Today: Queenie. A Mother.

Amazing. Life on the farm today was nothing short of amazing.

2:15pm
Alan and I went out to the barn to check on the baby Turken chicks we moved down there earlier this morning. When we entered the barnyard, we both noticed that Queenie was acting a little "odd" - not her usual self. We quickly realized she was in labor. Serious labor. She was standing and doing some pretty good pushing and heavy breathing. Delivery would be soon.

Very soon!

It wasn't long after when little white hooves started to emerge. Queenie was trying to find a comfortable place to be, whether standing or laying, laying or standing. Finally, she found a perfect spot to lay down.

2:50pm
After what seemed like forever to us (imagine how she felt!), out slid her baby!

We couldn't believe our timing! We could have EASILY missed the entire scene! But we didn't, and it was a beautiful thing! She had her baby in the middle of the day, in the middle of the barnyard. We watched the entire delivery, and we even captured some little video clips I'll share later.

The baby was trying out its legs within 15-20 minutes, and was firmly latched onto "lunch" in less than 30 minutes.

Amazing.

And even better, it's a little heifer! She'll grow up here on the farm, eventually to have her own babies. We're just thrilled! Congratulations, Queenie! And how fitting, on Mother's Day weekend!

Comments

[Sheila M. Schmucker]

Just loving your farm stories, this one is priceless. Keep them coming, Sheila

[Tracy]

Wow! I was literally on the edge of my seat trying to keep myself from scolling down in a hurry making sure I read every single word! Happy Mother's Day Queenie! What's this cutie going to be called???

[Jane R]

How very exciting....a baby girl...congratulations to all of you! I hope all goes well with Queenie and her new calf.

Jane R

[janetwmarks]

I am sobbing with joy! I would do anything to witness such a beautiful birth. They are all such miracles. I am so happy that you and Alan were there at the right time, right place! Princess Anne maybe? Hugs to all of you! Janet in NC

[tracy harp]

Yeah Queenie!! I loved the chicken photos, Anna! The different varieties of chickens are always my favorite when we go to the State Fair. Do you ever watch Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe? He did an hour long show on a dairy farm where he helped to milk, inseminate and birth cows. I was so riveted and thought of you and Alan. He made it hysterically funny as well.

[Kellie]

Ohhhh,,how amazing that you got to watch the birth,,that is soo cool. I've been checking your site every day to see all the farm updates, even showed it to my little three yr. old neice the other day..she enjoyed it also...keep the baby pics coming, I really love your site...
Kellie

[Cindy H.]

OMG, how fortunate you were to be there at just the right moment!! Another baby!! Your pictures are so amazing!! Thank you for sharing!

[Viv (VivLyn)]

What a special gift! Great pictures and the baby looks so cute! Give Queenie an extra cow cookie for me! She deserves it!

[Clara]

More babies on the farm, how wonderful! Love having you share them with us.

[Ann Lind]

When I was expecting our first child we came past a farm and one of the cows was in the process of delivering her calf that was the first time I had ever seen anything born. I came from the city so hadn't had the opportunity to witness the miracle of birth before, I was in awe.Thanks for sharing the wonderful pictures with us. Queenie you take good care of your little girl. Ann

[Michelle (milwaukeemommy)]

Wow!! Amazing!! Every day is a learning experience on your farm!! I am so grateful you are always right there with camera in hand! And even video this time? Can't wait!! Thanks so much for sharing, Anna. I would never get to learn or see 1/2 of what I do if it weren't for your fabulous pictures on your fabulous blog!!

[Juliana]

WOW!!!
To a life long suburbanite--this is AMAZING!!

WOW! (sorry--temporary loss of intelligent vocabulary)

[Sharon in NE]

Poor Queenie...that had to hurt! The photos were incredible. Thank you Anna.

[diane M]

Congratulations! what a week for birthing! I hope you saved your list of calf names. This has been such a pleasure to follow your adventures.

[Barb Hardeman]

Oh, I've had a busy baby day here myself and just now have the opportunity to check in to see how things are on the farm. Yahooo! Oh, the richness on your lives is simply amazing! That camera must be attached to your hand because you sure don't miss any wonderful opportunities to capture the amazing life you have on the farm. And for all us city girls it is so exciting. How wonderful that Queenie had an easy labor and delivery - in that you didn't have to get out a block and tackle to deliver her calf. And it's a girl!!! Great news. I'm so excited I feel like I'm babbling mindlessly...lol
Have you got a name picked out yet, or can we all put in our two cents worth. Okay, well, having a baby girl was a crowning glory for Queenie so my suggestion is to call her Glory! Queenies Crowning Glory!

[Vicky sitterly]

Wow!!!!!

[Mary Ferris]

And will the name of this new arrival be Princess? Sounds right for the daughter of a "Queen"! Your barnyard tally just keeps growing and growing. Great timing on your part to be there with your camera to record this little one's birth.

Mary

[Michelle Oatman]

How fabulous! Middle of the day is really out of the norm, I get all nervous and excited when I see those hooves... it is a mircle and you got to see it! And I can't believe another girl... we really need to save the water our animals are drinking, it has been a good year! Congrats to all of you! Especially Queenie!

[Mindy]

I wish we were back in "form" as soon after birth as Queenie! She looks FAB having her little post-delivery snack. Her baby is precious...it IS so cool that you got to be there! Thanks so much for sharing.

[jeanneh]

Oh, Anna - I love it that you share each new baby with us!! What a wonderful miracle babies are! My goodness...you have just so much fun on your "job!" This little one is a Princess for sure!! xoxoxo Jeanne in Idaho

[Laurie in MN]

Congratulate Queenie, her baby looks beautiful and healthy.

[Caz]

Congrats to queenie on the birth of princess or prince!

Caz

[Melissa]

Aww. I'm glad Queenie and baby are healthy. That's wonderful!

[Judie C.]

How wonderful for Queenie! And how perfect that you and Alan and the ever-present camera were there to record the birth for all of us to share in. Thank you! Hope Dixie got to see how it's supposed to be done--quick and almost easy. Way to go, Queenie! Welcome to the world, little princess.

[Angie]

CONGRATULATIONS QUEENIE! This story brought me to tears, there's no way I'll make it through a video clip! Lol!