They're here!!!

Hermia due date was Wednesday and we have been excitedly awaiting the arrival of a baby goat since then.  We were delighted to find her having strong contractions this morning and showing every sign that today was the day.  We camped out in the barn to watch.

 

We soon realized the carefully prepared and clean kidding stall we had prepared was not where she wanted to kid so we decided to let her make the call.  Outside we went and none of us could blame her.  It was a wonderful, warm sunny day.  She was even nibbling on some fresh spring grass between contractions.  She was a bit bugged by Puck and Jane so they got closed up inside while Hermia had the field to herself.

Once she was finally in the location she wanted things started happening fast.  This little doe was born around 1:00 followed by her brother about 20 minutes later.  Hermia is a great mom and her kids were up and eating within minutes of birth.  We will take some closeup pictures of them tomorrow so you can see their markings.  They are both very, very cute!  Great job Hermia!

Ruthann was asleep for the birth but very excited to find them when she woke up.  Brandon is already trying to talk us into keeping the doe.

Frederick got a little too excited about all the sun for a few minutes...

He started out the day in a long sleeve flannel shirt with long pants.  When we noticed his hair wet with sweat we advised him to go change into short sleeves so his skin could get some fresh air.  He took our advice a little far, although the boots stayed on which is quite a feet since I have spent the last two days trying to convince him that we can't go outside with out them on.  Don't worry, he wasn't in this state long enough to get a sunburn in unfortunate places.