Suddenly

All of

The baby rolled over. From back to front, more than once, so it was for real. Caroline looked twelve when she pulled the blue hoodie over her head and said, Don’t worry, Mom, I’ll go downstairs to greet the babysitter. Kate looked like Caroline when I saw her through the school window. She’ll turn three next month.

It all happened too suddenly.
I guess that’s how it goes.

I have a third baby. I’m filling out kindergarten enrollment forms.
I’m driving a minivan, and am responsible for filing the social security cards and storing the passports.

All of a sudden.

They can do the puzzle by themselves.
They can get their jammies on without me.
They can fill up their own water cups.

All of a sudden.

The baby laughs. The baby reaches for toys.
The baby’s toes are too snug in the onesie I swore would never fit.

All of a sudden.

He’s got gray in his beard.
I’m closer to forty than thirty next month, and I was the year before that, too.

All of a sudden.

Tonight, the baby fell asleep in my arms.
I stayed longer than necessary, aware that this, too, will soon be all of a sudden.