Closer!

We could be minutes, hours, or days away! We will soon find out.

Thursday evening

Jerri is off and on with her food. She would not come to me, appears to be agitated. Her good nipple is engorged. She has had her hind legs in an odd position. She was close enough to me that I was able to hear gut sounds (so that is good) I think we are on a count down. She is obviously miserable, her breathing is also heavier than normal.

Stephanie

Thursday late afternoon

Thursday midday

You can see a bit of leakage from Jerri's bag which happens when she's been lying down.

Jerri still has breakfast. She has also been given her afternoon grass hay, she has nibbled on it but is eating, walking away, etc., All of her other bodily functions are fine, so nothing to worry about in that respect. Jerri's lack of eating is due to impending labor.

We are not sure as to what to expect, how she will be during labor etc. However, Dr. Shur (Nellie's Vet) did inform both Rob and me that the Draft Breeds are very stoic creatures.

This is a learning experience for us at MHR as well. We know how the smaller breeds are but not about the larger breeds during foaling.

She is presently eating and her tummy seems so low to the ground . To be up close to her she almost looks like she is standing on weenie dog legs. Tail is a-swishing.

Stephanie

Thursday morning

Good Morning,

Quiet night. I am so hoping that your beautiful Jerri will present us with a daytime baby. This would be a wonderful gift for all. If she did this pictures could be taken for those who do not get cam at work. I have my camera on the ready so all I have to do is grab it and hopefully I can low crawl close enough to capture the birth on video. From info we have gathered these mares gave birth to their little ones in a field and it was survival of the fittest. This is a whole new birthing arrangement for these girls so we are keeping close watch on her. I now wake up every 30-45 minutes to take a peek, and I am sure someone from somewhere will call should they see something I don't.

I can see the fluffing nursing crew is already on duty this morning. It is slightly breezy this morning and cooler than the last few mornings.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful day...don't forget to get your guesses in for the birth time and date..time is drawing near.

Stephanie

Wednesday late afternoon

While I was out with Jerri, I was watching her tail swishing, and was able to capture a view of her vulva. It has become elongated and relaxed looking. Unfortunately, she is not like Rosie and Misty allowing me to look and back up for a view.

I just simply don't think I want to risk going that far with her. As I am watching her right now, she sure is shaking her head, and the chickens are just a-flufflin' like crazy.

Stephanie

Wednesday - mid-afternoon

Afternoon Progress Report:

Jerri is irritated, has walked away from her afternoon hay. Shifting from side to side, tail swishing and biting at sides.

The Circle of Life

Stephanie

Wednesday afternoon

Afternoon everyone,

Your Jerri has really been kicking at her belly this afternoon, and some major tail swishing.

Each mare is so different in their pregnancies. What may occur in one does not mean that it will happen with the next one. All very unique to that particular horse just as their personalities are.

We've put straw down in her pen and Jerri did a series of rolls. My heart skipped a beat! Her belly is very low and she is very narrow in the flank area this afternoon.

Stephanie

More Jerri photos, 4/23/08

A surprise for you all!

I was going to save this as a surprise for everyone but I will make the announcement now.

I made a phone call the other night and luckily I was able to obtain more information regarding our special BBGs...are you ready for this..

JERRI IS ONE OF NELLIE'S BABIES

They know them by the numbers, not by the names that were given to them prior to their arrival to us. Isn't this something...

Wednesday morning

Good Morning,

Groan.....lol I hope this finds everyone well this beautiful morning.

I have found muscles that are screaming this morning, however to view the finished product makes it all well worth it. It seems that Jerri and Apple are doing quite well with the the structure.

While Rob, Theresa and I were putting this together, I was thinking in my my mind you were all sitting there saying GO! GO! GO! and when it was done you all stood in your chairs and did the wave. We were so concerned that the wind was going to come up, as those sheets of roofing were 20 feet long and it would have been like a flying razor blade. But the end result is the girls have their shade.

In regards to putting orange netting around the stall, I do not believe we will be doing this, this year. The panels the girls have rails are closer together.

