Big Brother's Poem

Big brother is watching

Each day as you grow

He's patiently waiting

And wanting to know

What color your eyes

And hair will soon be:

"Will you look like Momma,

Or Daddy, or me?"

Big brother is anxious

To hold you so tight

To love you and hug you

And kiss you goodnight;

While you're in my belly

And when you're out here

You'll have a Big Brother

Who'll always be near.

Rocking

The slow rhythm calms. Back and forth, back and forth. Soft music plays in the background as his head sinks heavily into my shoulder. Back and forth. His legs wrap around my ever-expanding belly, perching himself atop his brother. Breath sounds grow slow and heavy as little hands reach up to hold my face. The scent of clean baby wafts up to me, and I lean in for a stronger sniff. Back and forth. I close my eyes and memorize this moment - this small boy held tight, in his last days alone. Soon my time will be shared between two, both in need of love - and rocking. But for now, I treasure these moments with my firstborn. Back and forth.