Suck it up

Conversation overheard in the barn last night...
Annabell, our resident drama queen: I am in LABOR; it HURTS. I am suffering like no one else has in the history of the world! This is terrible!

Mia, the resident midwife: Go lie down and breath. It will be faster that way.

Annabell, charging out the stall door and turning to the does in the loafing yard: Look at me! Look! I am dying here! It isn't my fault! Oh My Goodness! I am dying...

Me: Annabell, you are shaming yourself. Get back in the barn and have these babies.

Annabell: Isn't anyone listening? I am dying, I tell you! I can't stand this! No one told me it was going to be like this.

Mia: Lie down and breath, for crying out loud. I'm a pygmy and I don't carry on like you do. Breath!

Annabell: You don't understand. I hurt more than you do because it is ME!

Mia: Breath. Suck it up and shut up.

Annabell: OH MY GOSH! This can't be happening!

Mia said nothing. She was done.

So was I.

We have another doe and buck --- Apple and Abe. Pictures to come...

Career Choice

Mary had to have a C-section tonight; she has a darling little doe that she refuses to nurse. We are keeping her in and watching both of 'em. I welcome any advice to get her to settle down with her wee one. I am worried sick.

In the meantime....

Teaching English was the RIGHT choice for me. I didn't throw up, pass out, or cry. However, as we stood there with our feet soaked in blood (all but the vet had left for the day so I helped the vet and the Mister handed her sutures), I realized that teaching English is a good thing. For the next few years, when I think of quitting, I am going to remember tonight. That should do it.

Baby count:

Does: 2
Bucks: Nada! Hooray!

UPDATE: Went out to the barn and collected all the drainage from Mary and wiped it on the baby (bleh) and then squirted Mary's milk all over the baby. She started cleaning, nudging, and whispering to her. I think she is going to be okay now. Sigh. What a relief! Thanks, Tonia! Did I mention it is SNOWING again?

She's in Labor!

Mia is soon to be a Mum! More later!

(I am trying to remember my Lamaze breathing!)