Sunday, December 21, 2008

The Birth of Christmas Cocoa

Late last night I noticed Mandy was starting to go into labor. I checked on her several times during the night. This morning while feeding she was starting to have a heavier discharge than before. After feeding I took Kuma for a walk around the place and tried putting her in a pen so I could be with Mandy. Kuma cried so I put her on a runner near the goat pen so she could see me. I sat down with Mandy and rubbed her back. She was uncomfortable and would get up and move around. ( You are going to see graphic photos so scroll or click off if you don't want to see them)


Since my daughter and granddaughters gave us Mandy I let them name the new baby. They chose Christmas Cocoa.
The sad news is Mandy also had another girl. It was stillborn. I suctioned and tried mouth to mouth but it didn't work. Mandy seemed to already know as she didn't even look at the baby after it was born. Even while I was working on it she never even glanced that way. I decided to name her Christmas Angel. I buried her next to Kuro. Christmas Angel is the first kid we have lost during a delivery. We knew it would happen but its still very sad to lose such a beautiful 4 legged family member. That's life on a farm. The joy of newborn animals and the sadness of one dying. But looking at Mandy and Cocoa I am blessed to live at Hidden Haven even during the sad times!

19 comments:

Joanna@BooneDocksWilcox said...

Congratulations on a baby girl for Christmas, hope mama and baby are doing well.

I just read about the foster dog getting killed, so sorry and the stillborn too, I know that was sad.

Mama said...

Poor baby Angel! I'm thankful, though, that Mandy has Cocoa to love.

Heidi said...

Kiss Mandy and tell her she is a good mamma for me would you? It is hard to loose little ones - especially ones that you are close to as you are your goats. Her name is perfect.... I read Nitro's story but was curious if you buried him at home?

Anonymous said...

Peggy, you have certainly had an emotional weekend but as you say, that's part of life on a farm. Cocoa is an adorable name and I know she will bring a lot of smiles to all of you.

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Peggy...Yes, I guess that's life, isn't it?...the good with the bad. However, if Christmas Cocoa needs a godmother, I'll volunteer! Merry Christmas...Debbie

Dana said...

Wow, your weekend has been very up and down. So sorry about Kumo and Christmas Angel:(((( The baby girl is adorable.

Brooke said...

Oh..... Thanks for sharing! Christmas Cocoa is such a cute little name! Sorry about your Angel!

Have a lovely Sunday Peggy!

Connie said...

Oh Peggy, I am happy to hear about the new kid and sad to hear about the stillborn and the dog. I know you tried everything to bring the other one around. You are going to be busy with all the wee ones coming in the months ahead. Be sure to take care of yourself too.
Hugs,
Connie

The Mind of a Mom said...

What an amazing Christmas miracle! And for such a sad thing at the same time. Thank you for sharing the photo's
I hope you have an amazing Christmas with your new addition :o)

Phill said...

That's a good looking little girl! Sorry you lost the other kid, but I'm glad she's buried on the farm with friends.

Homemaker Ang said...

awww!

Tracy Bruring said...

There is nothing more wonderful than christmas cocoa!! Remember though...Christmas Cocoa has a little spice in it! I am so sorry to hear about Kuro.

Anonymous said...

I know that discharge well, LOL, congrats on CHRISTmas Cocoa and sorry to hear about CHRISTmas Angel though, I know it does happen, we had a lot of stillborns last year and it was the does too!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Thanks Peggy for allowing us to experience the birth. I've never lived on a farm---so haven't had that experience before. Thanks!!!!

Glad Mandy has Cocoa to love. But--I'm sad about Angel. That is life and death though--that we all experience.

Thanks again for sharing.
Hugs,
Betsy

Mary said...

I love the name of the new kid on the block. What an amazing experience for you, though it's sad that Christmas Angel and Kuro both crossed Rainbow Bridge.

Love the calendar and can't believe I've missed so much on your posts.

Merry Christmas, my friend. I wish you and yours abundant blessings during the Christmas season and throughout 2009

Blessings,
Mary

meggie said...

I think you are right, & the Mama knew the other little Angel had died. So lovely to see the baby, Christmas Cocoa, looking well & happy.

Dora Renee Wilkerson said...

I just LOVE the background music on your site. I never heard (or HERD...lol...) that before.. I have to play it for my kids..

Oh, baby goat time!! How wonderful.

Dora Renee' Wilkerson

Kelly said...

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of the kid. It's never easy. I dread that part of life on the farm. Welcome Christmas Cocoa!

The Raggedy Girl said...

What amazing photos. Thank you for sharing an experience I would never have. I am happy about Cocoa and share you sorrow about Angel. I love your blog and was sorry I missed the last two days but life interfered.
Roberta Anne