For Miss Katharyn Rebecca Krengel

This afternoon I heard the news and I just think it’s mad.
I can’t believe that Rach’s a mum and Jooles, mate, you’re a dad!
So Katharyn Rebecca Krengel, I welcome you to this world.
I can’t believe these photos I’m seeing are my mates’ little girl!
My initial ‘woop woop’ excitement has turned to dumbstruck awe:
You weren’t the first of my friends to get married but none of them have had a baby before
And I remember just two years ago when we would sit up late
Talking shit, doing essays (and other things...) and having fires by the lake.
I even remember the night we all went down to the uni launderette
And sat our arses on the grass outside, when we lived in Norfolk F.
Then I didn’t see you guys much for a year or so, after Katie moved out
You watched her back, and I thank you for that; you were good friends to both of us throughout.
When I saw you at Matt and Alys’ wedding, you told me you were pregnant.
Not only that, you got married too (and I’m sorry I wasn’t attendant-
I was laid up sick, I’m still gutted now. It sounded like what a wedding should be:
A few good friends, a declaration of love and pub for pints post-ceremony.)
Well congratulations, mum and dad. I still can barely believe it!
A brand new baby girl is yours and all you had to do was conceive it.
Now make sure to bring up a good girl who’s loved and looked after well,
Though I already think you’ve made the first mistake: she should have been Katharyn Cromarty-Krengel :P
Hey kid, you got good parents there. I’m sure you’ll do just fine.
Soon you’ll get used to life outside the womb: it’s more tricky but less sticky and there’s sunshine.
And then one day when you’re older and more used to it I’ll say ‘I knew you when you were this big!’
And you’ll look at me kinda confused and it’ll all seem a bit invasive
Cos you won’t remember being a baby, but I’ll remember you
And I’ll never forget this day I found out: congratulations, Rachel & Jooles