Newborns are fierce, wild creatures of the wood. They come out judging society and condemning injustice. I did not realize this until a month ago, when I met my nephew.

Blessings come in many sizes,
Often they are big surprises:
Sometimes large but mostly small,
They are perfect for us all.
Lil' Blessings is waiting near,
For the time when it's to appear;
It will be done in God's perfect timing,
Please forgive our impatient whining.
Don't be worried, frazzled, or stressed;
With Lil' Blessings we'll still be blessed.

On June 10th, we are celebrating the first birthday of my little brother, James Theophilus Andrews. I am writing this to tell the story of his first year of life, and I hope no one will find it dull :) 

James was the fourth of my siblings to be delivered at home by my dad. It started with Matthew. The midwife couldn't get to our house in time, so Pa really had no choice. That was in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Note: Mairead  wrote an essay of the same topic as this a few days ago...feeling inspired by it I have written something similar. But she had the original idea; not me!!

Dear Mommy,

I'm sorry that I cannot tell you all this in person; but I am very busy at the moment. I am busy growing bigger, growing taller, growing fatter, everyday. I should think you would be proud of this; but why is it so hard for you to keep me here?

Sleepy
Eyelids drooping
Head nodding
Thumb in mouth
Blue blankie gripped tight
Baby held close
Cuddling in my arms
Fast asleep now.

I see the innocent BABY
I smell the BABY’s unseen tears
I watch the woman leave, childless
I feel regret for what I am forced to do
I hear the unheard whimper of a dying BABY
I know what I’m doing, unwillingly
I don’t understand why this happens
I cry for the BABY lost
I wish see would look back to see what a mother she has become
I hate the doctor, the murderer.

See the sparkling, bright-blue eyes,
the tiny fingers, minute hands.
Each part so small;
perfectly formed,
from soft, downy hair
to the tips of ten toes.
This little person is
full of life;
a sign of love and
our future’s hope.