Milky Boy

I’m sorry that your teeth are hurting
The molars and incisors
I’m sorry that you have a cough
And runny nose besides it
I’m sorry Night Night Elmo is no longer your favorite book
That your little rainbow keyboard is not where you want to look
That you no longer need a walker, you can get around just fine
That you tell me what outfits you want to wear,
Oftentimes a different choice than mine
It is normal to grow and change
I would never try to fight it
It is a privilege to grow up
I know that, but sometimes it hurts besides it
But when you run away from clothes and watch the tractor trucks, and kiss or grab my nose (no more biting now with luck)
I’m reminded you’re my milky boy and will forever always be
Though time may try to change that and take you away from me
I’m glad that you can run fast now and glad that when you fall
You get up and try again, standing straight and tall
And though I miss the snuggles before you could even crawl, I snuggle you right now and still, winter summer spring or fall
One day these baby teeth
That are hurting you so bad
Will let you chew and eat more foods, and talk like you never had
These teeth will change you, children grow fast
That’s what they always say
Just like the new songs we sing, and new things you learn each day
So while you’re still my baby and your song is “Baby Love”
And while you’re climbing up high at the gym
And throw off you winter hat and gloves
And while you run away from diapers and turn your head from brushing
I smile and think to myself well there is no point in rushing
One day you will have grown up teeth
But while you are still small
I’m glad that you’re my baby
And I’m glad that I’m your mom
And while your gummy toddler breathe rests in my arms tonight
I’ll cherish all the world we have together, you’re my magic shining bright
So though my back is aching and you fussed before you slept, and though it’s cold and dark outside and the floors haven’t been swept
And though today was nothing special it was oh so special still
Because to be with you dear Ronan is my heart’s greatest thrill
It’s the best part of my day and life to just sit here with you, Life through your eyes is beautiful, bright fresh and new
What a privilege it is, that I get to be your momma, to watch you glow with delight when we read Llama Llama
To laugh and sing with you and to learn from you each day
To rock you to sleep in the pale evening light as the chair gently bobs and sways
Your mind and heart are precious, you’re so very dear you see.
Your brown eyes bring me great delight as they stare up with love at me.
I’m sorry that you’re teeth are hurting
But darling don’t you see,
those painful teeth, the nuisance they are, should be a symbol of joy
Because they mean for just for one more day, you are still my baby boy