20/365

Day 20...

It seems like every time I go out the backdoor there is a new baby calf not far in the distance. This little guy was not far at all. He was right up against the fence behind the barn. I was cautious as I approached him thinking his momma was near by, but no one ever claimed him so I sat down and just enjoyed loving on him.  Cowboy was curious as well and was even whimpering, it was cute.

Rodeo time

It's no secret to anyone that knows us, we enjoy going to the rodeo and Carter LOVES it!  A few weeks ago we had the chance to go to a Jr. Rodeo just a few miles away from our house. There were little cowboys all around!!

Carter was excited to ride a sheep, they call it mutton bustin'.  Travis walked him up on the platform for him to sign up. I was standing a few feet away when I hear the lady say, "we don't have sheep tonight, just baby calfs." My ears perked up, I took a few steps forward, Travis looked back at me and said, "sign him up!" Oh.my.stars!  He just signed my baby up to get on the back of a 120 pound calf, is he insane?! Obviously, right!!

As they came down to where I was, I asked him if he'd lost his mind. He assured me that Carter would be just fine. I won't lie, my heart was pounding, I was nervous, but hearing him talk about it and see how excited he was a part of me couldn't wait to watch him! We had to wait for a little bit before he could ride. We watched the bull riding, some shoot doggin', and then it was time for the mutton bustin'!!!  You'd think I would be standing there biting my nails, butterflies in my stomach, but I wasn't. I was smiling from ear to ear. He climbed up on top of that calf, and within seconds he was out the gate!

Within those same seconds of coming out the gate, he was on the ground. His little face covered in red dirt, and a few tears trickling down his face.

Travis was right there, and I could tell he was fine. I think his spirit was broken more then anything. He made his way to me, and I asked if he was okay. His response, "I've got dirt in my eyes!" I just chuckled, poor kid didn't know what to think or expect.  It wasn't but just a few minutes when he blurted out, "I WANT TO RIDE AGAIN!"

I looked to Travis and told him he had started something that I wasn't sure would end anytime soon. Our little fellow was as happy as a kid in a candy store. He walked proudly with his black hat, and shuffled his feet through the dirt as if he was a true American cowboy.


To say that Carter is a joy is a complete and utter understatement. He is the light to a gloomy day, the song you need at the lowest point, the warm touch to remind you it's all okay. I am so proud of the Cowboy that he is. I pray that he continues to become the loving, full of life, positive outlook person that he is. As for muttin' bustin', he's not finished. He's ready to go again. Just as soon as he gets the opportunity, he'll be back at it!

Our local county fair is in town, and the rodeo is coming up this weekend. He can't wait to chase the calf and pull the flag from its tail. I have myself a natural little cowboy!! And I love every minute of it and wouldn't trade it for anything.

Jr. Cowboy

Watching Carter learn the ropes of farm life makes me happy, makes me smile, and sometimes I just have to laugh. He puts his whole heart into and and sometimes more. If I could record the way he talks when he's helping Travis I can promise you it would make you laugh hysterically. He talks like a grown man.



He's sometimes a little apprehensive about the task, but at other times he's fired up and ready to go. A few weeks ago Travis told him he could put the lead rope on Chance and lead him for a bit. He had his rope in hand and was ready, once inside the gate with Chance he started having second thoughts.  That night, it just didn't happen. A few days later, they tried again and he played the part of Cowboy for sure!  Granted this time he wasn't in his "cowboy pants", but in shorts and flip flops. We consider him the modern cowboy, LOL!!!



Chance wasn't the most cooperative little fellow, but Carter wasn't giving him any slack. He was going to walk on that lead rope and Carter would make sure of it!! Watching him lead Chance made me realize he'll be showing cows at the fair before I know it.  He has to be 8, but in all reality that's just a blink away.  He's so grown up, he makes me proud!!!

Lulla Belle and baby

***WARNING*** 

This post has pictures of a calf being born. Not for the queasy. :)

Yesterday was such a busy day. I had tons of stuff I really need to get done inside, housework, laundry, mopping (which I've put off way too long), and all the other little stuff. When I pulled out the driveway to take Carter to school I noticed that our dear friend, Lulla Belle, was off to her self a bit. When I got back home I got a call from Travis telling me her "bubble" was out. Okay, I don't think that is a technical term, but it's the term used around this farm to know that a momma is about to deliver her calf.

With this new tidbit of information, I grabbed my camera to go out and get pictures of the old gal. She's such a sweet, yet sometimes moody gal. She loves a handout of food, or a good scratch behind the ears and she always has pretty calfs.

She walked in circles, would lay for a bit, then eat a little, but you could tell something was up with her. Uncomfortable? Maybe, I don't know. Never really talked to her much, LOL!  It was around 9:00 and Tucker was starting to get close to nap time so we gave her some space and I brought him in to run off that last bit of steam. I scurried around doing as much as I could, but glancing out the window each time I passed to make sure I wasn't missing the moment!

Tucker finally went down for his morning nap, and I was out the door. Yes, the monitor was with me on the porch... no need to fret!  I walked to the fence and watched as I could tell she wasn't completely comfortable with me, so I kept my distance. She paced back and forth, then she came to the fence where I was standing for a good scratch behind the ears. After that she gave Lil Joe, our donkey, a few good head butts as if she were telling him back away buster, I'm in no mood for your shanningans.

I stayed outside until almost 10:30. Nothing. No baby, zip, notta, nothing. I normally leave at 10:55 to pick Carter up from preschool. The time came, I had to leave. I was so upset because as I was loading Tucker into the truck, she went and laid down... broad side. Lovely, Lulla Belle, just lovely. I've waited, and waited and now you're going to have this calf as I drive away. Thanks, thanks a lot.  I left frustrated that I would miss the moment.

After I picked Carter up I had errands I had to run. The whole time I kept thinking, she's had that calf by now, I just know it. 11:45 we pulled in the driveway only to find her right where I left her. Except she was standing instead of laying. I was certain she had given birth, until she turned. NOPE, there was the calf... in the process of being born. I couldn't believe it. It wasn't but maybe another 2-3 minutes and she welcomed her new little, long eared, black calf to Cow Bird Lane!!

Being the good momma she is, she immediately started cleaning her and keeping watch for us nosey onlookers! Some of you may think I'm absolutely goofy for being so excited about a cow giving birth. As corny as it sounds, I love this life. I didn't grow up on a farm so this is all new to me and quite frankly I think each and every time it's absolutely amazing.

Mom and baby are doing just fine. Lulla was right back to the hay ring within no time! She's not brought little bit up to close yet, she's a protective mammie!  Up close pictures of the new arrival coming soon!

A new baby

Nothing sweeter then seeing a newborn calf right after it's born!  This little one made it's arrival just in time for Tucker's birthday party!