Little Man

www.ThisNest.com

First contraction, early Spring morning. Bags packed, ready to go. Labor and delivery, first time. Finally laid my eyes upon your beautiful self. It’s a boy. Little Man…my joy.

First smile, just gas. Eye contact. Kisses as I caressed your new face. Caresses as I kissed your new face. First real smile, not gas this time. Little Man, my heart.

First tooth, pearly white. First word – Daddy, not fair. First step, quickly running. Running quickly…through your life. Slow down, Little Man. Please.

First birthday, crying right before midnight. Me, not you. You were asleep. I was standing guard, helpless to stop the tick tick tickin’ of time. My Little Man’s very first year…over. Gone.

First day of kindergarten, crying again. Me, not you. You were excited. Such a Little Man. Hair braided, handsome. You so ready to be without me…me not ready to be without you.

First swing at bat. First touchdown dance. First three point shot. First pinning of your opponent on that mat. Getting big, Little Man. Getting strong too. I’ll ask you one more time…slow down?

First day of middle school. First kiss, Elizabeth. First house party, showing off your moves. Little Man dancing through your life. I love my front row seat…but I’d like to call a time out. Would that be ok?

First day of high school, more crying. Me, not you. You were so ready. Too ready. Leaving me behind in the land of UNready. Little Man spreading his Sparrow wings, not quite ready to fly…but getting closer.

First whisker, voice cracking. First homecoming. First prom, lookin’ good, Son. Just like your daddy. Frantically grabbing the moments and commiting them to memory…memories of my Little Man.

First day of senior year. Tomorrow. Crying again. Me, not you. You’re asleep, probably dreaming about getting out of here. My nightmare. In my heart, many boxes. Each containing smaller versions of my little man. In my eyes, just one you. My son, my first-born…

Little Man.