After laboriously nursing Gabriella to health and teaching Isabelle to be a good mother, the poor little thing got into the wrong pasture and was trampled to death.  I almost think I can't bear it, then Gracie had her babies the very  next day (4/5/2011).  She had very vigorous twins, a buckling I named Justice and a little doe I named Mercy.  They are both chockful of personality, especially Justice, who I think could be president some day.  Then my poor old Wild Bill died, and I miss him so much because I let him wander loose in the barnyard so the other goats wouldn't disturb him, and he was always my yardwork buddy, following me around and being so entertaining.  I know he was very old, but I still miss him.  Then, Sweet Pea had twin girls Mom named Faith and Hope, and she is actually taking care of them!  Sweet Pea had always rejected her babies and we had to bottle feed them.  This is the fourth time she has kidded, so I guess four times is a charm.

There are five, beautiful, healthy baby angora goats running around the pasture!  I can't take too much more drama, though.

Isabelle had her baby on Sunday.  Poor mama goat was so tired!  She must have had a really hard labor before I saw that she had given birth.  I came home from church Sunday and Isabelle was standing out in the cold wind over a small, still, white form.  Gabriella was very weak, but had a will to live.  Isabelle is a first-time mother, and I had to encourage her to lick and take care of her baby.  She has never been able to stand still to let the baby suck, so either Mom or I have had to hold Izzy down to let Gabby drink.  I wish she would learn to stand still, plus now I'm worried because she isn't letting down very much milk and Gabby is skinny.
Thank goodness Honey Dear, Cherish's mom, is a wonderful mother and I never have to help her the least little bit.  Cherish