My Second Child

My second child,

You may have come in that order, but you aren’t second rate.

The only second you are to me is my second language.

The one I had to learn because you were so different to my first.

My second wind, when things get too much, and some days they do, you give me the grace to be patient with myself.

My second nature, yes you’re your own little person, but things were a little easier this time round. I rested into it without the resistance of a first time Mum.

My second skin, I treasure our cuddles under a blanket where I can breathe you in like an old book.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t up every second checking if you were breathing in your cot, I could feel it in my hearts rhythm while I slept.

I didn’t check my app quite as often as to whether you were the size of a lime or an avocado, and your scrap book hasn’t come together yet… in fact it’s still a thought in my mind.

Yes your clothes might be second hand and the milestone photos aren’t as planned out, sometimes they’re a few days late.

You hear me yell more than I’d like to admit, you didn’t arrive into peace and quiet, my soft sing song voice is usually interrupted by a crash somewhere and then more yelling.

I hear myself often saying “Hold on a second”, “Wait a second”. But this doesn’t mean you come second. Please don’t give that a second thought.

I may not be able to give you everything you want, but I will always try to give you everything you need, please don’t second guess that.

Know in your little core, how special you are to me.

Yes you are my second child, not the second half of my heart, but the other half.

You didn’t make me a Mama, but you’ve made me the mama I am proud to be.

I’d move mountains for you in seconds.

And my second child, my love for you is second to none.

~

Printable poem available here

Poem published in book From One Mom to a Mother