Monday, July 2, 2012

A Little Surprise

I had been up several times during the night to check on Emma because she had been acting very restless and grumpy Sat. night.  I really wasn't expecting much of anything to happen because it seemed like she was restless because of the heat, the horrible bugs, the incessant fireworks and loud 4-wheelers at a big party down the road (the fireworks and 4-wheelers on the road are illegal, but that is a relative term out here).  I also wasn't expecting much because I have been expecting a baby for so long now that I had kinda stopped expecting anything, if that makes any sense. 

This morning, I crawled out of bed at about 10:30 (I work nights and never get to bed before 3:00am so this is my version of early morning:).  The very first thing I do every morning is look out the window and check to see where all my critters are and if they all look healthy.  Emma was laying in her stall looking like she was having her normal morning nap.  She was laying down with her head up and chin resting in the hay, she looks like this nearly every day when I get up so I thought "no baby again" and I staggered off to let my dog out and use the bathroom.  I glanced out the window again on my way to the shower and Emma was in the same spot, but this time there was a little baby donkey standing behind her! 

I threw on some clothes, grabbed my camera and my foaling kit and headed to the barn.  I missed the birth by just a few minutes.  The baby was still very wet and Emma was laying down to pass the afterbirth.  Emma seemed rather glad to see me and was not at all bothered by my presence so I quietly cleaned things up, dipped the baby's navel and got out of the way.  Al those hours I have spent with her paid off. 

The baby is very vigorous and healthy acting.  It did take him quite a while to figure out where the food comes from though.  He was sucking hard, but in all the wrong places.  He did finally find the right spigot, but only took a few tiny sips and after a couple of hours of this I milked Emma a little (Thank God I spent all those hours) and fed baby some colostrum from a bottle.  By this afternoon, he had it all figured out and is drinking well on his own.  By 7:00 this evening the little terror was bouncing all over the place.  He already knows how to run...

buck...

Kick....

wobble...

and pose...

Emma is being a wonderful mother and she absolutely loves her baby...


and so do I....

14 comments:

  1. The moment arrived at the end...I'm so happy that everything went right for Enma and you.I have to confess I got worried in some part of the process reading at you,but I hide my "worry thoughts".
    He is the cutes little donkey I ever seen!!!!!! I felt in love with him and I'm sure all your readers will.It's been a very hoped foal ! with two mothers ;)
    Congratulations you both.

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  2. Congratulations!! What a beautiful little guy! I'm pleased everything went so well. I've been stopping by everyday hoping and praying there would be a safe delivery. Now I'll be stopping by to watch the little guy grow. Do you have a name for him yet? Heather

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  3. Ashlee WellensteinJuly 2, 2012 at 6:24 AM

    How precious, congrats Emma and Kris

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  4. Isn't it amazing with all the time spent watching for baby, they can still get it done when your back is turned! He looks like he is going to be a fun one, it's Emmas turn now. He is going to worry her to pieces trying to keep up with him. Donkey babys are a blast, lot of fun for you now.

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  5. Congrats again on the sweet baby boy donkey. Mommie and he look terrific. I know you must be relieved after the long wait. Oma Linda

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  6. Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!! I have no other words. sigh.


    ~Lisa

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  7. Congratulations and Well done, Emma. Happy Birthday little boy!!

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  8. P.S. How old is Emma, is this her first time being a mama?

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    1. Emma is only 23 months old right now, which is the main reason that I have been a nervous wreck about this pregnancy. She came to me from a very neglectful home already pregnant. You can read more of her story here:

      http://thedancingdonkey.blogspot.com/2011/12/worrisome-news.html

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    2. Oh, thanks! Now I am doubly impressed at her calm and mothering ability.

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  9. He is the absolute most adorable little guy. I think he knows it. Wow.

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  10. Awe! You made my eyes water! I just love the last two pictures! As much as you keep an eye on them, they still sneak in those baby's! LOL~

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