Faith, 4-17-09

Faith 31 days at MHR, 4/17/09

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Good Day Everyone,

Our Lady of Perpetual Pregnancy II, The Saga is still that Pregnant. She is doing great, but I cannot say the same for those of us all watching. I would like to express my gratitude to all of our Faith Night Watchers who stand vigil over her throughout the night into the wee hours of the morning. THANK YOU!! I wake up every hour on the hour for the most part to check on her and I see what they see: a horse content, slowly munching on hay and then teasing us with her roll, roll, roll, scratch, scratch.

We have no history on when she was bred, how she is during foaling, nothing. But we have found her to be a big tease, setting us all on the edge of our seats. In our chat room we have been able to laugh and share various life experiences with one another, but we all are awaiting the moment that we can share the "Miracle of Life" with one another.

According to Dr. Hadland when he saw her 31 days ago, he stated we had two-three weeks before she foaled, four on the outside. Okay Dr. Hadland you have until midnight tonight. I will remind him of this when I call him tomorrow to say NO BABY FOR YEWWWWW!

All else at the ranch is going well. We have had a lot of wind over the last few days but tomorrow is to be much nicer, whereas many more outdoor chores will be completed without being blown away.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful remainder of the week. Be safe!!!

Stephanie

Faith, Day 30 at MHR

Faith, 4-15-09

These photos are taken of Faith on her 30th day at MHR. She has really changed over the last month, that is for sure. Remember what she looked like when she first arrived.






Chicken in a barrel

Top 10 Reasons Why Faith Has Not Yet Foaled

Posted on ABR by our good and clever friend, SusanE380

TOP TEN REASONS WHY FAITH HAS NOT YET FOALED

(as told by the hens)

10. Too busy eating to stop long enough to foal

9. Keeps getting this creepy feeling that someone is looking at her private parts

8. Muffin told her he really likes zaftig mares

7. Received secret, lucrative offer from Hope and AJ to make it worth her while not to foal so THEY can still be the babies

6. Overheard P Diddy and John Wayne talking behind the tack shed about their dating plans for her once the baby is born

5. Enjoying being the center of attention for the first time in her life

4. Hopes delay will get Dr. Adam to come to visit her again-he's SO cute!

3. The foal is grounded to his womb for playing pranks

2. No foaling until Baby B agrees to lend Faith her tiara for the big event

AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON WHY FAITH HAS NOT YET FOALED:

1. Wants book and TV deal--waiting for the hoopla about the Octomom to die down

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Good Tuesday to All,

Well, here we are Day 29 with our Faith, and yes still no baby. We have had a wonderful time watching and chatting together, but to be honest with you I am ready for this little one.

Faith has really done a wonderful job in the weight gain department. I believe we have hit the targeted weight gain that Dr. Adam wanted prior to delivery. Her top line has really improved and she is stronger and her coat is shiny. Her attitude has improved and there is confidence in her step.

I actually touched her side twice yesterday. On the second go round though she gave me the stink eye and even went and did a roll to get my cooties off of her. I tried night before last to see if she would take feed from my hand but she did not. She would pass her mouth over my hand and sniff, you could tell she wanted it but did not know how.

Her dealings with humans in her past life have not been the best, so it is up to us to show her that not all humans are rough.

We will continue our vigilant watch over her, and I must convey my gratitude and thanks to everyone keeping the Faith Foal Watch across this great nation of ours and as far away as Australia. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Faith has a great TEAM.

Stephanie

Monday morning, April 13, 2009

Good Monday Morning to All,

Here we are into Day 28 with Faith. There are many sleep deprived individuals from all over the world watching her. I think the farthest away is Australia. She seems to be quite comfortable and quite large...to say the least.

Faith has kept us sitting on the edge of our seats, as she has shown us many of the signs of impending birth. She has really taken advantage of gaining her strength and the much needed weight she desperately needed to put on. She is doing very very well.

All else on the ranch is well, keeping busy, and all the the horses are good.

I do hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend and a special Easter.

Well, have a great day and be Safe and Happy!

Stephanie

Faith, Easter Sunday, 4/12/09

Baby B is 2 today!

Baby B taken 10am PDT, 4/12/09 on her second birthday

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Good Wednesday to All,

Well, we thought last night was the night for Faith, she had us all sitting on the edge of our seats. Hah, she fooled us yet again. So we wait......sigh

Faith has been with us for 22 days today. She is slowly and steadily putting on the much needed weight and she grows stronger each and everyday that passes. This is a good thing.

This morning we received a donation from an individual along with an apology saying she wished it could be more. I want to say that no donation is too small, in fact this brings a story that touches my heart to mind.

Several years ago, we received from a little girl a baby food jar full of pennies for the horses. This really touched my heart, as she gave everything she had and was so proud of what she did. This truly brought tears to my eyes. The innocence of a child giving, not quite understanding what it was we were doing for the horses. She could not know what her little jar of pennies had done to me. To this day I still have that little jar of pennies, and it reminds me that no matter what someone gives, whether it be in the form of a donation or cheerleading in support of our efforts, these special individuals make a difference not only in the lives of the horses but in our lives as well. I am humbled daily by our "Little Jar of Pennies."

Have a great day everyone!



