Sunday, March 27, 2011

Another Little Calf - Farm Friday

Another little calf is born

This wonderful mama cow was grazing away with this baby's feet sticking out for a while, she wasn't in any pain.  I brought along a bottle of olive oil and assisted her bringing this slippery wet babe into the world.  He's so beautiful.
Calf


He slipped gently into my arms and I brought him to the ground for his mama to see.
The baby was sucking his hand



The boys were fascinated by the birth and touched it's slippery sweetness.  I was covered in it.
Admiring the calf the day after it's birth



Special moments.
Climbing the giant rocks



The next day we enjoyed a rough trail ride with some friends.  The boys took them on a hiking adventure along the stream, climbing over huge rocks.  I am always amazed at how skilled and agile they are, they  move about like little monkeys.
Riding through the King Grass 


Leaving the stream, passing through the king grass, much loved by the horses because of it's sweetness.. they dragged us into it.
Our house nestled in the jungle


The view of our house and barn from the top of one of our pastures.  You can see a bit of blue which is the pool.  The house in the middle, barn on the left and the cottages on the right.   The royal palms you see are situated in a ravine which dips in front of our home. The palms are about 80-100 ft (30m) tall.
Heading for home, they heard the other horses


They heard the other horses calling.
Puma rolling in the sand after his long trail ride


Puma loves to roll in the children's sand pit after a long ride to dry off the sweat.
Play time with the trucks in the sand pit


The children spend much time building castles,  roads, bridges and mountains.

19 comments:

  1. What a sweet new calf! We used to have cows in the pasture behind our house. My kids loved seeing the brand new calves walking around. Such a miracle to witness. It looks like your kids are having a wonderful time in the sand. :)

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  2. ahhh! what magical moments! loved seeing these spectacular shots.

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  3. Wonderful post! That calf is so lucky to have been born on your farm,it would be well looked after! That trial ride looks like so much fun!

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  4. We had a sand box once - it was much too small, even at six feet square - a pit is a better thing. And cats liked it, which was awkward. But the kids still loved it and really loved it with water in it.

    New life is so amazing. I can remember Hickory all waxy and wet and wobbling, and Geneva, clearing his nostrils and eyes and ears. And the odd hooves they're born with, so gently packaged so as not to tear the mama. The boys have so many rare privileges. I wonder how many children would be so anxious to participate in sexual activity if we were not so separated from the experience of birth? They might have much more reverence and not so much silly obsession if they understood, first hand, what the cost and miracle and mess and responsibility bringing new life into the world really entails.

    Your cow is so beautiful. I love her neat, smallish head and sleek, black hide. What a great moment. And I want to ride with you around the place. Are you riding in halter? I couldn't really tell - hackamore? Your horses are so varied in experience and temperament - to have horses who can be trusted in halter is a dream.

    I loved this post, as I love them all.

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  5. My son would be filled with such bliss to be in that environment :) Such a gem!

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  6. Simply beautiful!
    When our boys were younger, we once assisted - or better said, just missed by 30 seconds - the birth of a little sheep. Our oldest still remembers this special moment. Pure life!

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  7. Kristen we are only riding in Hackamores, no bits our horses are great and love the trail rides. You can see the hackamore on Puma as he lies down after the long ride.

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  8. It is so fun to see what the farmboys are up to...it seems like they live the way boys should live, barefoot and free out in wild places, playing with animals and climbing rocks and trees like monkeys. love, Beth

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  9. Oh that calf is adorable! I love seeing the boys interact with the little guy. Do cows imprint like horses?
    That day out looks perfect! How amazing to be able to go for trek on horses :) It's all so green and lushious
    Looking forward to hearing about this miracle chick!
    xxx

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  10. Those boys have the best life!! And you do too! I love to see what you are up to! Much love, Catxxx

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  11. Oh! We have two mamas ready to deliver their calves in the next several weeks. Reading this post makes me even more excited! I hope my children are able to witness at least one birth...

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  12. It always cracks me up to see the horses rolling. And the calf - how wonderful! Seeing the cow nuzzle her newborn is so lovely. So...universal. Eldest once had the honour of watching a cow birth her calf in our field. I, however, missed it. And that view of your home nestled in the jungle - well, the words alone are magical enough, but to SEE it in a photo?! Wow!

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  13. Well done to helping mum finish the job, he's a big calf! Your ride looks like fun and I love just the halters :-)

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  14. Great post! How lucky is the little calf to be born at your place :)

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  15. Hello dear Jeanene
    Memorable, active days that is for sure. You must have felt so elated helping with the birth of that new little calf. Your boys are having the best childhood ever. I remember so many of these type of activities growing up on farms as a child - riding horses for miles, animal births and care. I remember so much as if it were yesterday, just as your boys will when they are grown. Your family are truly blessed to be living this life with these opportunities.

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  16. Oh my heavens! Having given birth to the number of Native's that I have.......... LOL! The thought of little feet/hooves sticking out and walking around. Ho dee dum...... I'm clenching my butt cheeks and making distorted faces with just the thought!

    Birth is such a beautiful thing to witness. Humans, animals....... the gift of new life. To me, giving birth is right up there with the most spiritual of experiences.....

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  17. Beautiful birth and lovely rides...oh the wonderful parts and pieces of the place you live are so heartening. to have this joy available for your family and to do the amazing powerful work you do with them and with animals is inspirational!

    ~Erin

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  18. Such simplicity in witnessing the beauty of Life beginning. Simplicity, yet immense power. A sweet life down there:) Happy weekending.
    xo Jules

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