Live Birth

I don't just mean that the foal came out alive, I mean I was there standing a few feet away from the whole processes. It was amazing to see how quickly it happened as well as how soon after the foal is born it tries to stand up and then succeeds. Justin and I have had little sleep as we first were in awe and then realized that mom was not letting baby feed and mom was not passing the placenta. The baby seemed really tired and hungry. He was a fighter and kept attempting to get to the milk. Even when a 900lb horse was kicking at it. Most of the morning we had to hold Jasmine and pinch the nerve in her nose so she would hold still and let him eat. Around the afternoon she finally passed the placenta and then was willing to let him eat without us holding her. Both Justin and I are exhausted and it is not even our baby. I guess that is what happens when you live on a "farm". The moms name is Jasmine. I was thinking of sticking with the Disney theme. If you have any name ideas feel free to share.
First minutes after birth
First Steps
Baby Boy

Tired Mama

Proud Papa

Vacation Ideas

Justin and I are going to go to Jackson Hole to celebrate our 2nd anniversary. Does anyone have any ideas or cool places we should visit while we are up there? So far we only have Yellowstone and river rafting scheduled we need a couple more little things to do during the evenings.

Forever Families

I am sorry for the extended absence I have taken from blogging. It has been a pretty emotional week. On May 10, 2008 My mom called to say that my Grandpa Peterson suddenly collapsed and died. He had been recovering from recent knee surgery and was outside using his walker to supervise the yard work that was being done by my mom, and my cousins family. He went into the garage to get something and that is where he collapsed. They were able to start CPR immediately but he never did come back to us. We are not sure exactly what caused it, we chose not to do an autopsy. Our family immediately rallied together at their house to comfort one another. The worst part is seeing your fiery and independent grandma as she weeps. The funeral was postponed until Monday the 19th. My uncle and aunt were vacationing in Jerusalem and we waited for them to complete some more of their trip before coming home. My grandpa would have wanted this, they saved for a long time to go. The week leading up to the funeral was hard but full of fond memories and lots of family time. I was able to remember the kind of man he was and the memories I had of living with them for two summers. I am grateful that I was given those experiences. The services were exceptional yesterday. The spirit was present and we all felt comforted. It was good for us to finally say goodbye. I am grateful to my grandpa for his example of patience, love, service, and families are forever. I hope to someday have the kind of marriage and family that my grandma and grandpa did.

Horse Gestation/Puppy Fever

Jasmine at 11 months pregnant
Mariah at 10 months pregnant

We have now entered the month of May and are on the home stretch for our first foal to be born. Jasmine (my horse) is due to foal by the end of the month. However, Mariah (Justin's horse) is much larger and seems to be showing more signs of pregnancy. This led Justin to recheck the dates we thought they got pregnant and to see if Mariah could go early. Our calculations are that she still will not come until the end of June. She could come two weeks early because of the warmer weather but it is still basically a big guessing game. For now we are anxiously awaiting the morning we wake up and find a new baby.
Brian and Becci also purchased a german shepard puppy and she has now become Justin's favoirte new "toy". He begs me daily for a new puppy of his own. Annie is cute and a lot of fun she has a little bark and loves to bite at your shoes and pant legs. She also likes to use the carpet and my doorstep as her bathroom. This I do not like so for now Justin will have to be content with Annie.