Birthing Babies

I love this time of year.

I love watching my seeds pop up out of the soil. Watching new life begin.

No matter how many Springs I've weathered,

 I'm still surprised by the excitement I feel

when I see that first little baby push it's head
through the earthen blanket that covers it.

And in record time.

 Twelve hours quicker than last year. A day and a half faster than three years ago.

Okay, sometimes they can be overdue.

And then I worry. Did I do something wrong?

Was the seed too old? Did it get too warm? Or too cold?

Too much water? Not enough?

Will I have to replant?

And then I see it, just one wee bit of tender green peeking through.
A promise of life.

  I just love birthing babies.