The sky stormed, the earth shook, the power went out, and Clover had her babies. It was all suitably dramatic. Wednesday evening around 6:30, I came home to this:
Sneaky little goat.
I’d had three teenage girls in my house for a few days and had been out dropping two of them off to their rightful owners. Then I dropped Morgan off at volleyball practice. A brief, strong storm had come up as we left and the power was out. (It finally came back on early Thursday morning. I have to stop for a second and say–country girls rule! We came across a tree in the road. Couldn’t get around it. The girls hopped immediately out of the car and moved the tree. No question, no whining. Country girls can survive.) I came home and sat down on the front porch…and heard a tiny cry.
I looked over the porch and there was Clover on the porch of the goat house with two tiny things!
Of course, I rushed right down there. She must have had them while I was out driving around. There was fresh goop on the goat porch floor but Thing 1 and Thing 2 were already up on their feet, trying to nurse, occasionally collapsing back to take power naps.
They are so tiny. And adorable!!!!!!!
I’ve never seen goat babies this newly-born.
Clover was sweet and affectionate, eager to be petted and praised for her good work. I brought a bale of straw and spread it over over the goat porch and inside the goat house. One of the babies fell between the goat porch floor and the fence wire surrounding it and couldn’t get back up. We moved them all inside the goat house (after I took these photos) and closed up the opening to the goat porch to keep them safe inside. Clover inhaled a bowl of feed and asked for more then sucked down a lot of water.
The babies favor the proud papa (Eclipse).
I can’t tell for sure yet if they have his blue eyes or not, but I think at least one of them does.
They are both boys, which is already a little sad because I know that means I’ll have to say goodbye to them eventually.
But they aren’t leaving yet! By yesterday, they were already getting frisky and there will be a lot of fun to be had with them first! I’ll be keeping them safe in the goat house until after I come back from Ross’s boot camp graduation–by then, they will be bigger and stronger and I’ll be here to watch over them. I’ll wait at least a month or so before I start milking Clover to let the babies have her all to themselves.
These photos (from here down) were taken the next day (Thursday) when the babies were still not a day old. See the blue eyes? They may both have the blue eyes, I’m just not sure yet. I should be able to tell within a week.
A ball of babies!
Everybody’s curious. See Little peering in through the gate?
Clover is a good mama. And a good milker! Isn’t that right, Clover? Clover! I see goat milk soap. I see chevre. I’ve been milking a cow, missy!
I can take you and your tiny udder! I can–
I can give you a lot of doughnuts.
Prickle says:
Congratulation!! They’re adorable :sheep:
On August 6, 2010 at 1:34 am
Prickle says:
CongratulationS ….more than one, lol
On August 6, 2010 at 1:35 am
Nancy in Iowa says:
Wow! I never thought I’d see the words, “Clover”, “sweet” and “affectionate” in the same sentence!!! Clover, my dear, your new babies are beautiful, er, handsome!!! Has Aunt Nutmeg seen them? What does she think?
On August 6, 2010 at 1:47 am
bonita says:
Yeah Clover, they’re sooooo cute.
What a way to celebrate National Goat Cheese Month!!!!
On August 6, 2010 at 2:14 am
Deeda in Seattle says:
Congratulations, new Grandma! I would be so proud… It’s been exciting to follow your blog, meet Clover and Eclipse, and see the babies now, looking so much like their dad–sorta a next generation kind of thing! I love your blog–I wished I lived on a farm too!
On August 6, 2010 at 2:22 am
Victoria Sturdevant says:
They are so cute!!
On August 6, 2010 at 2:28 am
Julie says:
Well, my kids (the human kind) and I certainly enjoyed seeing your new kids this morning!! Precious!!
On August 6, 2010 at 2:29 am
Rita says:
Those babies are so so sweet. You are one lucky gal. When you make it would you please share the process of making goat milk soap. And what could I use in place of goats milk? Should I buy goats milk or is it ok to use another kind of milk.
On August 6, 2010 at 2:39 am
Michelle says:
They are gorgeous! Nice work, Clover!
On August 6, 2010 at 2:58 am
Charlotte says:
Oh, too, too sweet! Easy to fall in love with. Well done, Clover!
On August 6, 2010 at 3:12 am
Hrist says:
YAAAAAAAAAY! Baby goatlings are adorable. :sheepjump:
On August 6, 2010 at 3:37 am
Carol Warham says:
They are gorgeous. Clever Clover. She looks so pleased with herself.
