My Sweet Enigma

When it comes to complex personalities, Emma is a good rival for Connor.

She is sweet, kind, gentle and has immense patience.

She is also still quite shy and can be easily spooked, but is very brave.  Given time, she always overcomes her fears and moves on.

A while ago, Shelley asked if she is the leader of the herd.....the answer is: not really, but neither is she at the bottom.  Rather, she remains outside of the hierarchy and aloof to it.  She flows away from possible conflict like water around a stone and goes on as she sees fit.

Emma is very indendant and simply does what she wants when she wants.  If the others tag along, that is fine, if not, that is OK too.  Since the others don't want to be left out of anything, they follow her.  Sometimes, I know she would rather they didn't.  Tessa and Ramsey can both be a little pushy about wanting all the attention and Emma will usually back off rather than be crowded.  While the other two are busy with thier breakfast, I always go off a little way and spend some one-on-one time with Emma. Being the shy, independent sort is not always easy and I like to make sure Emma gets her share, even if she won't ask for it.

When Ramsey was little, she was very protective and took her mothering duties very seriously.  As he has gotten older, her role has changed.  She weaned him when he was between eight and ten months old.  When he was about one and a half, she seemed to step back a bit and let him take the lead more and more while still being there to back him up.

At two and a half, Ramsey is trying to find his place.  He tries pushing Tessa around a little and gets frustrated when she ignores him.  Emma just stays out of it and let's him work it out.  A good mom knows when it's time to let the kid figure things out on his own. It is hard for Ramsey, and probably Emma too, that there are not other donkeys for them to interact with. I'm sure Ramsey would be less of the momma's boy he still is if he had other playmates.  Still, they are working it out.  Emma has taught Ramsey well.

Instead of the fierce protector now, she is again the kind, shy enigma I first met.  My sweet Emma Girl.