Dedicated to All of You Proud Parents

I found this poem awhile ago and I love it, so I thought I'd share.





If you’ve ever:


…gotten a lump in your throat while you heard the heartbeat of your baby;


…unwrapped your newly swaddled baby, completely out of curiosity;


…held the feet of an infant to your lips;


…gotten tears on your baby’s head in the middle of the night while feeding him or her;


…been so tired you handed your spouse a sippy cup instead of a beer;


…researched the cure for croup, at 3 a.m.;


…picked a tiny nose with your pinky finger;


…stumbled over your words, as you explained something so very big to someone so very small;


…wished with all your might for moments forever lost in time;


…surprisingly realized there were tears on your cheeks;


…paced the halls of your home, mentally willing a fever to break;


…wondered how it was possible for a little person to eat so much;


…wondered how it was possible for a little person to eat so little;


…discussed growth spurts, cradle cap, and the colour, consistency and smell of poop;


…were surprised at how long his little legs were getting as you re-tucked him in, before retiring for the night;


…felt warm vomit down your back as you try to calm your frightened child;


…laid awake and wondered if you could have done something better;


…heard 18 excuses why he doesn’t want to go to bed;


…bought those new shoes despite the fact you’ve had yours for 3 years running;


…baked 32 cupcakes at 10:30 at night;(after doing a milk run in your pajamas);


…filled out a field trip form, only to worry about all the things that could go wrong;


…volunteered for that field trip to put your own mind at ease;


…stayed by the window after allowing her to bike to the variety store;


…talked candidly about sex and drugs, all the while nursing knots in your tummy;


…felt your heart soar along with his when he saved the game;


…been mad at someone else’s kid for hurting your kid’s feelings;


…taught them how to cook a meal/do a load of laundry/long division/anything, and somehow not ripped your hair out;


…been more excited than ever for Christmas morning, just to see their faces;


…spoiled them rotten when you got a few extra bucks;


…made her favorite meal, just because;


… tussled his hair, and pulled him back for a kiss and a hug when he squirmed away;


…laid awake at night and willed time to slow down;


…thought you’d never, ever feel love like this – so raw and powerful – leaving you so very vulnerable…


…then you’re doing it right.