For most of his little life Simon has been a very patient little guy, putting up with quite a bit from his big sis. Almost from day one Tali’s natural exuberance has been met with Simon’s composed but cheerful responses. “Aggressive” was a word Tali became familiar with when Simon was still very new (“Not so aggressive!” was the phrase, I think).

Well, Simon is finally getting his sea legs, as it were. When Tali’s on the step stool he wishes to occupy, he does his best to push her off. When she has a toy he wants, he doesn’t hesitate to grab at it. But the topper of all these ground-standing antics happened last night at bedtime.

I was reading a story to Tali on the floor and Simon was playing around in her room. Tali climbed onto my lap for a cozy read. Well, as soon as Simon saw that, he came over to push her off. When that didn’t work, he fussed and pushed harder. When that didn’t work, he grabbed her hair at the top of her head and pulled up as if he expected to pull her up like any doll!

There is definitely evidence of brotherly love, or something like it, growing between these two. But for now, I think Simon’s personal summary of 1 Corinthians 13 might be, “Love suffers long, then says, ‘MINE!’”

Simon Franklin is here! He was born at home, as planned, on January 22 at 12:25am. We were a little surprised at his size – 8lbs, 7oz, 21in. We were also a little surprised at the speed of his arrival – at 10pm we made a “We think maybe you ought to come” call to our midwife. She braved icy roads to arrive about an hour before Simon did. All went well and we’re all so excited to have our little guy in our arms.

Tali’s been a great big sister so far. She literally ran around the house in excitement every day for about a week after Simon’s birth. Some of that new baby rush has worn off, but she’s still full of hugs and kisses for Baby Brother, delighting her parents with her gentleness and affection.

Simon seems to be adjusting bravely to the world. He’s been busy learning the difference between night and day and enduring unpleasant diaper changes.

Simon’s middle name – Franklin (meaning “free man”) – is for his Great Grandpa Harris. We admire Franklin Harris for his wisdom and godliness. He is a man worth emulating in many ways. The name Simon is ultimately from the Hebrew word for hearing and so has the meanings “to hear” or “to be heard.” Our prayer is that Simon will grow into a man who hears and delights to obey God’s Word, and that he’ll be confident in the Lord’s promise to hear all those who call on him.

Thanks for reading and sharing our joy! Be sure to see photos at the “Family Pictures” link!