Jessica, My Beautiful Daughter

Then You Grew 

When I held you in my arms for the very first time,

 I thought I could never love you more. . . .

but then you grew.

In those precious baby times-- through your first smile,

your first tooth, your first steps,

 I thought I could never love you more. . .

but then you grew.

And in those sweet toddler times-- the endless days of curiosity

and adventures and discoveries, 

I thought I could never love you more. . .

but then you grew.

And in those wonderful little girl times-- those days of hurt knees and hurt feelings,

of making friends and taking in the world around you,

I thought I could never love you more. . .

but then you grew.

And in those lovely young woman times-- those times of moods

and mysteries, and joys and heartaches,

 I thought I could never love you more. . .

but again, you grew.

And still, always, day by day,

you keep growing. . .

more and more beautiful. . .

nearer and dearer to my heart