Foal Watch

Two days ago, Emma's udder quadrupled in size.  The next day it doubled again.  Today, bigger still.  There is no milk...yet, but it's getting there.  We were having a stretch of very nice weather.  However, tonight, it is in the 30's with lots of very cold rain coming down.  Mind you, I am not whining about the rain, we REALLY need it.

Gabe was due to come home today.  Actually, he was due to come home two weeks ago, but I talked the trainer into keeping him another two weeks in the hopes that Emma would have her baby while he was gone and the weather was nice.  No such luck of course.

I can't do anything about the weather, but I did take Gabe down to my riding buddy's house rather than bring him home.  Thank God for good friends who will take in an 1100 pound, walking appetite on short notice in order to keep things peaceful and safe for a pregnant donkey.  Thanks Riding Buddy.

We're as ready as we're going to get and the weather is lousy.  Perfect time for a baby to show up.  I did look into my crystal ball in the hopes discovering what the future holds, the response was just two words:  sleep deprivation. 

Stay tuned, I'll try to update as soon as anything changes.

The Weekly Belly 3/24/12

The belly continues to expand, but it is also shifting.  Moving lower and getting wider.  While the belly is still growing, the baby seems quieter, not kicking or moving as much.  Foals tend to get quieter as they move into position for birth.  Emma's udder is beginning to fill.  The ligaments around her tail are getting a little looser.  I think it is going to be a matter of weeks rather than months before this baby shows up.

I know this picture is indelicate, but this is the beginning if Emma's udder.  I took this 2 days ago, it is larger today. 

All of these things typically start happening 4-6 weeks prior to birth.  Sometimes they happen within days or hours of birth.  Sometimes, I wish I bit my nails.  It would give me something to do.