We Got Chocolate :)

Went on a practice ride today for my first ever endurance ride next weekend... had a blast with friends, really moving out in the Hassayampa River bottom. Got home, gave Katie a quick rinse and was headed inside when I noticed all the donkeys in the Garden, standing around the foaling pen, looking, and braying! I quickly went over and this is what I saw:



Mary Ellen shouldn't be due until February 11 but watching her udder the past few weeks I was sure she would go early, in fact I have been out to check on her in the middle of the night the past two nights! Thought for sure the full moon would do it but no, she waited until I had good daylight so I could VIDEO the birth {huge grin here}

Sorry about the excess of commentary but I was pretty excited! If you look real close you can see mama starting to tear a bit more with each push which is why I helped, I couldn't just sit there and let her tear when a little gentle assistance from the outside could save her from that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhyK71Bjpjs

Baby's first attempt at getting up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqtpNEKcxhw

And he's up and walking - well sorta. Yup it's a boy, and chocolate just like his papa!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8Ps2SIYHG4

Now I am wishing I had two cameras so I could have stills and video... hard to make a choice!






A couple hours later he is already much steadier on his feet! Sorry it was about dark, this video showed up MUCH better on my home computer than it does on YouTube :(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IkprjbNjf0

Still damp at bedtime so he got a little blanket to keep him warm overnight.


So much for all the chores I planned for after my ride {eyes rolling} but I am amazed that I got to see yet another one born! And so thankful that he came THIS weekend and not next weekend when I am gone {whew}!

Of course, more pictures will be coming tomorrow once he is all dry and fluffy!!