Springtime. We have been keeping a whiteboard in our kitchen to track the due dates of our friends and family who are expecting babies.

We also write phenological observations: first robin, first thunder, first daffodil, first lilac, first dragonfly of the season.

It’s a time of waiting, and we are turning our attention to the things we love to greet.

I sometimes worry about tornadoes, and I’m not thrilled about ticks and mosquitoes, but there’s so much good to watch for, and watching for those good things has been good for heart, soul, mind.

Shortly I will board a plane to meet my first grandchild, to hug my daughter who is a new mom.

My eyes are looking for the new joys, and my heart is full.