~ Rosie ~

Our mama cow had her calf this evening. A beautiful little heifer calf. I missed the birth by no more than 15 minutes by my estimation. I got to watch her take those first wobbly steps and I am now on baby watch every two hours. I am most likely being overprotective, but this is *my* first calf. We are really blessed that we have such a gentle mama cow. We had to move them into the barn because it started to rain outside. She didn't mind one bit.

*Update : Just peeked a couple of times last night. Went out this morning to feed. Oh My Goodness, can you say cute! I sat down in the stall, mama and baby were laying down. Baby got up and came over to smell my face and let me rub her all over. Mama just laid there and watched, mooing every now and again. I got up to get hay so mama got up and baby immediately went back to nurse. Can we say engorged? I know how she feels and its not a nice feeling. I helped baby get a really good hold on those great big nipples and she nurse with great joy, that little tail just a going.

I am glad she delivered yesterday evening because last night was snowing and the wind was whipping. They were snug as a bug in the barn. The sun is shining now so hopefully it will warm up some and I can let them out of their stall for some extra sunshine.

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~ Our Newest Family Member ~

Meet Duck

I know, not the most "normal" name for a pony considering all the ponies I have know have been Applebutter or Lolly, but the kids think it's great! She is about twelve years old and is more of a pet than livestock due to being an orphan. She wants to be around us every second we are at the barn.

Our farrier, Larry Curell (the best in the business around these parts) gave her to the kids. If you have horses that are in need of some hoof work, look him up (if you need a number, let me know).

We haven't been able to ride yet because it has been rather cold and windy. We have been cleaning up like crazy and still have a few more projects to get done out by the barn before the snow flies, hopefully we will get them done soon being it is November 12 (I really would like to know, where does the time go?)

Our other farm related "before winter comes" task tackled this week was getting the cow's hoofs trimmed. Steve, from Steve's Hooftrimming came out and he was great! Cows are a whole different ball game than horses. He has a tilt table for trimming which makes it safer for everyone involved and was very reasonably priced. I highly recommend him if your cattle need some work done on their feet.

~ Guess What? ~

Guess what I am going to do tomorrow? Guess? I am getting a milk cow!!! I should, in fact, be in bed right now because we have to get up early but I am so excited I can't sleep, so I will share. She is a Scottish Highlander and has a heifer calf. I am really glad she has a calf still nursing because then I have a little wiggle room to get the hang of milking. I will post some pics of them tomorrow, but for now, I am off to sleep. (I hope)