At 12:23 a.m. I was awaken by the dogs frantically barking at something. When I got fully awake I asked *T* what was going on, because he was already awake... at least more so then I. He got up and said "there's a truck sitting in the driveway. By the time I got myself out of bed the truck was backing out of the drive. *T* turned the porch light on and went out to see what was going on. When he came back he yelled "Get dressed, they have a baby". I seriously didn't have a clue who or what he was talking about. I still wasn't even awake. All I could think was *H* was here because one of the cows were calving and he needed help. But why would I need to go .... couldn't the guys handle it. When I asked *T* what he was talking about he said "NO, it was *J*, *D*'s son, and the sheep had her baby".... OMG ... I was in such a deep sleep that I temporarily forgot I was on OB duty for a friend's sheep who are housed in a barn a mile and a half up the road. (this whole chain of events took place in a matter of about two minutes). Once I got fully awake I knew who was here and why. I got dressed and drove up to *D*'s barn, where I find *D* and her two sons. They were so proud that their sheep had just given birth to a beautiful baby girl. This is their first baby so it was fun to see the excitement on their faces. They had not been present for the birth but had gotten there shortly after. I had checked on the sheep a few hours before that because they were not able to and everything was fine and I didn't really think she was anywhere near to birthing... how wrong I was. *D* was apologizing for waking me at that hour of the night just to see the baby, I told her not to worry.... this is the best part of farming. I love seeing new mommies interacting with their babies. The little lamb was up walking around and eating so I didn't stay long, but while there I noticed that her one goat was acting as if she was starting to go into labor. *D* said she had to leave to go to a Dr's appointment first thing in the morning and wouldn't be back until about 2 p.m. and asked if I could check in on the goat sometime mid morning. I told her that I would and came home.
I woke up a little after seven but decided to snuggle in for a bit longer.... the next thing I knew the phone was ringing. When I answered, *D* said to me "Good morning.... we have a twin!" ... again I was in my groggy state (I had fallen asleep again) I said "what do you mean A twin"? [twins come in two's not singles... I'm confused] The sheep had another baby after we left her. Okay, now everything makes sense! *D* is calling from her cell, because she is on her way to the Dr's, but says the baby isn't standing and she isn't acting like the one last night did. I told her I'd check in on them in a little while. In the back of my mind I was hoping the mother didn't forget that she had TWO. At 10:30 a.m. I went up and I could tell the new baby hadn't eaten and was not able to stand. It was crying but seemed really weak. When I felt the inside of her mouth it seemed cool... (oh no you don't.... you are not dying on my shift)... The mom wouldn't stand still for me to help the baby eat so I kind of blocked her in the corner placed the older of the twins in front of her, so that she was distracted and then scooted the new baby up under her. It wouldn't suck so I squirted some milk into it's mouth and that is all it took, she took right off and started sucking. She only ate for about 30 seconds, but at least it was something. I checked on the goat and she seemed okay... in labor, but doing fine. I checked in again around noon and the younger of the twins was up on her feet trying to find where to eat... Good news! The goat... she's still in labor, now I'm wondering if she is okay. She seems okay but it just seems like she should have done something by now. I met *D* at the barn at two this afternoon and she said she would keep checking and call me when she delivers or if she thinks the goat is getting into trouble.... I'm still waiting.
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One Year Ago Today~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three Years Ago Today~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
