Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Life on a farm...




Somedays a mom just has to pull up her boot straps and get things done. It doesn't matter what we had planned, scheduled, or even wanted to do.  The good Lord leads us where we need to be. Nearly two years ago, God lead me to Billy and his Walking M ranch. Now I have 5 children, age 19, 17, 14, 9 & 7; I have owned a daycare (9 years); managed a small company and worked as a home health nurse. I have worn many hats as a mom and career woman. Did all that experience prepare me for life on a farm?  Nope!  You see here at the Walking M we not only have 8 kids between us (ages 23 to 5), we have Nubian goats, chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, rabbits, capuchin pigeons, 3 dogs,, and last count 7 barn cats. We have a small zoo!

This time of the year, our nanny goats (girl goats) will start having babies. Usually our only interference is to get the mother goat and the babies (twins are common) to the barn, where we can confine them for their own safety and make sure the babies are nursing ok. But sadly, there are times when a mother goat is not able to care for the babes and its out job to step in and give a hand. Last night was one of those times. A young mother had two babies, a boy and girl, earlier than we think she should have delivered. And since I am a trained nurse, it has become my job to care for the sick and weak. And since my heart tends to be two sizes bigger than it should I openly accept this responsibility. Back to my story...momma won't clean them off or try to nurse them. Billy and I had to hold the mom down to milk her into a bottle, which we had to force feed to the babes with a tube, because they were too weak to eat. Today, I was able to get them both to nurse off a bottle, but the mom isn't providing enough milk. We had to "borrow" milk from another nursing mother. I can't deny that undo enjoy hand feeding them. They get very attached to the one feeding them. Last fall I hand fed my Sophie till she was 2 1/2 months old, 2-3 times a day. Our baby girl this time is very week and I am praying for her. The boy is stronger and has a good chance. 

Black and white is a nanny, the brown spotted one is a billy goat. 

So, did I finish my fabric folding mission?  Sadly no. But I may have saved a baby goats life, and that's just or more rewarding. 

Tomorrow, after dentist appointments I will resume my quest. Or at least I hope. Keep your fingers crossed for me, please

P.S.  I did manage to get in some hand sewing after church. They kids were watching a silly program so I stitched some hexes...want to see?  I thought so!

Who knows what tomorrow will bring. But as long as the good Lord is willing, I am sure I will have plenty to so. 

P.P.S.  thanks Samantha...you are awesome!!!

3 comments:

  1. p.p.s. thanks....I think!

    I love seeing these pics of the farm, those goats are so cute!!

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  2. Aww this is so touching. I live in the US and not near a farm, so seeing what happens on a farm , through your eyes, is very interesting!
    I am a friend of Samantha!
    Welcome to blogland!

    Susie
    legato1958@aol.com
    www.SusiesSunroom.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love goats so very much.

    It's the eyes. No, the flippity floppy ears. No, it's their voice. I can't decide.

    Please keep us updated as to how your babies get on?

    ReplyDelete