Ode to my Otie

So I don't think I written a poem since Mr. Godfrey's high school English class where Nanette and I were getting kicked out for laughing uncontrollably. But in the days leading up to having Otis, I had lots of spare time and decided to write a poem. I thought it was only appropriate to write another one now that he is here. I'm obviously not out to win any awards, but I thought I would post them so I don't lose track of them.

Ode to my baby...

Aching back and swollen legs mean very long London days
not far to the tube, but have to 'wee'- so back home wishing an end to this phase.
Just 12 more days until you're here,
don't wait long after that or mommy will have a constant sneer.
Cankles and stretch marks, some joys of the last few weeks
have brought out a few hidden mean streaks.

Your daddy's long legs, you have already
I just wish you would hold them still and steady.
A kick in the ribs and a jab to the bladder,
and the sleepless nights make me sadder and sadder.

But the feeling of you moving inside of me
is a miracle and a blessing I would never trade, you see.
I will miss your hiccups, your flips and turns
and your dad kissing my belly and caring concerns.

Can't wait to see your hands and feet
and seeing your face will be the sweetest treat.
"It will all be worth it", so I've been told
I know that you will always be a sight to behold.

To be a mother is the highest calling
often I wonder if I should have done more stalling.
Am I ready to take care of another being-
loving, providing and teaching all about skiing?

I stare at my bump, it's you I know,
I think of the fun we'll have and my heart starts to glow.
Soon we will see you, you will fit in one palm-
please don't delay, lots of love, --your mom.

Ode to my Otie

You were supposed to come on day 14,
But it was day 11 in the taxi that we were making a scene.
Huffing and puffing could this really be it?
It hadn't been long but I was ready to quit.

18 hours later it was taking too long
Your heart rate was dropping so we had to move on
They said the word c-section, your dad remained calm
But I cried my eyes out and said, "I must call my mom".

You were born at 8:26 on that same night
When I held you in my arms everything was alright.
Nothing else mattered, the rest is a blur,
It was immediate and unconditional love, that's for sure.

Sometimes I feel we have great conversations, without even saying a word
When you eat, you take time to stop and stare with a smile and nothing needs to be heard.
You are an angel straight from Heaven, God's gift to me is you,
At 11 weeks now you love "Luigi", the frog (named by Dad), he always makes you coo.

We spend our days at the Heath or Regents park,
Even now when in London it's too early getting dark.
Up and down the stairs of the tube, you'll always be my London lad
When at home, you stare at your hero, you'll one day call "Dad".

I love to watch you discover the world,
I love when you wriggle and your long toes are curled.
I love how much you love the bath
I love to watch you look around when we're on Primrose path.

Now on this day of love and Thanksgiving
You give my life purpose, you're my reason for living.
I'm thankful for your big blue eyes, the right one specked with brown
I'm thankful for your chubby cheeks, your lips and pouty frown.

I'm thankful for your great long legs, definitely from your Dad
I'm thankful for your sweet and loving smile, it always makes me glad.
I'm thankful for how you've changed my heart,
The capacity to love I didn't know I had at the start.

Aching back and swollen legs meant very long London days,
But now you're here, the aches are gone and I wish no end to this wonderful phase.
I know you'll get older, each day you grow, now you don't fit in my palm,
But you'll be mine forever, we'll have so much fun. Lots of love, --your mom