Then I looked down at my swollen belly,
As I carried boxes of diapers and bottles.
Now I look down at my nervous hands,
As my driving daughter floors the throttle.
Then I helped her as she learned to crawl,
Pulling herself up and quickly walking.
Now I listen to her as she spends so much time,
With her friends and on the phone for hours talking.
Then I showed her how to hold her knife and fork,
Taught her to chew politely and to eat her peas.
Now she and I cook gourmet meals together,
Using olive oil and counting our calories.
Then I made sure she was safe and protected,
Staying up all night when she was colicky and sick.
Now I stay up late as curfew approaches,
Relieved when I hear the front door lock unclick.
Then I taught her the alphabet and numbers,
Making sure she spelled her words correctly.
Now I co-sign the apartment lease,
As my baby gets ready to move out directly.
Then I cleaned the changing table and crib sheets,
Adjusting to the new baby girl in my house.
Now I take her things to a college apartment,
Moving her bed and desk and all her clothes out.
Then I carried in bags of baby food jars,
My arms downloaded with infant and carseat.
Now I carry out packages of bottled water,
Stacking them with boxes on her front car seat.
Then I cuddled a little dolly-girl,
Playing hide-and-seek and having so much fun.
Now I am taken aback as I realize,
The amazing, wonderful person she's become.
Then I was proud of my smart little girl,
But I was always there so on me should could depend.
Now I know her as not just my brilliant daughter,
But also as my confident, beautiful dear friend.
Then....
It seemed only yesterday,
Out of pain and suffering I gave birth.
Now....
It is already today,
And the world is receiving all she's worth.
