She Who Waits

The woman's eyes are overbright
The mother's smile is slightly wobbly
(if you pay close enough attention)
The woman refreshes email every 5 minutes
The mother watches TAs pour in for other families
The woman knows there is a holiday in China in 2 days
The mother might have to go the weekend without TA
The mother's first born has a cold
The thermometer has gone missing
She stayed home from school
Almost out of Sudafed
Had to go to work
Her daddy is taking care of her
Can't say yes to any future plans
Doesn't know when the trip is
Still so much to do
Baby's room to organize
Shopping to be done
Doctor's appointments to be made
Baby proofing to do
Packing to be done
Travel arrangements to make ... if only
Must monitor first child for any signs of a meltdown
They happen in seconds
Anything can set her off
Can we deviate from any routine?
Right now?
Too tenuous for everyone

The baby's eyes are cheerful
as she watches her caregiver
She knows she is loved
She might know she has a mama
out there somewhere
But for now, her mama is feeding her
Her mama holds her
Her mama plays with her
She doesn't know she waits.

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