Call the Midwife

6:30 a.m. Farmer J wakes me while he is getting ready for work.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays, he is out of the house before we wake and home long after we are in bed; long days at his actual job (that he loves just as much as farming) that pays for this farm life we have chosen. 

He tells me that Aoife looks close to having her babies...that her breathing is more rapid and she is not moving as fast to come get her beloved goat/sheep treats.  I've been, lovingly, requested to keep an eye on Aoife today.  The wary farmwife has become the sheep midwife while Farmer J is far away from the farm, working in the big city.

8:00 a.m. While driving the boys to school, I tell them the exciting news that Aoife may be in labor and may soon give birth to baby lambs.  Pickle tells me that Aoife will have triplets "because her belly is so round." For Aoife's sake, I'm praying for twins. 

8:30 a.m. Back at home, I go check on my patient.  Typically, the sheep and goats are all waiting for me at the pasture gate by the time I get out of my car.  Today, none of them were there.  I found the goats and three ewes warming themselves from the morning sun, and out of the wicked winter wind, by the lower part of the barn.  But no Aoife.  I cautiously peek into the barn, preparing myself for any scene. 

I find Aoife laying on the soft, warm hay.  Her breathing is slightly more rapid and she is making a little noise that I'm not used to hearing.  She doesn't move when I get close; she lets me pet her, give her scratches and transfer her some love. 

I'll be back to check on my patient in a few hours.... stay tuned...