Balancing Everything

Well, I was pretty satisfied with the box of salted dark chocolate caramels my husband and children gave me this morning. A clean house and chocolate? Pretty good day, right? But it got even better.

My 11 year old J. spoke in sacrament meeting! He did so well, he loves being up in front of people, which is just astounding. I have no idea how this bright, outgoing, confident, yet humble, and sensitive boy issued forth from my loins. (Ha.) He gave a wonderful, from the heart, Mother’s Day talk on the power and influence women have in raising their children. I of course, needed eighteen tissues. Such a sweetheart. Everyone told me how wonderful I must be, to have produced a son like this, and I am not being modest; I cannot emphasize it enough — he came this way. If I have had anything at all to do with his awesomeness it is because of him. This oldest boy of mine made me a mother, and teaches me every day.

My in laws got to be here to see him speak, and it was such a beautiful, warm day. They got to see our goats (and nicely avoided all comment about the amazing amount of POOP in the yard), and my father in law made my dog’s lives complete by throwing balls for them ceaselessly. He said he could retire and become a professional ball thrower. Those puppies would love it.

After we waved my mother and father in law down the street (they were making the rounds, off to visit my sister in law), I got my second Mother’s Day wish, a lovely Sunday nap. It was interrupted, however when E. burst into my bedroom and shouted, “BABY GOATS!”

We flew outside, and sure enough, Nutmeg was finally in labor. My (human) kids had been outside running through the sprinkler and enjoying the nice weather. Miss K heard Nutmeg get really noisy, so she and N. went over check it out. They could see, and I quote, “a hoof sticking out with gooey stuff on it,” so they ran inside sounding the alarm.

By the time I got out there, this little guy was already born, and Nutmeg was busily licking him clean:

The difference between him and Faith’s premature, weaker babies was really striking. This little guy was up and at ‘em immediately, trying to nurse, explore, and exercise. He looks very much like Punkin, but weighs more just a few hours old than Punkin does at two weeks. So healthy and strong, and no goiter!

We got Nutmeg some warm molasses water and grain, and she stood for a little while to let her first nurse. This is her first ‘freshening’ so she was a tad kicky at first, but got the hang of it. She sucked down her water and wanted more. After a half an hour or so, she pawed at the ground and settled back down to push. Just a few noisy yells later, this little darling came sliding out:

Again, such an amazing difference from our iodine deficient little preemies. This little one was trying to stand before she was even cleaned off, and bumping her head around her mama’s chest trying to find the teats.

Once we learned of the deficiency problems, we took big steps to correct it as quickly as we could. Using a wonderful tip from a reader, we found if we wet down their grains and mixed the iodized salt, kelp, and minerals in, they would get it all eaten. We also learned that with our picky, picky does, we needed to introduce new things gradually. While our little goat kids are benefiting from the changes via mom’s milk, and the few licks of minerals they’ll now take themselves, I think Nutmeg’s babes got the better end of the bargain. “Cooking” inside longer, her little babies were able to get better nutrition than the others. Plus, she only had two, so a premature delivery was less of a risk.

Nutmeg’s babies’ little faces and bones seem better formed, compare their little faces to Butterscotch’s here:

Punkin’s underbite is the most pronounced; I wonder if there’s any kind of developmental connection to this. All goats are a little underbitey, but our premature, iodine deficient ones are definitely worse. Those two little guys (Punkin and Butterscotch) have a visit with the vet tomorrow. I think they both need B-12 and Selenium and just an overall checkup. Punkin is progressing really well, but Butterscotch seems a little lethargic and listless. Their sister, Honey, on the other hand, is bouncing all over the place like a little goat baby should. She’s hilarious – really, such a personality!

Such a fun Mother’s Day event! We’re a little hickish around here, and set up our buckets and lawn chairs to watch the baby show. Hours later, we’re finally coming in to get ready for bed. Goat babies are better than movies! Oh, I should mention N. and K. took all these photos!

Nutmeg has passed most of her afterbirth, (and eaten it, ugh) and is doing really well. It’s so lovely not to have to worry about bottle feeding or midnight feedings for these two. Huzzah!

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I know Mother’s Day can be tough for many. I loved Jen’s post: In Case Mother’s Day is Hard for You. My own dear mother often quipped “Happy Guilt Trip Day!” Whatever your situation, I wish you the best tonight. xo