Sunday, February 8, 2009

Meet Sage, our newest addition!

Today was a great day.  It didn't end up like I had planned and I didn't get done what I thought I would but...... it was all worth it.

It started with the four of us going to church and meeting Grammy there.  The service was great. Afterwards we ran some errands and met Mimi so she could take Brayden along to a birthday party for a student of hers.  Then we headed home for a nice nap... I have grown to love my Sunday naps.  Those of you that know me, know that I love to nap!  

Justin didn't nap long and soon headed to the barn to prepare for the 50-60 baby lambs we are expecting in the next several weeks.  For those of you that weren't aware..... Justin and his dad raise Southdown sheep.  

Although raising sheep takes a lot of time for Justin, this is that time of year that makes it all worth it. Lambing season is my absolute favorite.  Today we had a ewe lamb!  The momma hadn't bagged (a sign she is full of milk and birth is near), so we didn't think she was all that close.  Sure enough, she was.  This little lamb was wandering around with another adult ewe. We went to look for mama, thinking that she may still be in labor with the twin, and might be in trouble.  We found her.  She wasn't doing too well and wouldn't stand.  It looks like we may lose her.  Losing sheep is the hardest part of raising lambs.  Justin of course is pretty used to it and knows it comes with the territory.  I on the other hand, will never get used to it.  

So yes, we now have a bottle baby.  We decided to name her Sage since her mom had a purple ear tag.  Brayden and I were so excited to bottle feed this adorable little ewe lamb.  It immediately went up to Brayden who was sitting on the ground, and started trying to nurse from him.  It was too cute.  

It is taking the bottle so very well.  It is suckling wonderfully.  I don't think Justin is too thrilled with our little endeavor.  I love the fact that we get to expose our children to something like this.  Not many kids get this chance.  I'm not sure though how much I will love this, when I am getting up to bottle feed it in the mornings. 

We did have to have a heart to heart with Brayden.  As I was preparing dinner, Brayden comes in the house with Sage!  I told him that she didn't belong in the house and I was not going to have a sheep in my house.  He couldn't understand it.  He said he was planning on sleeping with Sage in his bed.  Well......  that was NOT happening, so we talked to him about what was allowed and what was not allowed.  

During the last feeding, as Sage finished up, she crawled into my lap and fell asleep.  It was so precious.  The first few days will be touch and go, but so far Sage is doing great!  Here are some pictures of her.  She looks messy because of the stuff.  The brown you see on her is dirt and leaves.  The lambs lay on the ground for a while when just born.  Leaves and dirt end up sticking to them after they dry.  But.... I already asked if we could bathe her, Justin rolled his eyes and said, no and that it would not be good for it and that it produced lanolin and it would be fine.  


3 comments:

Lynn said...

That is so cute! What a neat experience for your kids!

Unknown said...

oh how precious is that... I love when kids connect with animals. Little got a chance this weekend with dog sledding... shameless plug...

Shelley said...

How cute! Did you get up this morning and feed it?

Who Knew? Update Version..... Please pass it on.