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!
Congratulations on the sweet baby girl, Anna! When I was a girl and our cows calved, I usually got to watch until it was almost time for delivery. Then Daddy would call an old farmer over (unless it was a long labor and we needed a vet). The problem was that the old farmer was embarrassed for me to watch since I was a girl! It annoyed me to no end to be sent packing when the best part was coming. So I'd climb up at peek in from the barn eaves. :-D It's such a miracle to see those babies up and nursing so soon after delivery--memories!
Posted by: Debbie Olson | May 17, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Congrats Queenie!!!
Cleo is a beautiful baby!!! :D
Posted by: jenn | May 12, 2008 at 08:26 AM
AWESOME.... so proud of her (both of them). Way to go Queenie!
Posted by: Tracye | May 11, 2008 at 09:51 AM
I am a paramedic and got to deliver a baby today! To watch a birth live, whether bovine or human, is truly a wonderful experience and a miracle... Congrats Queenie, and thanks for sharing the event with us Anna!
Diane
Posted by: Diane Cooper | May 10, 2008 at 07:00 PM
This is AMAZING and how great that you were able to witness it!
Your photography always blows me away!
Posted by: Lynn | May 10, 2008 at 06:34 PM
Yippee! Another heifer. Do we get to help with the naming again? Do you have a Princess yet? Mom is Queenie so naturally wouldn't her daughter be Princess! Or maybe Duchess? That's a royal title,too. Congrats to all of you on the farm.
Posted by: Janet S | May 10, 2008 at 05:14 PM
wow, does this bring back memories! i was even dreaming of baby critters being born last night. must be a psychic link! congrats on a darling baby heifer!
Shala
Posted by: SWJC | May 10, 2008 at 11:40 AM
I am city girl who just LOVES your blog. Thanks for giving me a great taste of the country every day!!
Posted by: Kathie in vegas | May 10, 2008 at 10:17 AM
What an amazing and joyful event!! God bless you all.
"HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the ladies on the farm".
Hugs and TFS.
Posted by: Juanita | May 10, 2008 at 09:33 AM
WAY TO GO QUEENIE!! The photos were fabulous, Anna, thanks for sharing all the wonderful parts of your life! The baby is so adorable and I"m sitting here doing my high pitched, baby talk squeal at the pictures like i do with all baby animals hehehe ). Can't wait to see some video clips :-)
Posted by: Simmy | May 10, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Congrats to you all!! :0)
Posted by: Tracy | May 10, 2008 at 08:57 AM
What a beautiful sight and Queenie's timing couldn't be better...just in time for Mother's Day! Happy Mother's Day, Queenie
Posted by: Lynda K | May 10, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Wow! I wish I was there to be able to see all these wonderful forces of nature happening all around you! I find it amazing that the baby can walk after 20 minutes! Isn't life a mystery and a miracle? TFS!
Posted by: Lisa (lakind) | May 10, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Oh, I'm so happy the calf is here, and all is well! FABULOUS pictures! I LOVE it! You are so great with the camera, and I'm SOOOOO glad you all got to witness this birth! WOOHOO! :D
Congrats to all of you, and I can't wait for the video and more pics! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | May 10, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Queenie gave birth to a Princess! That is so cool that you got to see it. It is beautiful and kind of painful all at the same time, to watch.
Thanks for sharing!
Hugs
Julie
Posted by: Julie Phillips | May 10, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Queenie gave birth to a Princess! That is so cool that you got to see it. It is beautiful and kind of painful all at the same time, to watch.
Thanks for sharing!
Hugs
Julie
Posted by: Julie Phillips | May 10, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Oh Anna, this is so fantastic. Congratulations to Queenie. What a beautiful baby she has. Thank you so much for sharing your life and stories on the farm. I have shared with friends and families your photos and they are loving your farm life as well.
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy Hill | May 10, 2008 at 07:03 AM
What a special moment! Now you have your little princess. I love the pictures!
Posted by: Michelle | May 10, 2008 at 06:35 AM
Thank you so much for sharing your life on the farm with us all. Your pictures are amazing and so touching. Bring on the babies! Good job, Queenie, and congrats!
Posted by: dtstampz | May 10, 2008 at 05:59 AM
It just amazing me - the birth process for animals - 15 minutes later they're standing and nursing!
Plus she pushes her baby out with no drugs! I requested something as soon as I entered the double doors of the hospital!! (:
Posted by: Leticia Fournier | May 10, 2008 at 05:42 AM
I got tears in my eyes reading this story. How beautiful...and to catch it on camera!! Welcome to the world Baby Queenie!! I can't tell you how much I enjoy your tales from the farm.
