Look who Alan found in the barn this morning! On his BIRTHDAY, even!
How fun is that! Way to GO, Dixie!
This is the first photo I took of the new baby. It was early (about 7:10am) and it's cloudy today, so there was little light coming into the barn. This makes for tricky photography when there's no on-camera flash either!
I was just out at the barn a bit ago and witnessed breakfast. Yay! Seeing a new born calf eating is a very good thing. The sooner they start nursing, the better. It's important for them to get vital antibodies from colostrum that's produced by the mother for only a short amount of time after the calf is born. I also witness some "weeing", so it would seem we've got a little heifer! Yay!!
Thank you for all the congrats! We're pleased! Dixie is cranky...but I would be too.
If you're wondering what breed of cattle we have, we raise Dexter cattle. Dexters are considered to be the smallest breed of cattle in the US, which makes them perfect for small farms. Cows mature to 750-800 pounds, and are typically 36-42 inches high at the shoulder. Bulls mature to 1000-1100 pounds and 38-44 inches high at the shoulder. The little calf born here today weighs about 30-35 pounds. Learn more here.
Yay! A great birthday for Alan!
Posted by: diane (cookiestamper) | April 27, 2008 at 04:08 PM
OMgosh, she sure is gorgeous and worth the wait! So sweet!
How ador-a-bull...no, that wouldn't be right, how ador-a-belle! Belle!
She's a cutie! And Happy Belated Birthday to Alan too!
Posted by: Patty W | April 26, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Congratulations Dixie, Anna, and Alan! She's a beauty!
Posted by: Angie | April 26, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Yeah!! I too have been checking to see when she would have that baby! Congrats to you both Anna, and having it on Alan's birthday way to go Dixie!!
Happy Birthday Alan!!
Posted by: Candy aka cwilliams | April 26, 2008 at 05:15 AM
What a cutie! I have to go with "Brown eyed girl". I just love that song by Van Morrison. You are so blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful creatures. No matter what name you give her, she is wonderful!
Posted by: Terri D. | April 25, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Yayyyyyy!!! the baby's here!
Congratulations!!!
Samm
x
Posted by: Samm | April 25, 2008 at 08:56 AM
awwww, she's so sweet! And poor Dixie! That Udder is hu-mon-gous, if it gets any bigger she's gonna be dragging the ground! That calf should grow big and quick by the looks of her meals. She looks like sweet black licorice... Happy Birthday Alan! What a great gift Dixie gave you!
Hugs
Julie
Posted by: Julie Phillips | April 25, 2008 at 06:32 AM
What a wonderful birthday present for Alan. She's precious.
Posted by: Ami | April 25, 2008 at 05:05 AM
"Way to go....DIXIE"
What a precious new baby!!!
*Nice Birthday gift!!
Adorable...Thanks for the update
and the wonderful photos!!
*CONGRATULATIONS!!
Posted by: Dee | April 24, 2008 at 08:10 PM
Finally! That little lady took a long time to have that baby!! She has been keeping me on pins and needles :) What a little sweetie!
Congratulations!!!
And Happy Birthday to Alan too!!!
Posted by: Lori M | April 24, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Darn, I missed the birth! I've been checking to see how Dixie is doing daily, but didn't check in the last couple of days! I just loved your postings of her last days before birth! Such anticipation! Great photos of the bambino! Can't wait to show my dh. He'll enjoy this!
Posted by: Lisa (lakind) | April 24, 2008 at 07:12 PM
YAY!!! I was afraid she had changed her mind!! What a gorgeous little heifer! I guess I know what the daddy looks like!!
Posted by: Lydia Fiedler | April 24, 2008 at 06:44 PM
Ohhhh....I've been checking your blog on a daily basis wondering when poor Dixie would finally deliver!Big congrats to you all...and what a wonderful gift on Alan's birthday!Can't wait to see what the little guys name is going to be.Keep posting those pictures....I just love your animals!
Posted by: Clara | April 24, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Shew - I'm so relieved. I've been on pins and needles. Thanks for letting us enjoy the suspense. Congratulations!
Posted by: Linda McClain | April 24, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Yaaaayy, it's about time !!! I've been c hecking daily. I love reading everything on your blog, but especially love all the animal stuff. I'm a sucker for animals!
Happy B'day to Alan, too. What a cool day for the calf to be born. A very special gift!!