It appears that Mare Stare does not have foal alert this year. I think there has been discussion of phone calls to one another but I do not know. Like MaryL, I believe we have a week left, we are keeping a close watch on her. What I would like to be able to do, with the assistance of Theresa, is when we know we that she is going to have the baby we are in hopes to be able to video tape fairly closely. No promises though as we get pretty excited ourselves.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful wonderful day.

Stephanie

Tuesday afternoon

Le Maternity Ward



Today. Plus, Jerri's been doing the booty scratch on the fence posts. Closer!

The Shade is Done

The shade is complete, light is up and will be on tonight so this means.......

OFFICIAL FOAL WATCH AT MHR BEGINS!

Join us at the marestare cam.

I started priming myself for every half hour last night to check on her so maybe I will have more stamina for the next week and a half or so.

Tomorrow will go pick up straw and get her pen ready.

Then the chicken brigade can come in and fluff during the course of the day.

Stephanie

Tuesday morning

Good Morning,

Another beautiful morning here in the desert.

Well, I'm starting to train myself once again for watching the monitor at night. Keeping an eye on Jerri. Sitting here and looking at her right this moment her tummy is hanging and she looks so so big.

I have not been out to her stall yet to check on bagging process, but I will. She and Apple seem very content to have one another side by side. If the wind does not come up till in the late afternoon, Rob and I are going to attempt to skin the roof of their shade today. Both the girls must go into the roundpen, as we do not want them getting spooked over the screw gun.

Everything is quiet right now, as all the horses are enjoying the early morning sunshine. It is still cool in the mornings here as well as in the evening, so much so it requires a light jacket.

Well, must get motivated, but will post later as time permits.

Have a great day everyone!!

Stephanie

Monday evening, 4/21/08

As you can tell we have been very busy this afternoon with the first phase of the BBG's shade construction. We do not have enough daylight nor energy to start with the sheeting this evening. Supposed to be windy over the next couple of days, but the biggest portion is done. Man, was that stuff heavy.

Jerri did not seem to be to disturbed by all the activity. Once, everything is in place I will get the straw and start getting Jerri's stall prepped. Hope she hangs in there till it is complete. Once the roofing is up, a vapor light will be over the peak of her roof which will really light up the whole pen...we are working as fast as we can along with everything else that must be maintained.

I hope everyone is having a good day.

Stephanie

More pictures, Monday 4/21/08

Jerri's been doing a lot of yawning today..I remember Misty and Rosie doing this as well...Remember????

Jerri 04-21-08

Jerri and Carrits

Changes

I need to go purchase batteries for my camera, however suffice to say Jerri's bag is huge and the lack of milk side is filling up. I think when she has laid down some has dripped on her white hind fetlock as the sand has stuck to it. I know that she does not allow any urine to touch her when she goes, she really keeps her legs far far apart so no wetness touches her.

Stephanie

Progress with Jerri

Monday morning

Yesterday was big progress with Jerri.

We got lights up yesterday evening, however the main light will go up when the shade is up which will wash through the whole pen. You can see, but things are different this time. We are not as close as we were with Rosie and Misty as we wanted to give a birdseye view and without them chewing on the cam. Besides, these girls needed a much larger stall.

I have seen the names everyone has submitted and you all are going to have some difficult choices to vote on. They are all outstanding.

I love to see the early morning sunshine wash over Jerri's body knowing that we will be seeing two here very soon. She LUB, LUB LUBs carrits, more than she likes cookies. With cookies her lips must touch your hand, and when they do you can see her tremble..so sad, but she will come around and know all is well in her world.

Stephanie

Jerri 4/20/08

Sunday morning

Good morning everyone,

Yesterday, it was a month since we lost our Sweet Nellie and Lil Angel. What made the day so meaningful to me was the strides we have made with Jerri. I can assure you when I step in her stall, I am cautious and I have my escape route planned ahead of time should something go awry. However, I must trust her, just as she needs to try and trust me. Rob and I were talking and he said, "If you are the only person she trusts right now, then so be it" he also stated that she will come around to others, but the importance of imprinting her little one is very important.

