Where is Baby?

Where is baby?
Fast asleep.
Nestled on mommy
Hand on her cheek.

Mommy is sleepy.
Too much to do!
She closes her eyes . . .

Baby is two.

Where is baby?
Climbing the stairs.
"I do it myself!"
Baby declares.

Mommy is running
Childcare and chores!
She pauses to breathe . . .

Baby is four.

Where is baby?
Starting Pre-K.
"I'll walk in alone.
You'll be okay."

Mommy is watching
Baby and time.
She turns to the car . . .

Baby is nine.

Where is baby?
Home with a friend.
Board games and soda.
Games of pretend.

Mommy is nearby.
On call to help.
She sets out a snack . . .

Baby is twelve.

Where is baby?
At a school dance.
Still watching Disney.
Wanting real-life romance.

Mommy smiles - knowing.
As baby preens.
She looks in the mirror. . .

Baby's fifteen.

Where is baby?
Alone in her bed.
Lonely, heartbroken.
"I wish I were dead!"

Mommy is waiting.
Should she intervene?
She knocks on the door. . .

Baby's eighteen.

Where is baby?
Off on her own.
On Mommy's bankroll.
Thinking she's grown.

Mommy is praying.
"Just keep her alive."
She opens her eyes . . .

Baby's twenty five.

Where is baby?
Traveling the globe.
New husband, big job.
She calls to unload.

Mommy is listening;
Glad that she called.
And then baby says
The best thing of all.

Where is baby?
He's on mommy's chest
Grandma is cooking.
You know the rest.