Tiny crib

Rocking chair

Brand new blanket

Teddy Bear

Diapers and bibs and powder and oil

And the first ingredient is love.

Baby’s here!

Beautiful cry

Very first breath

You are mine!

Our hearts have grown at least seven times

And the first ingredient is love.

Welcome child!

Everything’s new

Kitchen sink bath

Peek-a-boo

“This little piggy” and patty cake, too

And the first ingredient is love.

Year of first

Watch them sprout

First smile

First laugh

First step

First shout

From the way that we feel, there is no doubt

That the first ingredient is love.

Peter Stewart is a multifaceted teacher, performer, author, and composer. Currently, he is the director of Sing and Learn Music, founder of Project Pride, and leader of the Potato Chip Band. He can be reached by email at PrideNow@aol.com.