"When Baby Cate came to Stay"

(originally composed for Mel on the occasion of her first Mother's Day)

This is your first Mother's Day,

and just how did you come this way?

it was when baby Cate came to stay:

to stay a new born pink and new,

but only for a moment or two.

to stay an infant growing fast-

oh if those days could last and last!

to stay a toddler busy non-stop,

playing and laughing and running 'til you drop!

to stay a school-girl-waving "Goodbye,"and a

little confused to see Mom and Dad cry.

to stay a "tweenie" and discovering boys,

and trading for "big" girl things, all of those toys.

to stay as a teen now,maturing each day,

new lessons to learn,new roles you will play.

to stay a young lady, so poised and prepared,

ready to launch by parents who cared!

to stay a young woman,

whom one day may too,

become a fine Mother,

LIKE CATE HAS IN YOU. Happy 3rd birthday baby Cate...please "Stay" that way awhile.

Love ALWAYS Great Aunt B