On August 6, 2010 at 4:06 am
Patty says:
Oh how beautiful they are!! So so sweet!
On August 6, 2010 at 4:19 am
Zoe says:
yay! They are toooooo cute!
On August 6, 2010 at 4:21 am
Sheila says:
Be careful of using buckets to water Clover with, young kids love to fall in and drown.
Congratulations Clover!
On August 6, 2010 at 4:45 am
Rose H says:
Congratulations Clover! What adorable little kids. :airkiss: See, it was that extra doughnut that brought all this on :yes: I’ll be smiling all day now.
:happyflower:
On August 6, 2010 at 4:46 am
Becky says:
Bittersweat!! Congratulations!
On August 6, 2010 at 4:58 am
Maureen says:
They are adorable!
On August 6, 2010 at 5:35 am
Lisa says:
Awww soooo cute ! Congratulations ! :heart:
On August 6, 2010 at 5:53 am
Michelle Willingham says:
Hooray for the babies! Here’s hoping that you get some wonderful goat’s milk eventually. 😉
On August 6, 2010 at 5:54 am
Minna says:
Congratulations!
On August 6, 2010 at 5:58 am
judydee says:
Congratulations to all! This news has made my day. They are truly sweet!
On August 6, 2010 at 6:16 am
glenda says:
They are adorable.
We have never had goats on the farm.
I love goat milk soap; I have to buy my goat milk.
Clover did good!
On August 6, 2010 at 6:16 am
Johanna says:
Well done, Clover!
On August 6, 2010 at 6:27 am
Teri says:
Congratulations!! They are pretty darn cute!
On August 6, 2010 at 6:32 am
CATRAY44 says:
How wonderful! They all, including Clover, look beautiful!
On August 6, 2010 at 6:34 am
Grammie Earth says:
Awww. Good job Clover! :heart: :heart: I can hardly wait to watch the kids being kids! Congrats Grammie Suzanne!
Pam
On August 6, 2010 at 6:50 am
Rhonda says:
How adorably cute. Clover did good. Was it the donut?
On August 6, 2010 at 7:05 am
STracer says:
Ok, I decided. We need a couple of wethers for the ridge. Those boys are so cute! We have been talking about getting some to eat the brush and weeds. Them and/or hairy sheep anyway. I even volunteered to help put up the new fence! Congrats to Clover and her extended family!
On August 6, 2010 at 7:06 am
Charlene says:
How exciting! They are just precious. Tell Mama Clover “Good job!” I can just imagine that you (and Morgan) are just beside yourselves with glee.
On August 6, 2010 at 7:27 am
floreksa says:
How cute!!
I don’t know why, but I have wanted to raise goats for years now! I think they are the most fascinating animals.
On August 6, 2010 at 7:33 am
Diane says:
They are beautiful!!!! Clover looks like a proud mom too. Congrats to all of you. Make sure she gets extra cookies for a job well done
On August 6, 2010 at 7:37 am
Wammy says:
I can’t wait to hear the names. They are jsut the sweetest things I have ever seen! I want a goat!
On August 6, 2010 at 7:54 am
Deborah R says:
Congratulations! I wonder if they’ll be cookie eaters like their Mamma? They really are quite sweet.
On August 6, 2010 at 7:57 am
CindyP says:
Congratulations! :snoopy: We have babies! They are just sooooo cute. Can you measure them? How tall are they? They look soooo tiny!
On August 6, 2010 at 7:58 am
xeyedmary says:
YOU definitely need a “before” photo next to your last one above (“after”) to compare her belly sizes. SHe looked like she was about to EXPLODE!
On August 6, 2010 at 8:08 am
~Jackie says:
Congrats! It was the donut you gave her yesterday. 🙂 Can’t wait for you to share pics of baby goatie antics.
On August 6, 2010 at 8:10 am
Sandra in SC says:
They are precious!!! Congratulations!!!
On August 6, 2010 at 8:14 am
wildcat says:
Yay, the babies are here! Cookies for everybody!!! :snoopy:
So what are you going to name the boys?
On August 6, 2010 at 8:15 am
julie says:
OMG! They are sooooo cute!
