We’re eagerly waiting for new little hooves to make their mark in our freshly laid straw. Which doe will surprise us first with new babies? Will there be one, two, three, or four born at the same time?
Our girls are even more eager than we are. After five long months, many are convinced they have to have at least six in there, and boy are they sick of carrying them around! Some are complaining of arthritis and asking us please for some Aleve or Motrin or something. They are very heavy and uncomfortable, as you can see. (Pumpkin)
In the goat yard we have new toys for tots, solid and sturdy but empty and lonely! We’re quite sure they can’t wait to have baby goats playing on them.
Meanwhile Miss Fluff Puff is pacing like the expectant super cat nanny she is, checking out all the birthing pens with their clean straw and heat lamps ready to go at a moment’s notice.
The annual flocking of the neighbors up and down the ditchbank has already begun in anticipation of the little newcomers. Everyone smiles when they watch the kids play. Like Dumbo’s descendants the babies jump from high places and flap their long ears, though so far we haven’t caught one actually flying. (The crows tell us not to hold our breath.) Phone calls have started to come in as well, with eager customers wanting goats for their herds and 4-H projects.
Maria, our oldest and finest mama, here enjoys an apple treat from Dad (Gerald). She knows if she just bats those beautiful eyes of hers, he can’t resist giving her just one more. Her daughter, Christina, has picked up this profitable skill and thus is also regularly pampered. And they say animals are stupid!
The boys—Clark, Pete, and Semi—keep peeking through the fence with their chests puffed out, anticipating the arrival of their new offspring. Obviously each believes theirs will be the finest looking. Then of course there are bets circling as to which buck will have the most kids. Pete looks a little nervous when Clark isn’t watching. Young Semi is just hoping he has at least one, or he won’t be able to show his face in the buck pen this spring.
We’ll keep everyone posted as the maternity ward starts to fill up. Of course we welcome new baby gifts of the goat variety—hay, straw, grain, and lots of love.
Can’t wait! We would love to come visit.