled smiles
Given sparingly at first
But then generously
A big voice
That you aren’t afraid to use
If your plans are thwarted.
You scared us
With your emergency entrance
Your mom was calm
As your dad drove her to the hospital
We were afraid for both of you
When I saw your first picture
My nurse self was worried.
Pale, I thought, but crying loudly
Your great grandmas in Heaven
Both whispered
“He’ll be okay”
A blood transfusion for you
and one for your mom
Both of you pink with that donation
You came home to your big brother, Calvin
And Opie and Lady, your gentle protectors
Dark hair and eyes,
Pink chubby cheeks
You look like your mom
But sometimes your dad
I was grateful to hold you
Just a few days old
And look into your eyes
And see you are part
Of all of us here and gone
You liked laying on your back
Watching ceiling fans
And shadows.
Your teeth grew fast
And it made you cranky
Early teeth do no good
If your diet is only milk
Now you are one
And so curious,
Wanting to climb
And then plop onto a soft pillow
And sniff its secrets
You don’t stop wiggling
And noticing everything
Buttons, mouths, noses
You explore with your eyes
And your mouth
Sometimes those teeth biting
Into a shoulder
You and Calvin
Sharing a room
And morning secrets
Calvin singing to you
You answer with your baby babbles
May you grow to be good friends
What will you be?
My wish for you
Choose to be happy
And always kind
Follow your bliss
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