Heifer, daughter of Bossy

Born on Valentine's Day, this little one quickly went from "Valentine" (gender neutral!) to "Valentino" (thought we had a bull calf) to "Valentina" (nope, definitely a heifer!). With a quite start to 2019 and only one brother to keep her company for the first few months, she was quite the prim-and-proper little lady. With a mom like Bossy, that was a shock to us all!

Bull calf, son of Bling

Clove made an appearance on St. Patrick's day, following the example of his slightly-older sister. Momma Bling and baby enjoy the shade of the old Oaks.

Heifer, daughter of Hollywood

We know it's time for new calves when Mommas don't come up to greet us each night. The question is always, "Who's missing?" and "Where is she?" They're excellent at hide-and-seek, that's for sure.

But ‪Thursday night‬, Keith spotted a new little heifer next to her daddy and snapped some pics for me to share. He has named her Maybel, as she was born at the end of May (probably ‪Tuesday night‬/ ‪Wednesday morning‬). Keith is getting to be a pro at this Name the Newborn game!

However, he couldn't figure out the momma since she is clearly a daddy's girl.

Well, #PrincessInTheCountry is all about spreadsheets, so I cross-referenced all the current calves, both with the herd and in the weaning pen, plus those that haven't had enough time yet to have another calf, and I narrowed down the momma-options to 5. First up is Stray Horn - Fritz's bestie - and the one who has gone the longest without a calf. This is an easy 'no' as they seem to have mastered the platonic relationship. Eight, Finally and Maybelline are also possibilities, but they've been coming up to say Hi and let's just say their udders aren't overflowing.

Which means the proud momma is my girl Hollywood, aka Lumpy. She's a good momma, known to find a sleeping-under-the-trees Clover when his absent-minded momma walks away without him.

As the weaned calves left for market on Friday (that's another story), having a new little one to watch makes the transition a little easier. Hopefully I'll get some pictures of Hollywood and Maybel together this weekend!

Bull calf, son of Opie

Today's New Moo News is brought to you by an unexpected delivery. While the momma's clearly on the roster, there's at least three other sister wives that are overdue for their turn at production...

After Keith and I finished the feeding and checking the property, we noticed one lone momma hanging out by the feed troughs - Keith's cafeteria-lady cutie, Opie. We chatted, she taught me a few new curse words with her dour mug, and then we headed to turn off the windmill. On our way back, she was still there, still cussing, but now looking behind her rather than towards all her sister wives. And that's when we saw him --- oh, we saw him --- a little red-brown bundle in the tall grass. We took turns checking on him since he didn't get up when she called, but he was just sleeping off a fresh serving of milk. Since he was likely born yesterday (June 6), he's been named Normandy - Norman for short.

Knowing that we were there to keep a close eye on him, Opie trotted off for some of her 'me' time. And to find a babysitter for the night so she can put fresh curlers in her hair. To know her is to love her.

Heifer, daughter of Mrs. Howell

MaryAnne was born as summer started heating up, bringing her momma Mrs. Howell to the shaded oaks near the pond. These two remained near the water for a few days, earning Gilligan's Island themed names.

Had she been a bull calf, she would have been Skipper. MaryAnne fitter her much better.

Gracie in a playful mood waiting for fresh hay

Bull calf, son of Maybelline

And then there were eight.

I chart them, I follow them, I look to see who’s behind on the schedule. This month, it’s Eight and Maybelline - both are well overdue to have another calf this year. (So is Strayhorn, but she’s the exception. #FritzsBestGirl)

Yesterday we noticed Maybelline was out behind the pond, grazing alone. I told Keith she was ready. And today, she led us right to Peanut. As dark as Koda and with markings close to Norm’s; wobbly kneed and ready to meet up with momma when called. This one is a perfect partner in crime for Finally’s Popcorn.

Chatterbox remained a curious little heifer

Heifer, daughter of Horned Hollywood

Horned Hollywood’s little heifer, born 10/3/19. Just Bob(bie). She’s a little sassy, a little cautious, and a whole lot perfect. Born at a time when new life was so needed and welcomed, and named after the one and only Bob. #LoveYouDad

Heifer, daughter of Jane Moo

Saturday nights on the ranch mean we get to linger a little longer with the animals. Sometimes, it's a meet-and-greet with Honey's family across the forbidden border, other times it's tempting the calves with an extra treat to keep them comfortable around us.

Last night, it was confirming a new little heifer with one of the horned mommas (one of only two we haven't named because we can barely tell them apart!). This little gem is all white-faced with two button brown eyes and matching ears that twitch with the wind. She's already comfortable wandering off a bit from the herd then partly-running, partly-bucking her way back to safety! Welcome to the ranch, Autumn.

Continued below.... it was a Two-fer day!

Astro getting a very embarrassing bath from momma Frosty.

Roxy during a brief meet-and-greet with resident bossy pants Charlie. Charlie-girl was only mildly intrigued; Roxy was disappointed that Charlie was not a teeny tiny calf ready to play.