Natalie At 14

Watching her grow and remembering me As a teen of changeable mood. Seeing her thrive and thankfully so - yet As her parent I’ll need to stay shrewd. From a spiky-haired smiler at 7 months old To a graceful and slender fourteen. She has bloomed through the years in so many ways That even I could have never foreseen. When I was her age, I thought I was so smart And, in some ways, l see now I was right. Now it’s her turn to venture further into the world – Face big choices when out of my sight. True, babies will test you in myriad ways Utter dependence, refusal to nap…. Dealing with food, diapers, doctors and daycare Juggling those almost seems like a snap. For next week, my first baby heads to high school Whether or not she and I both feel ready. But I know she’ll do great (even envy her some) May she be ever brave, kind and steady.