Yesterday evening, Alan went out to move some round bales into the pastures for the cows and donkeys. As he drove along the fence line, all the critters gathered around the water troughs eagerly waiting for their hay (they love new bales!) He thought to himself "Man, I've got a lot of donkeys." And then did a double-take.... there seemed to be one more set of ears than usual.... time for a headcount... yup, two more ears than usual!
Remember back in early August when tiny little C-Biscuit was born (with no warning), and Muffin (her mama) wouldn't let her nurse? Knowing that IF Molly was pregnant (she's always been rather "round"), she would have gotten pregnant at about the same time as Muffin, so we were hoping that Molly would have her baby soon so that C-Biscuit could possibly nurse off of her, or at least have a little friend her size!
Unfortunately, Molly didn't have her baby and sadly, we lost C-Biscuit. We didn't know exactly just how pre-mature C-Biscuit was... now we know it was easily several months. It's been so long that we haven't even been sure that Molly was even pregnant! I guess she WAS!
MOLLY HAD A BABY!!
Yesterday morning, Molly looked no different than any other day -- there was no reason for us to even suspect that she was going to deliver ... we didn't even have reason to believe that she was in fact pregnant (I emphasize, she's always been rather round). Today, post delivery, she's NOT round!
Meet Nick! Born just in time for Christmas! This is a wonderful thing to see for any young animal -- successful eating!! He seems happy and healthy and strong ... but LITTLE, just like his papa!
I don't know what it is about the animals having babies either when I'm traveling, or just before I leave for someplace, but that's how they seem to do it... I'm leaving for the airport in just a couple of hours, headed up to Northeastern Washington to spend the rest of December with my family. I'd better START packing!!
If you didn't get to read about C-Biscuit, here are some links for you:
Surprise, A Baby Donkey!
Baby Update
Some Mornings Are...
C-Biscuit Update
Oh Anna! Congratulations on the new little guy! I cried so when C-Biscut didn't make it!! This little guy is just adorable. I can't say enough how much I love hearing about your animals.
Thanks so much!
Posted by: Michelle | December 19, 2008 at 10:54 AM
If that isn't somethin'! So good to see baby getting some nourishment. What a heartwarming photo! :)
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | December 17, 2008 at 08:24 PM
congrats we raise horses and it it allways so fun sorry you lost seabiscit we lost a foal 4 months a go we nurse her for a week and day and night i under stand how sad it can be i am so happy for you and alan have a good day
Posted by: michelle gall | December 17, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Oh how exciting, a surprise baby! I love his name too, so perfect for a babe born this time of year! Have a safe trip and have a wonderful visit with your family.
Posted by: Tami McBeain (tmarie) | December 17, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Congrats! It must be so awesome to live on a farm and have these babies arriving!
Have a wonderful time with your family! Your animals will surely miss you.
Posted by: Toni K | December 17, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Congratulations on Nick. I am so glad he is healthy. And he is so adorable too. What part of NE Washington are you going? We are in Spokane. Have a wonderful and merry Christmas with your family. By the way, it is ten degrees here and snowing. By the weekend we are supposedly going to have -17 degrees temps.
Posted by: Sandy Hill | December 17, 2008 at 08:53 AM
What a wonderful surprise, Nick is adorable!
I hope you have a safe trip and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Posted by: Cindy H. | December 17, 2008 at 07:42 AM
What a wonderful Christmas surpise Nick must be. I'm so happy to hear the news.
Posted by: Crystal N | December 17, 2008 at 07:22 AM
Oh, a little Christmas miracle! Adorable!!
Posted by: Danielle | December 17, 2008 at 07:16 AM
wonderful news - never had read about C-Biscuit before and am so sorry about her, but this little Nick just seems so great and healthy. Merry Christmas.
Posted by: Carol | December 17, 2008 at 06:23 AM
awwww how cute! congratulations!! welcome to our world Nick :)
Posted by: Etha | December 17, 2008 at 06:11 AM
Yay!! Congratulations Anna & Alan!! What a nice present for Christmas! Speaking of . . . from my family to yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you so much for sharing your stamping, sewing, pictures and farm life with us. I got hooked on your blog because I love your stamping. I check in several times a week to see what is new. You never have a dull moment, that's for sure!!
Anyway, welcome Nick and Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Melissa Tempest | December 16, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Taht's great - I'm so excited about the baby - I love reading your blog and learning about all the babies!
Posted by: Erika Michaels | December 16, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Congratulations on the birth of Nick... By the way, we just left Seattle, it's COLD here [I'm now in Portland] and they are expecting more snow tomorrow.....All over the northwest..... Actually I'm headed to Corvallis and Eugene [your former stomping ground] if weather permits......
Good luck and Happy Holidays for you and your family...
Posted by: Patti | December 16, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Awwww....what a sweet baby!
Posted by: shel9999 | December 16, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Well congratulations. The boys did want him named Dominick the Christmas Donkey. LOL!
Posted by: Brook | December 16, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Awww a new Baby Anna! I love your animal stories :)
Posted by: ChristineCreations | December 16, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Oh my! A beautiful little guy. Congrats to all. Have a great trip to Washington & happy holidays. Good luck to Alan w/new chicks & a new donkey.
Posted by: Troy Louise | December 16, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Oh, that is WONDERFUL!!! I am so happy for you, Alan, and Molly! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm sorry you have to leave right now, but I know Alan will take good care of Nick! And it looks like Molly is being a really good Momma!
Have a safe trip, and enjoy your time with your family. I hope you all have a FANTASTIC Christmas together!!! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | December 16, 2008 at 03:19 PM
My daughter is the farmer of the family. All her life she wanted to be a vet..she settled for a registered nurse and works on the pediatric floor. As far as we know there are no expected births due this winter. The first time in a long time. Have a great trip.
Posted by: Bonnie Blackburn | December 16, 2008 at 03:19 PM
How adorable! Our miniature donkeys have crosses on their back just like little Nick! We lost our first baby donkey - it was premature...and the next year Lucy had Freddy-he was worth the wait. We love him dearly. They are all ears when they're little!!! I'll try to post some donkey pictures so you can see our crew!
Posted by: Amber Goble | December 16, 2008 at 02:57 PM
How sweet! Nick, short for Nicholas, like in St. Nicholas?
Have a great trip and tell your mom and dad I said HI! Get some rest and do some crafting! See you soon!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | December 16, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Oh, he is the sweetest thing!! I wonder if my dogs would care if I got a doneky? I love them!!
Posted by: Carla | December 16, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Welcome to the farm Nick! You're adorable, of course, and I see that you and your Momma are the best of buds.
Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Lisa | December 16, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Wow how amazing!! I have to say I just discovered your blog today via Jen's i{heart}2stamp blog. Your artwork is lovely and the stamp sets you create are so darn cute!!! I have been surfing your blog for the past hour just completely inspired over and over again!! I have to say I was a little odded by the chickens at first and all the stuff about eggs (I'm so not a farm girl and am scared of chickens, thanks to stories about them from my mom, lol!) but after reading about them awhile I became completely intrigued!!! The baby chicks were so cute and it has been such a neat morning for me to see the pictures and different sizes of eggs. Your rooster Tiny Tim is too cute too! I love the little Santa outfit you made him. Well, now that I've written you a novel here I'm off to create with my new found inspiration! Thanks!!
Posted by: Marjorie | December 16, 2008 at 10:52 AM