If you look at how Baby B and Spirit are today, they are a product of positive human interface daily. (Even though Sir Vlad is feeling his Wheaties right now, he knows under halter and lead rope manners are the utmost of importance.) Baby B also learned that good behavior gets a better result than bad behavior.

I spoke with my granddaughter Belmina this morning. She was five years old on April 15th, and we were talking about Apple. For those that don't know this, she was the one who chose Apple...because she knew how to spell Apple. We were talking and I told her that Apple was gonna have a baby here real soon and we needed to name the Baby. There was a long pause and silence on the phone and I had wondered if she had hung up on me. I quote what she said "I LUB APPLE'S BABY and her name is..." roflmbo "....Princess Tinkerbell." I said Princess Tinkerbell?? Tinkerbell is not a Princess, she said Grandma you don't know, Tinkerbell has a wand and makes you happy. Do not argue the logic of a five year old...you're gonna lose. I asked her what if it's a boy? She said no way Grandma, Apple is having a girl, if its a boy make it a girl. Her conclusion was Apple's baby is going to have wings and when she comes to visit she will ride her and they will fly in the sky. Ahhh, the imagination of a child.

Jerri's color has faded brown areas due to the sun. She is black. Once her shade goes up, hopefully she will lose some of these faded areas. I know JoJo has her shade but prefers to hang in the sun so she too has faded areas on her as well.

Well, I will be working with Jerri more today, but for now I must go feed and from what I see Apple's feeder is upside down again this morning. It is a daily ritual.

I do hope everyone has a blessed and safe day.

Stephanie

Jerri in the round pen

This is Jerri's first time in round pen...it's a snippet, but a big step for your girl

Jerri lubs her carrots!

Apple

She looks pretty darn proud of herself, doesn't she?

Jerri's girth

Saturday noon

Happy Saturday!

Jerri and I had a tete a tete this morning. Very windy again so ball cap was required attire. She was very receptive once again. Gonna have Theresa video tape some today of our progress. Must continue to do this in order to gain trust so that she will allow us to imprint her foal. Might have to carry carrits at all times during her birthing.

Casper and Dancer are going to their new home this afternoon. They will be missed but I can assure you they have an excellent family. Let's Hear it for the Boys!!!

Get those names into Nancy, we are gonna have a baby soon!!!! We'll be opening the polling soon.

Place your guesses on Birth date and time....great gift for the winners of both areas. See http://forums.delphiforums.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=22324.1 for details on how to stake your date and time.

FYI: Theresa submitted Nellie and Lil Angel's story, "Who Would Have Known," to UltimateHorseSite.com. They contacted her and requested pictures of our sweet Nellie as they want to publish her story.

This is a positive step in helping other PMU mares being held hostage to this industry.

Stephanie

Progress!

Lots of progress for Jerri, she is coming in much closer, this was the first attempt, better next time around. If this were Apple she would be in my lap.

Friday, midday

We are working on the cam and should have it up on Jerri here soon I hope. I know that we are going to be working on their shade over the weekend and as time and Rob's schedule permits.

We have been watching Jerri very closely cause the poo is loosening up and she seems a bit more restless. She is still eating but slowly...I cannot tell you how big she is, unbelievable.

Just to remind you, MHR's web cam is located at www.marestare.com/miracle.php

Stephanie

Thursday evening

Hay Everybody,

I was just out talking with Jerri, and she decided my putting a "wide load" sign on her hiney was a no go. She is so big. I thought Rosie and Misty were big, but to see the BBG's, wow!

She moves slow and has a grumpy look but did not move away from me. I can say that she is LARGE AND IN CHARGE.

Stephanie

Jerri, 4/17/08

These were taken at about noon today.

Furry friend

Apple, Wednesday, April 16

Jerri, Wednesday, April 16

picture

Tuesday evening

Hay Everyone,

Today was a very busy day, scraping out more pens, and playing musical horses. We have rearranged horses again and it seems we have a nice blend again. It takes a few tries to have everyone getting along.