Posted by: Simmy | April 24, 2008 at 05:10 PM
How adorable! CONGRATULATIONS!!! She is beautiful!!!
Posted by: Michelle H | April 24, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Congrats to all...I thought that calf would never come! Look at everybody else following the travails of Dixie! And thank gawd my boobs never got that big...ha ha!
Posted by: Allison | April 24, 2008 at 03:36 PM
As the page was loading just now I was thinking "Cow? No cow? Cow?" how GLAD I was to see that the answer was COW! Go Dixie! Congratulaitons, and what amazingly beautiful photos.
Congratulations, and thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Joanne B | April 24, 2008 at 03:13 PM
AAAHHHHH!!!
I have been waiting and now this little one is here.
So sweet...
Kandi
Posted by: Kandi | April 24, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Whoo HOO!! Congratulations to Mama Dixie and the new calf!! What a cutie!
Posted by: Michelle | April 24, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Oh, she is so pretty and sweet! Way to go, Dixie!!!! Congratulations on your newest addition. It has been SO fun waiting on the baby. Thanks for sharing it with all of us!! I feel like I should be making a baby card and send a shower gift:)
Posted by: Mindy | April 24, 2008 at 02:36 PM
woo-hoo - glad it all 'worked out' alright! :) Happy Birthday, Alan!
Posted by: Lori Craig | April 24, 2008 at 02:27 PM
That Dixie is the smart one. She didn't even have to go out and buy Alan a present. She hand made one. Congrats!!!! Oh,........and Happy Birthday to Alan. Wish I was comin for supper! Yum....Enjoy!
Posted by: Mecah Dow | April 24, 2008 at 02:25 PM
ok, i read the link, and Daisy is SO MUCH prettier than the cow on the website, who just looks like a plain old Angus. Daisy's picture should be on a Dexter website.
Shala
Posted by: SWJC | April 24, 2008 at 02:11 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALAN AND THE LITTLE ONE! omigosh, what a total cutie-pie! just look at those big eyes and that darling nose. :) it is so great that you don't seperate calves from their mothers. i am so happy for you...and Daisy! :)))))
i agree that Ali would be a great name!
Shala
Posted by: SWJC | April 24, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Woo Hoo!!! I'm so glad it's a girl. I hope baby and momma are doing well. Happy Birthday to Alan, too!
Posted by: Kittie Caracciolo | April 24, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Woo Hoo! Congratulations Dixie and Happy Birthday Alan! What a wonderful day it is on the farm!! So happy for all of you.
Posted by: dbdesigns | April 24, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Yeah! Fantastic! Finally! Good for Dixie!
Posted by: Queen Mary | April 24, 2008 at 01:40 PM
So beautiful! I want to snuggle it!!!
When will the naming happen? Do you have a system for your naming, will you have a naming contest?
Congratulations Dixie!
Posted by: Lisa Stein | April 24, 2008 at 01:33 PM
Congratulations to everyone----Dixie must be SO RELIEVED that it's over and Happy Birthday to Alan! I grew up in the city, so this is my first exposure to farm animals. I'm thinking this will inspire a new stamp set!!
Posted by: Bonnie H. | April 24, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Congrats on the new baby girl!! Happy Birthday Alan. Yahoo we get to see this little gal grow up and have little ones of her own. TFS Ann
Posted by: Ann Lind | April 24, 2008 at 01:19 PM
So sweet! Happy Birthday to Alan. How are you going to celebrate? Anxious to hear what the name will be.
Denise G
Posted by: Denise G | April 24, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Awwww! She's beautiful! Can't wait for more pics and what you're going to name her. So glad she will be staying with you. Congratulations! Linda
Posted by: Linda Bullard | April 24, 2008 at 12:56 PM
She's precious! Congratulations.
Posted by: Beth M | April 24, 2008 at 12:23 PM
congrats the watch pot is now done and it is so cute...
Posted by: Aimee | April 24, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I've been avidly following the Dixie story and was thrilled to see pix of the baby this morning. I can't wait for my son to come home so he can see, too. Life on the farm seems so cool to me. Maybe I'm just tired of the city rat race! Anyway, congratulations, happy birthday to Alan, and thank you for one of the most fun blogs out there!
Posted by: Lisa H | April 24, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Cute ~ Cute ~ Cute!! What a great birthday present! So glad mother and baby are doing well.
