Twas the night.....

'Twas the night when the thesis was turned in on time,
We went out to celebrate, (and not on a dime!)


We came home to quiet, all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were laid on the nursery floor,
We figured we had a few days, at least maybe 4.

We were all nestled down, all snug in our beds,
While visions of days without schoolwork danced in our heads;

Then mamma in her sweats woke dad up like a snap!
He had finally settled down for a long winter's nap.

"My water has broken", she said with a clatter,.
Dad sprang from the bed and said "Does that really matter".

Away to the shower Dad flew like a flash,
Threw our bags in the car and threw out the trash.

A few hours later on a brisk day with no snow
A baby was born, and Dad, said "Oh"


When, what to his wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature mommy, a new sort of "Dear"

With a kiss and some love to this new little one
They knew in a moment it ain't all gonna be fun.

More rapid than eagles, your cries never ceasing.
They knew, then and there, life as they knew it decreasing.

"No, Sara Beth, no!, they'd say. "Now, come here right now!"
"But I have a better idea", you'd say with a furrowed brow.


To the top of your lungs! To the stretch of your will!
"Now dash away, Mom! I've got desires to fulfill."

Through the years, we felt the hurricane fly by
When met with an obstacle, we  prayed Up to The Sky.


But into our hearts, our love for you grew,

With loveys, and Belle, and sippy cups, too.


And with a twinkling we could never have planned
Has led to a young lady, so special, so grand.


As we think in our head, turn our thoughts back around
We feel like we've been on a merry-go-round.


You dressed as a princess, from your head to your foot,
Now old enough for us to consider your input;


A bundle of toys, your purple butterfly backpack,
A flowing fountain of words, no ideas you would lack.


Your eyes how they twinkle!! Your dimples how merry!
Your cheeks were so plump, and pink like a fairy!

Your little mouth talked non-stop all the day,
With things like "Flaminguin" and "Chick-o-la."


And "commote-control", "hippa-ma-pa-ta-mus" too.
But your first word was "deer", And your dad said "yoo-hoo".


Oh how you loved to giggle and giggle,
And when Daddy tickled you giggled and wiggled.


But no one makes you laugh quite like 'ole Jake;
Enough to give you quite a belly-ache..


You were chubby and plump, a right jolly old girl,
With a halo on top, full of curl after curl.


With the wink of her eye, Mom says, You're the best!
You've given our lives quite a bit of finesse.


God spoke a word, He gave you to us.

We consider you here as one great big plus.


And filled our lives with joy and good pleasure.
We're thankful in your heart, God you pleasure.

You are increasing in height getting well  past my nose,
And we can't seem to keep you fit into your shoes and your clothes;


It's your birthday so we shout, scream and whistle!!
She's turning into a beautiful rose, not a thistle.


So hear us exclaim, while you're still in our sight,

"Happy Birthday to Sara Beth, may you sleep well and tight."

(credit of original poem to Clement C. Moore)