I scrubbed out water barrels today, and then the wind kicked up...grrrrrr. Oh well, Mother Nature has a mind of her own that is for sure.

Spent time with Jerri and Apple both today. They are both doing well. Jerri is very watchful but that is progress for her. She has come to realize I am sure that nothing will happen to her as she no longer moves to the back of her stall. She stays back, but does not move away.

I was in Apple's pen cleaning her water barrel, I had my back to her and before I knew it she had that big ole head of hers resting over my shoulder. Let me tell you it is one heavy head. She is just so sweet.

Spirit and Baby B, what can I say very animated and a joy to watch and handle. Never a dull moment with these little ones. They will keep you on your toes at all times.

Phred has settled into the football field, and is fitting in with the older crowd.

Robert and I this evening went over to the Jeffrey's (Casper's and Dancer's new family) to help them set up their brand new corral panels and the turn out. They are just wonderful people and they could not be more excited about the two new additions to their family. They have a beautiful location, and Casper and Dancer will have the best.

Well, I am going to call it a night. Sweet dreams to all.

Stephanie

Apple, Tuesday, April 15

Jerri, Tuesday, April 15

These pictures were taken at about 11 this morning. We all know this bag will be soooooo much bigger.


Still eating...she's fine just seems to take longer in eating, as Misty did towards the end

Monday news

What a day I have had here, very very busy. Theresa finding poop in Spirit's water barrel, and a sparrow that tried swimming (not good). Feeding, water barrels, raking, grooming....Whewwww.

I spent time with Jerri talking to her, but she kinda sorta chose to ignore me today. Apple of course was, well if she does not want you come on over here and give me all the attention.

ANNOUNCEMENT

The family that adopted Casper on Saturday came over this evening. They did not want Casper to be alone so they asked if they could adopt Dancer as well.

THEY DID!!

So Mister Fancy Pants Dancer, has achieved his goal and now has his forever home.

Both of the boys will be leaving on Saturday afternoon.

Everyone else is doing great. Good Day for the horses.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful day!

Stephanie

Fred in the football field

This is Freddie when he arrived at MHR last June.

He was in pretty bad shape when he arrived, but he has made great progress and yesterday he was introduced to the football field. Looks like he'll do just fine out there!

Monday morning

Well, the weekend was very busy. Diane. Cathy, Theresa, Joseph, Rob and I did a lot of smaller chores, but a lot was accomplished. There is always something that needs to be done, and we have bigger projects coming up that must be accomplished.

I was trying very hard not to laugh while Chef Cathy was serving one of her specialties and narration of the whole horse experience. It was a lot of fun and the horses totally enjoyed their treat.

Baby B's Birthday Celebration was wonderful. It is amazing that she is a year old and we reflected on the day she was born. She has truly become a beautiful little filly. Both she and Spirit have learned so much. I appreciate all the help that I have had getting them to where they are today.

Spirit did get in trouble twice over the weekend as he bit Diane because she stopped petting him and he nipped at me as well. Once he nipped at me you could see a flash across his adorable face that he had made a mistake with grammie. He knew it. His McNuggets have arrived, and unfortunately his little play dates with Baby B will cease. He displayed a bit of aggression with her when together, so this phase of their life is over until he is gelded. Gelding will take place after the first freeze this upcoming winter so that the flies are all gone.

Jerri is coming around...she is so afraid. She is beginning to know that she will not be hurt and her curiosity and her tummy are getting the better of her. I feel that eventually she will come around completely, however she will always be cautious, I am sure of it. However, I hope that I am wrong, and she will throw caution to the wind.

Then there is our Apple. She is a big love and as you can tell always in your face. She had her pen scrapped out and is currently in sweet Nellie's pen. Apple can make a wet pen. If anyone out there has an idea as to how to keep it a bit drier we are open to suggestions. We have never had a horse that deposits lakes in a stall before.

Phred is out with the football field, and let me tell you he loves it. He is doing so well out there fits right on in.