Jane
Posted by: Jane R | April 24, 2008 at 12:18 PM
congrats!!! She looks so sweet!!! :D
Posted by: jenn | April 24, 2008 at 12:14 PM
YaaBaaDaaBaaDOOOOO ! I was so pleased to see the heading of your post and thank you Anna, for the adorable pictures :) Glad to hear all is well and that Mom is nursing and getting that baby full of good stuff.
Now the huge question will be ~ what are you going her? Hmmm what about Aleena :)
Congrats!!**!!
Posted by: Robb_eeie | April 24, 2008 at 12:13 PM
And finally! What a cutie! Way to go, Dixie!!! Congratulations, Anna and Alan!
Posted by: Cindy H. | April 24, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Yeah, Anna! This means you get to keep Dixie's chicklet if it's a heifer, right? Happy Birthday to Alan, and congrats to you and Dixie.
Posted by: diane M | April 24, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Seeee? Dixie was waiting for the perfect BIRTH-day!!! To share with Alan. Yay! Good girl, Dixie! I love this - what a precious baby!!! Kiss him/her on the nose for me, will ya!? Oh! How exciting!! No wonder Alan is beaming!! Love from (sunny, snowy, chilly) Idaho xoxo
Posted by: jeanneh | April 24, 2008 at 11:44 AM
yea, Dixie! what a trooper, she even delivered without y'alls assistance! can't wait to find out the sex (is it too early to tell) whatever it is - it's a CUTIE! love that pic
Posted by: Donna Baker | April 24, 2008 at 11:30 AM
How wonderful - and on a stormy night too! Bet she was just waiting for one! Maybe you could call her baby "Stormy"???
Anyway - congrats and HB to you DH! What a nice present Dixie gave him!
Posted by: Jennifer Moneagle | April 24, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Thanks so much, Anna, for posting the pictures; all of the "aunties" out here in the cyberworld have been so preoccupied with our Ms. Dixie. Such great news.
Posted by: margaret | April 24, 2008 at 11:28 AM
my dd, Queen V (5 years old) says to call her Caroline! (it's the favored name for the girls for our baby to come.. not that we know if it's a boy or a girl.. I love a good surprise! lol!
Posted by: AnneMarieZ | April 24, 2008 at 11:21 AM
awesome!!! I am so happy! must have been the storms we had- you got tromped last night! wow!!! I told my kids to pray for all of you and the animals!!! They kept jumping out of bed for all the lightning we had around here!!!! we didn't get 6" of rain but the kids' boat float is FULL of water now.. it was dry yesterday afternoon!!
Happy Birthday to Allan and Dixie's baby!!! What are you guys going to call her??
Posted by: AnneMarieZ | April 24, 2008 at 11:19 AM
I'm comment #65, so I don't expect anyone to read this. I did post an earlier comment before I knew it was a girl. So my two cents worth is - WOOOOHOOOOO it's a GIRL!!!! Good job Dixie. Gotta name for this one? I think you should call her Nala! That's Alan spelled backwards...
Posted by: Barb Hardeman | April 24, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Awwwwwwwww! What a cutie pie! I just love the babies. :)
Posted by: Jennifer Love | April 24, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Well, finally, a big congrats to everyone. And a very happy birthday to Alan. Sounds like you have a great dinner planned, but a very busy time around there. Thanks for the adorable pics.
Posted by: Troy Louise | April 24, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Yea!!! How cute to have the baby on your honey's birthday!! If you're taking name suggestions, other than naming him after Alan, my four-year-old (who's been checking every day with me to see if the baby came yet) said to name him "milkshake"!
Congrats and Happy Birthday to your honey!
Posted by: Leticia Fournier | April 24, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Oh! My! Gosh!!!!! Adorable!!!! Congrats, I know you've been waiting and waiting and waiting!!! Can't wait to hear the name!!!!!
Posted by: Michelle (milwaukeemommy) | April 24, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Congrats to you all! She is adorable! Let us know the name, when one is decided on.
Posted by: Lisa | April 24, 2008 at 10:54 AM
YEA!! Congratulations, I have been checking my E-mail 4-5 times a day, just waiting for the news. I was raised on a farm until I started grade school and I love seeing all your pics and articles. Brings back such great memories. Keep the pics coming, and let us know the name you have picked out.
Posted by: Barb W | April 24, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Sooooo cute!!
