Welcome Gifts

Cheers. What an evening of joy filled the farm Thursday evening. It began with Caleb and I discussing a walk with the dogs after our dinner. We each collectively said no and then ok and then no and then ok. After dishes were put away off we went. He on his bike and me on my feet. Half way down the lane I remembered trash day was Friday and decided to carry/drag the can to the end of the lane. Yes it is a long lane but I was up to the task. Caleb came up and began to help me which was great, considering my screaming back issues. As we continued our task talking about the wind and the seeping dusk I realized a sheep was talking to me. I gave a shout out and we continued walking. Then Caleb and I both looked out into the dusk laden pasture to see Pepper, one of our ewes, butting heads with Cisco and really talking to me. That was odd and why is she away form the herd, I thought. I began to pay more attention. Then I realized she was talking to me with her 'I'm having a lamb.' tone. Midwife mode kicked in. The trash can was left stranded on the side of the road and full speed ahead went Caleb and I. We had to get her to the barn and we were hoping we were not to late. I threw on my muck boots and grabbed the most handy of all devices (besides the microwave) the cell phone and began to quickly dial neighbors numbers, but no answers. I finally got a hold of a friend, Michael, and he agreed to come help. I hung up thankful. I tethered the Bully ram to the front post and he became an unhappy camper. I began to try and corral Pepper to the front gate but had to follow and chase her many times before successfully roping her. Caleb and I discussed the plan to get her out of the pasture and waited for the 'hero', as Caleb called him, for we were being attacked by mosquitoes and running out of time. Michael arrived and we three put the plan into motion. Somehow between the baaing cries, the biting mosquitoes, the confused sheep, and the mother who wanted to run away, we managed to get Pepper out of the fence by the light of truck headlamps. Once out of the pasture the gate went up, buckets gathered, fence turned hot, and the ram loosed, I joined Michael and Caleb walking Pepper to the barn. She was going as willingly as an ewe in labor could go, but needed persistent pushes, coaxing, and pulls. And then it happened, she was in the stall. A small wave of relief ran over me, for after three years of not so great lamb seasons I knew what might lie ahead. We put some more saw dust down and fixed some lights where the bugs would be drawn away and the three of us went into the house to give her some quiet time. Caleb and Michael played cards while I finished up some chores and then it was bed time for Caleb. With Caleb in bed Michael and I grabbed some drinks of water and headed out to check on her progress. The closer we got to the barn the louder I heard the sound of birthing taking place. Lights came on and the miracle of life was revealed in less than a few minutes of our arrival. It was amazing, and the newborn had made his entry into the world naturally. I did my best not to worry and let Pepper's instinct kick in and take over. However I did make sure he was breathing and then I backed off. As we watched I mentioned to Michael that I would know we were done when I saw the afterbirth. He commented, "There could be another?" And like magic she began and in just a little bit another was on the ground. She came out in a flip and Pepper began to lick her but it was on the wrong end. I knew she needed to breathe and waited as long as I could but I had to go in and clean off her nose. We watched and listened as momma cared for the lambs and talked to them. It was amazing to see the smallest of the two be the first to make it to her feet. After an hour and neither had nursed yet, it was time to move in and give a little incentive, plus I was exhausted and ready to go bed. How I love the circle of life,... ok, maybe not all of it sometimes, but it all works. As I helped the boy begin to feel what it is like to make his back legs work my heart swelled. I love animals and to feel a new life in your hands and know you are helping them stand for the first time... it is just working. I could explain it but you are probably bored stiff by now... so Michael came in and helped with getting the lambs their first taste of nourishment. Pepper was a little confused about what was going on with her body parts and needed a little encouragement also. After a fair amount of time had passed with us helping the lambs we were leaning on the barn door watching and a wave of relief washed over me along with joy. I said, "I like fall lambing. No temps under 0 degrees, the mother had them on her own and has accepted both of them. Tonight was just perfect." He responded with, "This was my first birthing ever." I had had no idea. We then talked for a little bit and I asked or maybe I said "You get to name them." He thought for a bit and said"How about Elliot and Sam?" I thought and agreed... I liked Elliot, Sam or Samantha needed to grow on me. We stayed and watched and felt good about their abilities before calling it an evening. I told Michael thank you and went inside to clean up. It was a great night. I am thankful for the lambing to have gone so well and that the stars were out and twinkling. I could have done without the mosquitoes the size of hummingbirds, but this is Missouri. Having friends that care is something that I do not take lightly. I have many friends, mostly two legged, but quite a few four. And now I have two more. Caleb saw them the next morning and called 'Sam' Salsa... well it stuck. Elliot and Salsa are doing well and Pepper is a fantastic mother. Thanks again Michael.