The baby's hand, though small and frail

Grasps his father's hair and gives it a tug

Daddy smiles at the firm grip

And thinks of all the growing and teaching

Mommy's turn with baby now

He giggles and grins as she purrs gentle sounds

And plays with his wiggling fingers

She thinks of all the raising and changing

They hand the baby off to you

You hold him awkwardly

Afraid that the slightest touch will cause an eruption of tears

But as he snuggles into your chest

And you watch his belly pump up and down with each tiny breath

You relax and everything is all right

You think of all the trials and the successes

And the baby contently closes his eyes