Dedicated to Beth, who knows better than anyone and to Erin, in case she really wanted to know.
It’s been a rough fall
The order was tall
To complete all the tasks we acquired
Jason’s overload meant
That much more time was spent
At the college than we were accustomed
Research at the lab
And two students he had
Meant free time was further encumbered
At the end of month nine
Number seven did find
Himself welcomed with anticipation
But labor, well named,
When it finally came
Left mom mostly out of commission
Baby Nathan was good
And behaved as he should
Delighting all those he encountered
But sleeping positions
Could not be transitioned
So mom had a brand new attachment
Because mom was stressed
Number six thought it best
To be potty trained right then and there
He asked for the potty
At first he was spotty
But then he was skilled and accomplished
Number two had a stye
On top of his eye
And surgery was recommended
Then from his ear
Ran fluids unclear
And best friends we made with the doctor
We expect by age nine
A child should find
That with great ease and skill they can read
Number 3 cannot
So we found ourselves fraught
With many assessments and meetings
Meanwhile number four
With great ease can explore
Every facet of reading with ease
Homeschoolers we are
Committed in part
Because we can make adaptations
But the progress is slow
And all parents know
That it’s easy to feel unaccomplished
Debra was happy
When portraits aplenty
Were scheduled with clients she loves
As their sessions were booked
And their orders she took
She attained a doctorate in skilled multi-tasking
Our son at age four
Cannot pronounce floor
Speech therapy we have requested
Our schedule so empty
And free time a plenty
Means speech is a welcome addition
But we made it through
A staycation is due
For such a substantial achievement
Some may rejoice
With their party of choice
But a date with my pillow I’ve scheduled
As the year slips away
With conviction I’ll say
That sleep is a great celebration
