Wednesday, November 29, 2000 4:34 PM

Yesterday morning, Tim tapped on the outside of our bedroom window to get my attention.  When I got to the window he smiled and said, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

He was on his way to the truck to go to work, when he spotted a new, little, fuzzy Scottish highland calf had arrived during the cold, wet night!  A belated, but much anticipated Birthday gift, it is the last of the expected calves to be born here at the farm this year.

I spent the morning watching out the living room windows, eager to get a glimpse of the new addition.  The Mother is "Kaylee cow", an almost *platinum* blonde colored 6 year old that we purchased around Easter last year.  She was believed to have been breed to a stunning black colored bull the seller had on site. They were not certain that she was carrying a calf, but were willing to "bet on it". 

In the early afternoon, as the kids watched from the windows, I went outside to see Kaylee.  I offered her a juicy green apple.  She munched away happily and I asked her, "Why don't you bring your baby down where I can see it?  Hmmmmm?  Now, finish your apple, I need to get back up to the house..."

I cut our visit short, needing to get back inside with the kids.  Our little talk must have worked, as soon as I headed for the house, Kaylee made her way to where she left her calf. Shortly there after, they appeared.  Although not close enough to tell if we have a boy or a girl, I could make out a light blonde coloration.  Naturally, it's *cute*!

I'm happy to report that for all appearances, this calf seems quite healthy.  It was "frolicking" around the pasture yesterday -- hopping around between the adults and kicking its hind legs up in the air.  I managed to get some of it on video, but it was *way* out in the pasture with pretty poor visibility. 

Kaylee doesn't seem to be very protective.  The other two cows (that lost their calves this year), each took turns grooming the newest member of the herd.  There was a whole lot of Mothering going on out there! *Giggle*

I just came in from outside.  It is around feeding time and the cows have made their way down from the upper pasture.  I spotted Kaylee with her new calf just before dark.  With video camera in hand, I raced out before darkness set in to try to get some photos to share.  As-luck-would-have-it, Kaylee came right up to the fence line and *posed* for these pictures!  It's pouring down rain out there, but you can still get an idea of the calf's coloring...

and IT'S A BOY!