Posted by: Ellen | May 10, 2008 at 04:56 AM
Oh by the way.....if you are looking for names for this new baby....Princess would be so fitting since she is the baby of Queenie.
Posted by: Kittie Caracciolo | May 10, 2008 at 04:38 AM
I loved seeing the pictures of the birth, Anna! I have enjoyed all of the farm articles this past few weeks. Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to be a part of the excitement as new life is being brought into the world. I think I remember you saying you had three pregnant cows and that you hoped for baby girl calves. Well two down and one to go if I have my facts correct. Can't wait to see pictures of the new baby and the video as well.
Posted by: Kittie Caracciolo | May 10, 2008 at 04:37 AM
Congratulations to you and to Queenie (are you going to name the baby 'Princess'? LOL!) She is adorable, though it is really difficult to imagine a baby more beautiful than Dixie Cup. :)
Have a wonderful Weekend!
~Meredith
Posted by: Crafty Math Chick | May 10, 2008 at 04:11 AM
Awwwwwwwwwww how precious! So true, right on Mother's day weekend. How wonderful.
I love that you share your farm life with us. You bless us all with your glorious photos. Thanks for letting us "come down to the farm" through each photo.
Posted by: Tammy (SCS - Feathers & Ink) | May 10, 2008 at 01:51 AM
A miracle that never ceases to amaze me! This has made reflect back on the birth of my 2 beautiful daughters. Thanks for inspiring a wonderful memory! Please let all the new momma's on the farm know that Beth, Mary Elizabeth and Rachel wish them a Happy Mother's Day.
Spent the day at the local Petting Zoo with Rachel's Pre-school class. I felt the need to check the mini van upon leaving to make sure Mary Elizabeth hadn't tried to sneak one of the little Pigmy Goat kids in- it was their first day away from their Momma and she spent the entire morning bonding with them. The lady zoo keeper was completely impressed by how patient she was with them.
Posted by: Beth | May 10, 2008 at 12:57 AM
CONGRATULATIONS QUEENIE! This story brought me to tears, there's no way I'll make it through a video clip! Lol!
Posted by: Angie | May 10, 2008 at 12:53 AM
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.
Posted by: Judie C. | May 09, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Aww. I'm glad Queenie and baby are healthy. That's wonderful!
Posted by: Melissa | May 09, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Congrats to queenie on the birth of princess or prince!
Caz
Posted by: Caz | May 09, 2008 at 11:21 PM
Congratulate Queenie, her baby looks beautiful and healthy.
Posted by: Laurie in MN | May 09, 2008 at 10:22 PM
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
Posted by: jeanneh | May 09, 2008 at 09:49 PM
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.
Posted by: Mindy | May 09, 2008 at 09:45 PM
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!
Posted by: Michelle Oatman | May 09, 2008 at 07:47 PM
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
Posted by: Mary Ferris | May 09, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Wow!!!!!
Posted by: Vicky sitterly | May 09, 2008 at 07:39 PM
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!
Posted by: Barb Hardeman | May 09, 2008 at 07:34 PM
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.
Posted by: diane M | May 09, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Poor Queenie...that had to hurt! The photos were incredible. Thank you Anna.
Posted by: Sharon in NE | May 09, 2008 at 06:58 PM
WOW!!!
To a life long suburbanite--this is AMAZING!!
WOW! (sorry--temporary loss of intelligent vocabulary)
Posted by: Juliana | May 09, 2008 at 06:27 PM
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!!
Posted by: Michelle (milwaukeemommy) | May 09, 2008 at 06:08 PM
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
Posted by: Ann Lind | May 09, 2008 at 06:02 PM
More babies on the farm, how wonderful! Love having you share them with us.
Posted by: Clara | May 09, 2008 at 05:56 PM
What a special gift! Great pictures and the baby looks so cute! Give Queenie an extra cow cookie for me! She deserves it!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | May 09, 2008 at 05:49 PM
OMG, how fortunate you were to be there at just the right moment!! Another baby!! Your pictures are so amazing!! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Cindy H. | May 09, 2008 at 05:40 PM
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
Posted by: Kellie | May 09, 2008 at 05:40 PM
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.
Posted by: tracy harp | May 09, 2008 at 05:39 PM
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
Posted by: janetwmarks | May 09, 2008 at 05:24 PM
How very exciting....a baby girl...congratulations to all of you! I hope all goes well with Queenie and her new calf.
Jane R
Posted by: Jane R | May 09, 2008 at 04:59 PM
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???
Posted by: Tracy | May 09, 2008 at 04:51 PM
Just loving your farm stories, this one is priceless. Keep them coming, Sheila
Posted by: Sheila M. Schmucker | May 09, 2008 at 04:48 PM