Happy Birthday Alan!! :)
Posted by: Jennifer (jkincolorado) | April 24, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Happy B'day Alan!! Way to go Dixie,finally!!
She's so cute!! Great pics girl!
Posted by: Diane Lapointe | April 24, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Yea!!! Congratulations to Dixie...and you guys too! What a birthday gift for Alan! What an adorable baby...I love cows. They have the most gorgeous eyes...and those lashes! Mmmmwwwwahhh!! Kiss the baby for me!
Wonderful pictures!
Posted by: Danielle | April 24, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Oh what wonderful news! So glad that mama and baby are doing fine! Congrats! Oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALAN! Eat lots of cake!!!
Posted by: Terry | April 24, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Wow!!! Congratulations and Happy Birthday Alan! Great photos. Thanks for posting the progress, it was fun to watch.
Posted by: Judy | April 24, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Congratulation - We raise Angus cattle and I love the birthing. Right now we are having 1 or 2 calves a day. I try to see as many born as I can. One of our show cows is due any day so I'm keeping an eye on her. This is what I love about the farm life. Nancy
Posted by: Nancy P | April 24, 2008 at 10:07 AM
CONGRATULATIONS!! I'm delighted that Dixie has finally given birth. I, too, must admit that I have been checking on, probably, an hourly basis or so waiting for this day to finally arrive. The pictures are cute and I can't wait to see more. And a Happy Birthday to Alan too. What a great gift!
Posted by: Anne | April 24, 2008 at 10:00 AM
YAHOOOOOOOOOOO!! FABULOUS photo, Anna!! The calf is beautiful like her mama. I sure hope it's a female and I can't wait to hear what you name it, you're so good at that.
I also hop we have more births to anticipate because this was so much fun and very informative. TFS and HUGS to all.
Posted by: Juanita | April 24, 2008 at 09:57 AM
Yeah! Way to go, Dixie! I am so glad you got a little heifer. Are you going to have a naming contest? That would be fun.
Posted by: Janet S | April 24, 2008 at 09:56 AM
City Girl here....ok.....what is a heifer?? Boy or girl.....
I can't wait to tell Doug that Dixie had her baby....I've even had HIM checking!!! How exciting....I hope Dixie relaxes today and takes it EZ. What a cool birthday present for Alan.....I bet you are both so excited and relieved that the baby is finally here!! Congrats !!
We'll be checking for more baby pictures!!
Hugs!!!
Posted by: Vicky sitterly | April 24, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Congratulations Dixie!!!!
Happy Birthday Alan!
Posted by: SusanH | April 24, 2008 at 09:42 AM
How beautiful is that? I grew up on a farm. It brings back memories. Your photo captures the moment beautifully. :)
Karen
Posted by: Karen L | April 24, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Congratualtions!
Posted by: Terri Moore | April 24, 2008 at 09:41 AM
HURRAY FOR ALL OF YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALAN! I AM SO HAPPY THAT THE BABY IS HERE. . . NOW TO HOPE IT'S A HEIFER! YOU'RE GOING TO KEEP US IN SUSPENSE, AREN'T YOU??!!
GLAD IT'S FINALLY OVER FOR DIXIE, AND HAVE A GREAT DAY! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | April 24, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Yippee!!! Way to go Dixie! Happy Birthday to Alan!! :D
Posted by: dcorder | April 24, 2008 at 09:39 AM
What a great present for Alan's birthday! How cute is that little baby. Way to go indeed Dixie.
Posted by: Ida | April 24, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Happy birthday to your hubby!!! He looks like a very nice man from his picture!!! And congratulations on the birth of Dixie's baby. Is is a boy or a girl? Either way, it's so adorable. Please keep us posted with pictures!
Dorothy
ps love the farm card!
Posted by: Dorothy | April 24, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Congratulations and Happy Birthday to Alan! The baby is so cute!
Posted by: Amy | April 24, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Dixie wanted to give Alan a special birthday present! Way to go Dixie! And Happiest of Birthdays to you Alan!
Linda
Posted by: Linda (LSN on SCS) | April 24, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Congratulations to Dixie! What a pretty baby, and how exciting it has been for me to check back here several times a day to see how she is progressing. Thanks for sharing her (and your entire farm) with us all, it's fun to visit your blog no matter what the subject!
