But you’re having a baby in a couple of weeks.

I sit and wait at the foot of the bed Careful enough not to wake her. Carefully watching her as a she dreams, as she sleeps As she breathes. Patiently listening to the commotion outdoors As the birds begin their day I, too, am ready to start mine.

Slowly pawing and crawling and stretching closer to the pillows Waiting for that first breath, to see the switch from dream to wake All night I stay Waiting to start the day.

Trusting the morning journey What will today look like? Is mom okay? I can see it in her eyes that she needs me. All night. All day. I stay.

Long waking stretch, I see  First deep morning breath I crawl up to her cheek Curl and burrow in her neck “Good morning Mom It’s time to start the day!”