We call Princess our Hippopotamus Cow when she's pregnant, because she just gets round as round can BE!
Early this morning, Alan noticed that Princess didn't come up to the barn with the other cows. We knew she was getting relatively close to delivering her calf, so we slipped on our boots and went out into the pastures looking for her. We found her at the bottom of the dried up pond in early stages of labor. She looked like she was doing well, so we let her be. A couple of hours later I went out to check on her, and found her (along with all the other cows and donkeys) at the FAAAAAR end of the pasture, as far from the barn as possible, laying up next to the fence line. Labor had progressed along nicely, and I could see two little feet!
Princess delivered this cute little heifer calf at about 1:00 this afternoon. We think Princess is our "prettiest" cow, so we're thrilled that she has finally brought a girl to the farm! Way to go, Princess!!
Princess did a great job cleaning her up, making her presentable to the rest of the farm.
Just before sundown (as you can see by the yellow glow of sunlight in the above photo), Alan and I went out to make sure Princess was able to bring her new baby all the way up to the barn before dark. They'd made it about half way, but the sun was getting quite low on the horizon, and it would be dark very soon. It was a long walk and there had been far too many breaks for snacks, and for resting newborn legs, and we were losing daylight.
We decided it would be best to help out a bit, and make the trip up to the barn a bit swifter for Princess and her baby. Alan picked up the calf and we all made our way up to the barn where we put Princess and her baby. Everyone got cow cookies, the other cows did a bit of running and jumping and celebrating, and Princess got a much deserved drink of water.
Everyone's happy today, here on the farm! Even BAAAAAD Boxcar Betty!
Must have missed this post ... what a wonderful new little girl! She looks so safe and comfortable in Alan's arms. Nice work, Princess!!!
Posted by: bonnie weiss | November 22, 2010 at 04:19 PM
I just love the sentence about the other cows doing a bit of running and jumping and celebrating. That paints such a nice, happy picture! Congrats to the whole farm! Enjoy her!
Posted by: Tricia | November 22, 2010 at 10:53 AM
It's always good to see Boxcar Betty on your blog--she's my favorite! Check out the Thanksgiving card I made with one of your sets when you get a chance to stop by my blog.
Posted by: doris | November 21, 2010 at 09:31 PM
Oh, how wonderful! La Bella Principessa! I thought Dexters were small and for an hours old baby, Alan sure has his hands full! Congratulations on all your new babies!
Posted by: kathynruss | November 21, 2010 at 04:51 AM
Such a happy tale, and a beautiful baby. But it looks like Betty has a calculating glint in her eye, that says she's been good for too long and is due for more mischief!
Posted by: Diane M | November 20, 2010 at 12:53 PM
Congratulations on another sweet baby, she is beautiful. I love the pic of Alan carrying her, puts her size in perspective. Hope you are feeling better now, have a wonderful weekend.
Posted by: Sally | November 20, 2010 at 05:43 AM
Congrats! SO exciting to see new birth. We should have more piglets this weekend - some of the mamas are looking VERY full:) Take care,
Liz
Posted by: Liz | November 19, 2010 at 05:11 PM
That's just the sweetest story with a very happy ending! So glad all is well on the farm with your pretty new baby. Betty looks pleased as well! Happy Friday.
Posted by: Troy Louise | November 19, 2010 at 11:06 AM
Oh goodness life has been bursting with activity lately on the farm. Such sweet babies. Congrats to all.
Posted by: Ida | November 19, 2010 at 10:47 AM
Congrats on another new baby :) But best of all, a shot of my gal-pal Betty ! LOL ! She has *trouble* written all over her face =D
Posted by: Robb_eeie | November 19, 2010 at 09:38 AM
Sweet little Mini Moo! She is a clone of her mother. :) TGIF, hugs...
Posted by: Carol Dee | November 19, 2010 at 06:34 AM
Yay!!!!! She is beautiful!!!
Thanks again for your help yesterday!!!
Posted by: nkmac | November 19, 2010 at 06:12 AM
Thanks, Anna! This set of lovely photos made an otherwise cruddy morning very happy! :) I'm happy for you that Princess delivered a heifer. But, is Princess a Dexter? That calf looks like she could have come out of an Angus.
Soooooooo adorable. :)
Congratulations, Alan and Anna! Moooooo
Posted by: Shala | November 19, 2010 at 05:56 AM
Congrats on the new healthy addition to the herd. At least you didn't have to teach this one how to eat. Have a great new life on the farm day.
Posted by: Nebraska Dave | November 19, 2010 at 05:42 AM
Congratulations on another beautiful baby! You two are the best the way you take such great care of your animals! I sure wish all farmers did! Those sweet animals deserve the best treatment we can give them!
Posted by: Kathy Martin | November 19, 2010 at 05:03 AM
Congrads! on you new member. I don't comment often; but I love your blog. I love all your animals and the way you present them. What a great little farm you have.
Posted by: donna | November 19, 2010 at 04:32 AM
Way to go Princess! What a beautiful calf. :D I think she looks like a "Duchess". Congrats on getting some girly girls on the farm lately!
Posted by: Janet Sisk | November 19, 2010 at 04:29 AM
I always marvel at how clean your animals look. I'd swear you wash Boxcar Betty's face before you snap a picture!!
Posted by: Glenda | November 19, 2010 at 02:08 AM
Well, It looks like all the expletives have been said. Alan looks macho, the calf looks relieved, Princess can finally breath deeply and all is right with the world. And... as Charlot (the zipper spider) would say, "that's some calf" congratulations to the lovely mother....Love, Dad
Posted by: DK Wight | November 18, 2010 at 10:33 PM
Awww, I'm so happy for you! The new heifer is just so precious - what is it about all little babies?!?! And my goodness, even the photo of a man holding a baby COW makes me weak-kneed? What gives with that?! It used to be just men and babies. I guess that extends to all types of babies now! LOL
Great photos Anna. Congratulations on the new bundle of joy!
Posted by: Sharli | November 18, 2010 at 10:10 PM
Anna - I LOVE your stories and pictures of all the critters on the farm, especially the new babies. You are truly blessed and I can tell you love what you are doing with all your heart. And what a precious picture of Alan carrying that sweet new baby! If you ever write a book (and it MUST have pictures) I want one!!! Have a happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for the joy you spread! Love, Jeanne in Idaho where we got our first snow this morning! xoxo
Posted by: Jeanne in Idaho | November 18, 2010 at 09:28 PM
Awwwww, that is some kinda cute! Way to go, Mama Princess and Baby Princess! Way to go, Alan and Anna and BBB! Hurrah to all!
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | November 18, 2010 at 09:21 PM
I grew up on a farm. I miss it. Enjoy the pictures. Miss the animals.
Posted by: Bonnie Ditto | November 18, 2010 at 07:53 PM
Always exciting stuff on the farm --can I move in?? Great great pictures as always!! Adorable baby & yes mama does look like a big ole hippo LOL!
Posted by: Michelle | November 18, 2010 at 07:29 PM
Congratulations on your recent additions. Princess' baby is quite a looker. And Your Alan has eyes like aquamarines just like My Alan. Yaaaaaaaay Alans (that's plural for Alan).
Posted by: Gabriela (Gabi With An Eye) | November 18, 2010 at 06:55 PM