On August 6, 2010 at 8:16 am
Angelia M says:
YEAH!!! So sweet 🙂 You go Clover! Congrats Susanne.
On August 6, 2010 at 8:21 am
Suzanne says:
Congratulations, Clover!!!! Two cutest babies ever!!
On August 6, 2010 at 8:21 am
kerri says:
What a lovely surprise for you to come home to! Congratulations to all and well done, Clover! The babies are adorable. So tiny! :sheep:
On August 6, 2010 at 8:26 am
lady under the oaks says:
oh my…they are so handsome! she did good! congratulations!
On August 6, 2010 at 8:28 am
Amy Manwell says:
Suzanne congratulations on Clover’s babies. They are super cute and Clover looks so happy. I love your blog. I read it every day. I can’t wait to watch the baby boys grow up and I will feel your pain when we have to say goodbye to them. Oh Happy day today!!!
On August 6, 2010 at 8:29 am
Yvonne Coffelt says:
Congrats to Clover (and to you)! I have baby Llamas due soon and I can’t wait!
On August 6, 2010 at 8:29 am
Carmen C. says:
OMG they are CUTE!!!!! I think Clover deserves lots of doughnuts:D Have fun at Graduation, we are heading to GA next month for our sons;)
On August 6, 2010 at 8:30 am
Maura @ Lilac Lane Cottage says:
WOOOHOOOO Clover is a Mommy!!!! Does that make you a ‘Nana’ Suzanne???? They are just adorable and Clover looks the same as ever…hungry. CONGRATLUATIONS to all of you…it’s been a long time coming but this day is finally here. ENJOY! Chic :hungry2:
On August 6, 2010 at 8:40 am
KentuckyFarmGirl says:
Congratulations!! Baby goats are one of the most precious things! And why not make them whethers later on and keep them as pets! We do that with our boys and they are so good with our real boys. Pygmy whethers make wonderful sweet companions to other goats as well. Some of our older does pick on Bella our milk goat but she and Marv (named for the planet Mars, my son just couldn’t say it right LOL) are great buddies.
On August 6, 2010 at 8:41 am
Tracey In Paradise,Pa. says:
:happyflower: :dancingmonster: :happyflower: HOW WONDERFUL!! TWO!! Congrats CLOVER!! And Suzanne!! Your a grandma!! Lots of sweet treats are in order!!
Hugs Granny Trace
On August 6, 2010 at 8:42 am
KentuckyFarmGirl says:
That should have been wethers, not whethers!
On August 6, 2010 at 8:43 am
Teresa says:
They are sooooo cute! I want one! Now, I just have to work on my husband. 🙂
On August 6, 2010 at 8:45 am
claudia w says:
What a wonderful surprize from Clover! They are soooo adorable!
Congratulations Grandma!
On August 6, 2010 at 8:56 am
Patrice says:
Congratulations! They are so tiny and so adorable. I have had experience as a goat midwife. It was quite interesting!You are so fortunate that Clover had them by herself!
Regarding your comment about country girls ruling-AMEN!!!!!
On August 6, 2010 at 9:03 am
Gen says:
Yea! They are so adorable!
On August 6, 2010 at 9:03 am
DragonLady says:
What beauties! I don’t think I could ever part with those two boys.
On August 6, 2010 at 9:08 am
Rys says:
I second the bucket warning! We rece3ntly lost a doe in a fish pond that I thought she couldn’t get to. 🙁
Congrtat to you and Clover. The boys are adorable!!!!
RYs
On August 6, 2010 at 9:13 am
Shelley (eastern Roane County says:
Congratulations on the beautiful kids!
On August 6, 2010 at 9:24 am
Kacey says:
So adorable!!! Just too cute.
On August 6, 2010 at 9:33 am
blueberrylu says:
Go Clover Go Clover, you had babies, you had babies :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy:
On August 6, 2010 at 9:38 am
Brenda Evans says:
Clover looks so happy and proud. How adorable are those babies. You are going to have so much fun with them. I can’t wait to see more and more pics.
On August 6, 2010 at 9:44 am
Sue Nugent says:
:snuggle: Suzanne,I know what you’re feeling. My Nannie had 2 babies 1 year ago.I was afraid they were so small they could not possibly survive,but they are really healthy and adorable today,both mother and babies.It is such a good feeling to be loved by and attached to your pets, the way we are, but I suppose that because we are a caring people. I have seen so many folks who do not have the capability of loving any being in the animal world.They don’t know what they’re missing. I’m so glad your pets are doing good. I think being loved plays a big part in them being healthy,just as with people.
