Little Winter Surprise(s)
Well, I’m expecting.
Not me, personally, of course. But I do have a pregnant ewe who, in spite of my best laid plans, is about to have lambs here in the bleak early winter instead of in early spring, like the rest of her herd sisters. I must have separated the rams out too late in the summer. Or one of the lambs I castrated wasn’t quite fixed. Or she cycled early for some reason. Who knows…
Still I confess I couldn’t be more thrilled! However uncomfortable it may be for me to midwife in the chilly stone barn, should she require my help, I am really looking forward to enjoying lambs during this relatively peaceful and unhurried time of year. Christmas lambs rather than Easter lambs, what fun! And by the looks of her gigantic tummy, she could give birth to a whole herd of her own.
Karla had three darling black lambs this past spring. One of them, Lily Hope, was quite stressed at birth and had to come into the house for a few weeks in front of the fire. She was a sweet bottle baby, and is still quite attached to me, running up to bump a little kiss on my nose each morning when I come into the pasture with hay. I wouldn’t very much mind having a bottle baby under the tree this year.
Sheep, in general, are quite self-sufficient when it comes to taking care of their young, often dropping them right in the pasture, rain, snow or shine. But my sheep are Finn-Rambouillet cross breeds, and the Finn side of their heritage makes them capable of very large litters – Karla could very possibly be carrying five. Finns are one of the most prolific breeds in the world, and good moms, too, but I generally watch any group over two for signs of lambs lagging behind.
I may be less excited to keep watch when January blows in, but right now I’m happily running out every few hours to see if the lambs have arrived yet. I’m surprised myself at how tickled I am to welcome these untimely babies. It certainly is the season for gifts and expectancy, and maybe I’m just caught up in it all. But I’m also freshly aware of how precious life on this farm is, and thankful morning by morning for the delight in each day.
Ann said,
December 14, 2007 @ 12:56 am
I’m in favor of anybody or anything having babies these days! especially during advent, it is wonderful to be waiting for new life.
kriss said,
December 14, 2007 @ 2:02 am
Hey, preggo! Can’t you sleep?
Nicole Wetzel said,
December 14, 2007 @ 8:38 am
By the looks of things, neither of you can sleep. Good Morning to you both!
Kriss, as I read your post I was reminded of a book that I read to the boys called Mountain Born by Elizabet Yates. It is a beautiful story about shepherds family and the lessons that they learn from their sheep. I know that our library system has it. A heart felt read as you prepare for little lambs.
Blessings,
Nicole
kriss said,
December 14, 2007 @ 9:29 am
I’ll put that on my list! I could use a little fun reading mixed in with the academic work I’ve got planned for myself. Would you still like to read “Having Faith” together or as part of a group? When would be good for you? After Christmas?
Jodi Bubenzer said,
December 15, 2007 @ 9:03 am
Hi, Kriss. I so enjoy reading your blog. Keep the posts coming! I’m sorry I haven’t gotten back to you about bringing over my girl, “Cricket”. I would still like to do that. I think a Finn-Ramboullet/Leister/Merino would make some pretty nice wool to spin.
Also, here is the forum list I promised so long ago
http://bb.mwt.net/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=112
And I’ll get you that guys phone number who likes the little freezer lambs.
I’m teaching a ton right now but will be all finished with my heavy work next Wed. Let me know a day that works for us to haul her over and a price, k?
Take care,
Jodi
Oh, LOVED the Christmas card, btw. Beautiful!!!