On the night of May 28th, @ 10 pm to be precise, we were once again witness to the miracle of birth. Our first Dexter calf of 2015 was born that night. Our matriarch momma cow Belle Fourche Merrideth, @ the age of 11, was preparing to give birth to her 9th calf. Experienced. She began her labor, walking, circling, up and then down and then up again. Laboring, contractions, pushing. Contractions getting closer. Lying down, a giant push & the water broke. Up again, walking, circling, up and then down and then up again. Hoof toes appear, then 2 pale colored hooves, soles down… so good to see the correct position. Labor, contractions, pushing. A nose appeared, a pale colored nose & a tongue… so good to see. Quickly there was a head, then shoulders, then a warm wet calf dropped to the straw covered floor. Merrideth spins around, nose to her new baby, licking with earnest. She begins her gentle low chorus of momma moos, encouraging. The calf shakes his head & snorts, eyes open, legs moving. The little dun colored bull calf makes many attempts to rise. 10 minutes later, 4 wobbly legs under him, he stood for the first time. Standing, walking, circling, up and then down and then up again. 5 minutes later he found his momma’s udder, then the teat and then milk. Lovely, warm, powerfully nutritious, life giving, first milk. Mom licks and licks and licks until his beautiful silvery coat is clean & dry. Nap time.
Happy Birthday FullCircle Walter. Welcome to our world.
What a blessing! Your description brought tears of joy to my eyes. Welcome Walter!!!
Special moments that you find on a farm…
Wonderful post! We had a similar experience when our first calf Leroy was born. Raising chickens is such a pleasure too ! ,💚🐣💛🐮
Love the name Leroy!
This is so beautiful! What a miracle! I love the calf’s name. 🙂
The graciousness of this momma cow to allow us to participate in her births is amazing.
Special moments… And the name Walter just fit him!
Reblogged this on fourth generation farmgirl and commented:
This is such a beautiful and moving post by the author of FullCircle Farm. Enjoy!
Thank You for sharing Walter’s story!
My pleasure. 🙂
Congratulations! Love the written timeline….a great way to tell the story!
Thank You. Glad you enjoyed the story!
Oh what a lovely story of little Walter’s birth. He is adorable, and obviously has a loving mum too 🙂
Thank You for your compliment! Merrideth, is a wonderful mum to her calves.
What a beautiful baby. Seeing animals give birth–especially when it seems so easy–always leaves me in awe. And those long-lashed brown eyes! So sweet.
I nominated you for the Five Photos, Five Stories Challenge. No obligation, of course. 🙂
http://fourthgenerationfarmgirl.com/2015/06/04/hamish-humor/
Absolutely beautiful pictures and article!! Love you new baby boy!!