Posted by: Debbi | April 24, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Well don't keep us in suspense! What is it?
Congratulations!
Posted by: Liz | April 24, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Yeah!!!! Congratulations!!!!!! What a great birthday present!
Posted by: Lauri | April 24, 2008 at 09:24 AM
YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! Way to go Dixie, what a cute calf!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALAN!!
TFS.
Posted by: Juanita | April 24, 2008 at 09:23 AM
AWWWEEEEE..she(?) is so adorable! Happy Birthday Alan. What an awesome present. How the new mommy? Feeling a bit light I am sure. I am so excited for you all. congratulations! Janet in nc
Posted by: janetwmarks | April 24, 2008 at 09:22 AM
I think you should name her Stormy!!
Congrats Anna and Alan.........
Posted by: Lyn Heppner | April 24, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Yipppeeeeeee! Welcome to the new baby. I too have been checking the site a few times a day waiting on that new arrival. How fun is this!!!
Posted by: Rose | April 24, 2008 at 09:20 AM
YEah, YEAH, YEAH!!!! Boy or girl???? Ü
Posted by: karrie baker | April 24, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Well....what is it??????
What a precious baby! Congrats, Dixie!
Posted by: Shannan Teubner | April 24, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Yea!!!! Hip hip hoooray! What a beautiful little baby cow Dixie made. Finally...I was gettin' a little worried about her. Happy Birthday to Alan!
Posted by: Leigh O'Brien | April 24, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Whoo hoo! Congratulations! How funny - our mama donkey gave birth on my cousin's birthday in February. So now the baby is named Larry in his honor. LOL Will we see more pics of Alan Jr? Hee hee hee!
Posted by: Holly | April 24, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Yippppeeeee! Happy Birthday to Alan and the new baby!!
Posted by: Angela K | April 24, 2008 at 09:03 AM
ROCK ON DIXIE....I've been checking everyday...throughout the day ... waiting on this sweet little baby to get here... HOORAY !! Happy Birthday to Alan too !
Posted by: Tracye | April 24, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Oh, he/she is cute! Congrats to new mom! :-)
Posted by: Sanna | April 24, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Yippie! My gosh Dixie sure does know how to deliver a gift doesn't she?! Can't wait for more pics! -Molly B
Posted by: Molly B | April 24, 2008 at 08:31 AM
*She* looks so sweet! I'm sure it will be a little girl so she and Alan can celebrate birthdays every year! She can have a big cow cookie with a candle on top! Any other babies waiting in the wings?
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | April 24, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Yay!!! Congratulations. Can't wait to see more pictures.
Enjoy (and Happy Birthday to Alan)!
Posted by: Kathy Tabbers | April 24, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Oh my gosh...how exciting! Adorable.
Posted by: Michelle | April 24, 2008 at 08:21 AM
Precious!
Posted by: Lora Lee | April 24, 2008 at 08:14 AM
ok.ok. I'll admit it. I've been checking multiple times a day just to see if Dixie has had her baby yet. Can't help myself. I showed the picture to my 3 year old who is home sick. He said "awwww cute". Then just for fun, we got to discussing what we think it should be named and he decided... Herman if it's a boy and Chloe if it's a girl. We hope mama and baby are doing well!!
Posted by: Amy D | April 24, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Oh how adorable!!!!
Posted by: Stacy | April 24, 2008 at 08:01 AM
WOOO HOOO!
What a cool gift!!!
(BTW--I have never been this excited over the birth of a calf before!! LOL!)
Great Pic--Can't wait to show the kids when they get home!
Posted by: Juliana | April 24, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Well FINALLY!!!! Happy birthday Alan. Well is it a boy or girl?
Posted by: Sue B | April 24, 2008 at 07:56 AM
Wonderful news, the baby is beautiful. can't wait to hear a name and find out if we have an Alan Jr., lol
Posted by: Sally (CKMom) | April 24, 2008 at 07:47 AM
Oh my gosh...this is photo is an award winner!
Posted by: Denise | April 24, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Congratulations!!!! Is it a boy or a girl? Can't wait to see more pictures.
Posted by: Debra | April 24, 2008 at 07:22 AM
How exciting! I've been checking in on your blog several times a day to see when the blessed event occurred. Congrats to everyone and Happy Birthday wishes to Alan! ~chris
Posted by: mudmaven | April 24, 2008 at 07:15 AM