For Calvin on his first birthday

 I think you were born with your blue eyes 

lit up and a smile on your face
ready to change the world
with your happy little light
life will be good for you
little one,  wanted  so much
you took your time getting here
it was too cozy where you were
Maybe you were waiting 

for a background check on all of us

August 27 2022
“We made it to the hospital waiting room”
your dad says
Your extended family stood by
in various parts of the world -

France, Utah, Michigan

texting  notes of encouragement
making jokes
waiting and waiting
I sat knitting
aunt Barb did too
like my mom did while

your dad was being born.

You stayed put, safe inside your mom
reluctant to leave
we didn’t know if you were a boy or girl
and didn’t care as long as you got here
Day turned into night and back into day
And into another night.

“We love you”
came the voices from the family
to your mom and dad 

and to you
As if the reassurances that you

were already loved

site unseen
would get you here faster

“Is it time for the crochet hook thing”
I asked, meaning the tool to break the waters

you were contentedly floating in

“Go Libby go” we all cheered,”
offering encouragement

“Almost time to push” your dad said

8 CM dilated

“I had my pupils dilated today 

and it happened very quickly”
your grandpa suggested to your mom
“Maybe you can ask for that medicine?”

Still you were reluctant
you had to be coaxed out
“C-section in 30 minutes your mom said”

The family in France were sleeping
grandpa and I reluctantly went to bed

Finally on the last few hours of the  29th
you were here, your skin soft

And fresh, it will never be 

that soft again
your pointy head evidence that 

you tried your best
to exit without help
blonde hair
much like your dads
“It looks red” I said hopefully

Uncle Bill and aunt Scarlett were the first

to notice the message

 “We have a little baby boy”
from your dad

I heard the phone by the side of the bed
looked at my phone and felt joy
of another one to carry on 

when we are gone

Welcome to the ocean of air, little fella

said aunt Kseniya,
not knowing that in another year

she would be waiting for

her own son

Not a Keverige or a Chlorini
but a Calvin Bruce
It made grandpa Bruce smile
and tear up a little

Now a year has gone

“I did it” you said
Or word that sounded like that
After a year of smiling and growing
Your blue eyes continue

To light up our world
Happy birthday to our grandson
You’ve changed the world

already