Stephanie

Short video of Faith, 4/7/09

Pictures of Faith, 4/7/09

Photos of Faith taken 11am PDT, 4/7/09.. 21 days after her arrival

Tuesday morning, April 7, 2009

Good Tuesday Morning to All,

Today is day 22 of Faith's being at MHR, and as we all know she is still "Our Lady of Perpetual Pregnancy II, The Saga". She is however doing quite a bit and has been cranky over the last couple of days, and maybe I should not have referred to her as "Tugboat Twyla;" I possibly may have offended.

Today we are anticipating winds from 12pm-8pm and the possibility of rain. Could this possibly cause a reaction and we have a baby? That remains to be seen. On a serious note though, Faith is doing well and at a slow and steady pace is putting on the much needed weight gain. Her diet and supplements will be yet again increased once she begins feeding her little baboo. She still has a long way to go, but she will get there.

There has been a marked improvement in Destiny's foot as well as in his manners. Marigold has really improved and has become quite the talker now at meal times. They all know the routine and they know what they are going to be getting and they do show their appreciation by the wuffles and whinnies we receive.

All is well here with the rest of the herd. We appreciate all of your participation in our fundraisers. Whether you are a cheerleader or a donor, YOU DO make a difference in the lives of our horses. Thank You!!!

Well, I must go batten down the hatches and prepare for the winds.

I would also like to say, Please remember our troops who are serving our country. I have a son presently in Iraq and I pray for him and his fellow troops daily. I have a son-in-law presently assigned to a Destroyer somewhere in the Persian Gulf and last but not least my daughter who is currently assigned in VA w/ the US NAVY. May we all pause for a moment and remember the troops who have given so much so that we are able to do what we do. Thank You.

Have a Safe and Wonderful Day!!!!!!!!!

Stephanie

Sunday morning, April 5, 2009

Good Sunday Morning to All,

Here we are at day 18 with Faith. Still no baby yet, but that is okay. This is one more day closer to her giving birth, but it is also one more day of her gaining strength. As most of you know she came to MHR underweight and Dr. Hadland wanted her to put on at least 150-200lbs. She is doing quite well on his prescribed diet and we are seeing the differences. It is a slow process, but once again, slow is good in the matter of putting pounds on the underweight horse.

I did give Faith a special treat yesterday, I shredded some carrots for her and mixed them in rice bran. When I had tried giving her a carrot shortly after she arrived she seemed puzzled and a bit confused as to what that orange thing was. Well, after a few tastes of the mixture prepared for her, she ate it all up.

Our "Foal Watch" as been a lot of fun on our Ustream site. We have all met new cyber friends, and shared stories and experiences about not only rescued horses but our personal horses as well. In addition, we have discussed our dogs and cats as well. It has been very interesting thus far and most times lots of laughs. I know that I have enjoyed it.

This waiting and watching has also been very informative. We have discussed the various physical issues that Draft Horses encounter and the experiences of some of our viewers that have come in to chat and talk about their PMUs they have rescued.

All in all I will say this has been quite an experience, and we hope to continue this journey with all of you. We at MHR wish all of you a wonderful wonderful safe day.

Stephanie

Faith video, 4/4/09

Pictures of Faith, April 4, 2009

These are photos taken of Faith today, 4/4/09, her 17th day with us.....and we still await her gift. Photos were taken at approx. 11:00am PDT







Adrian, my limo driver

Saturday morning, April 4, 2009

Good Saturday to All!

Well, here we are 17 days after Faith's arrival and no baby yet. With each passing day she is gaining strength and we are losing sleep. However, this is not a bad thing, we have had a good time chatting on our Ustream chat and have established new cyber friendships. We must admit we get silly at times, but it helps pass the time.

Faith is really coming along. Over the last couple of days I have managed to stroke Faith's nose, and it was all her idea. So this is good progress. She has taken hay from my hand and again good progress. She now knows where the people live and will watch for us when we come out of the house. She does not have a clue what a carrot is and is not accepting of this long orange thing. I have been contemplating shredding some up and putting it in her feed, just to give her a taste..we shall see.

All is well here at the ranch, and all the horses are well. It is business as usual even while awaiting the gift from Faith.

I do wish all of you a safe and happy weekend. Enjoy yourself and others. Remember, you make a difference in the lives of the people you are in contact with, but you also make a difference in the lives of the horses.

Stephanie

Destiny and Marigold, 4/2/09

Here are pictures that were taken of Marigold and Destiny this morning 4/2/09 at 8am during breakfast. Destiny as you can see was not interested in raising his head. Marigold on the other hand was happy to oblige the paparazzi.

Faith Watch, April 1, 2009

Well, I am going to resurrect a saying that was given almost two years ago w/ Rosie.

"OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL PREGNANCY"

In Faith's case, I do not mind. She has been w/ us two weeks today. She has a very healthy appetite, drinks plenty of water and is doing quite well. Since we have zero history on her and past foalings we all are learning from her. One thing for sure: this is her last. Doctor Hadland has been notified that she is in early stages of Labor and he said when we see bag, call him right away. I think that he is very interested in her and this little one.

Dr. Hadland is a very compassionate vet and at least once a week I hear from him asking about Marigold and Destiny. In fact two weeks ago when he was here for Faith, he went over and checked both Marigold and Destiny out. He is very very pleased with their progress.

So just store up your snacks and if you have the inclination and the desire, please join us in watching Faith and chatting to one another.

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR NIGHT WATCHERS and for keeping notes on her activity through the night, it really is appreciated.

Stephanie