We had a wonderful time together and I miss everyone when they leave. Of course we talked about Nellie and the loss of her and Lil Angel, we also discussed what an impact she has made on the lives of many other horses. We received a wonderful letter from an individual that also adopted a PMU Fjord (not from the same place), but because of Nellie her entire barn went on a psyllium program and more individuals are being informed of the PMU industry.

There was a great deal of laughter as we have a tendency to look at one another and begin laughing. We are just a group of "WILD AND CRAZY GALS" (remember Saturday Night Live, Steve Martin and Dan Ackroyd?) I even did some fashion runway walk at Walmart...brave me..lol..made them laugh though.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful day!

Stephanie

Restaurante MHR

She got legs

Himself!

Not to be forgotten....Spirit.

One more of Baby B on her special day

After all, you don't turn one year old every day!

Casper's been adopted!

I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Casper's new famblee. Meet Ed "Shaggy", Mary Jo and little Eddy Jeffrey. Congratulations to the Jeffreys and a HUGE congratulations to Casper, he now has a forever home with a wonderful famblee.

The Princess

gotta have a tiara, right??

The Birthday Girl

All fixed up for her special day!

One year ago today!

On April 12, 2007 Baby B made her presence known.

Happy Birthday, Baby B! And thank you Mama Rosie for your beautiful baby girl.

Jerri today, 4/11/08

Can you tell which side the baby is on?

What are you looking at?
On that note, I'll get a drink of water

Friday morning

Good Friday Morning,

Been up for quite sometime, John Wayne (Rooster) was standing at the door of our bedroom crowing his feathery little head off. He starts about 4am every morning. John Wayne loves to be held and petted...but not this morning.

I had forgot to mention that we had two little chicks that were hatched. We had a baby chick round-up which was quite comical, mother hens can be quite challenging. Unfortunately we lost one of the little ones, but after keeping mama and baby isolated till the little one got bigger, I am happy to say that it is out scratching around with its mom.

We will be celebrating Baby B's one-year birthday this weekened. I'm making her an Apple Juice with baby carrots and shredded carrot ice block. I will be making one for Spirit as I know that the little Diva will not share with him.

Thank you to Karen H., Ro, and Kathie in Montana for the beautiful cards and donations towards the General Fund in Honor of Baby B's birthday.

The bracelets for Nellie and Lil Angel should be arriving within the next few days. They are white with rose colored lettering stating 'FOR NELLIE AND LIL ANGEL STOP THE PMU INDUSTRY" These bracelets will be sold for $5.00 each postage included.

I hope that each of you has a wonderful and blessed day.

Stephanie

Thursday evening

My day began at 3am this morning. Seems Dancer was in the mood to play. At 6pm yesterday evening (4/9) I had filled the three water tanks in the football field. Dancer is totally enthralled with water. He will put his feet, and half his body into the tanks. Anyway, he managed to dump one of the 100 gallon metal tanks, and I am sure Whiskey and Trooper were there to assist and play as well. What I awoke to was the clanging sound of hooves banging against this tank. I went out and there they were, pushing it with their noses and hooves. It is so quiet that sound really carries, so I had to go out and move it out until the sun came up. Thank goodness we have wonderful neighbors who love the horses.

In observing Jerri our very pregnant Percheron today, her bag is beginning to slowly fill. I know that it is not nearly as big as it will get, but we are beginning to see the early stages birthing.

We are going to be taking names for the new Big Boned Baby. We will have a poll on our blog for people to vote, as we have many people who follow the blog and the happenings around the ranch as well as follow our group on ABR. This first little one is gonna need a name, so throw them out there and lets be ready for the joys of foaling season. Let the games begin!!

We were busy with water barrels, grooming and scraping pens again. It was a very productive day. We have a few modifications to make for our Foal Cams, but you will be able to watch the girl(s) through the night for those night owls.

The tractor is really earning its keep and is making a lot of the chores much easier, even for a 1950's something it is working real fine.

Have a wonderful evening and sweet dreams to all

Stephanie & The MHR Famblee

Morning breakfast