On August 6, 2010 at 9:48 am
Angela P says:
:hug: Congratulations! :hug: We really could use a “goat” image now….Maybe the twins! Beautiful. Does this mean your a Nana????LOL! :snoopy:
On August 6, 2010 at 9:48 am
Mary says:
Congrats! OMG they’re so cute! :woof:
On August 6, 2010 at 9:57 am
quietstorm says:
yay!!!! fluffy goat babies!
On August 6, 2010 at 9:58 am
Mim says:
Congratulations…..glad to hear that everyone is doing good. I have always wanted goats…won’t be much longer til I get them….retiring in 1 1/2 yrs… :shimmy: :snoopy: :woof: :sheepjump: :sheep: :duck: :dancingmonster:
On August 6, 2010 at 10:00 am
Nancy says:
What a wonderful surprise!! Congrats! And how nice of her to deliver while you were gone to save you all the stress and worry :snoopy:
On August 6, 2010 at 10:08 am
northcountrygirl says:
Finally! At last! You’ve been waiting for this forever! Congratulations!
On August 6, 2010 at 10:16 am
Gini says:
AWWWWW!! They’re they cutest little furballs EVER!!
Congrats, Grammy!
On August 6, 2010 at 10:51 am
Phyllis says:
Good girl, Clover. You have a beautiful family.
On August 6, 2010 at 10:52 am
Cate says:
Clover is such a proud mama. Good job!
On August 6, 2010 at 10:53 am
Gen says:
At last!!! And to have done it all on her own too, quite impressive that little Clover!
On August 6, 2010 at 10:59 am
Victoria says:
Those little ones are just too cute for words and Clover looks like the proud Mama. Probably thinking she deserves double treats for quite sometime now and I agree.
On August 6, 2010 at 11:12 am
Melissa Marsh says:
YAY!!!!!!!! BABIES!!!!! They are absolutely adorable. Congrats to you and the new mama!!!
On August 6, 2010 at 11:23 am
Susan D. says:
Congratulations on the two new goat babies. What are you going to name them?
Susan
On August 6, 2010 at 11:31 am
Deanna Jones says:
Looking at the pics of those two sweet little babies just made my day! It was just like Clover to be sneaking and have them while you were gone. LOL Congrats to Clover and to you Grammy Suzanne! :happyflower: :sun:
On August 6, 2010 at 11:31 am
Meg says:
Oh, how precious!! They are beautiful. Clover, you go girl!
On August 6, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Jane says:
:sheepjump: How fun! :sheepjump:
Congratulations – to you and Clover. They’re beautiful!
On August 6, 2010 at 12:23 pm
LisaAJB says:
Congratulations! That is so exciting!
On August 6, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Linda Ferguson says:
Congratulations!! They are so-o-o-o cute. Wish I were there to play with them and cuddle. Are you going to have a name contest or do you have names picked out?? I love your web-site.
On August 6, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Cheryl says:
Oh my goodness…how precious!!! Congratulations, Momma Clover :happyflower:
On August 6, 2010 at 12:57 pm
MousE says:
Thing 1 and Thing 2 are verrrrrry cute.
Congrats to all!
On August 6, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Marianne G says:
Congratulations Clover and Suzanne! Must have been that doughnut that brought it on! The babies are soooo adorable!
On August 6, 2010 at 1:15 pm
mariah says:
What wonderful news! It warms my heart and makes me want more animals around here. I have one anti-social cat so I won’t be able to have more animals for quite a while. Seriously, my cat would pack her bags and move out if I had any other animals move in. She’s my baby, though, since my kids are grown and flown, so it’s OK. Enjoy those babies! I know you already are!
On August 6, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Joanna Wilcox says:
Most folks give their does, after birthing, molasses in bucket of warm water, my girls lap it up. Be sure to worm Clover. Looks like she may need a hoof trimming too, front hooves appear too pointy. Have a great time with the babies. Clovers udder and teats look good, let me see side and rear shots.
On August 6, 2010 at 2:01 pm
ArkansasCyndi says:
YAY Clover :snoopy:
You rock! :woof:
and so do your new babies.
Congrats to the new little family
On August 6, 2010 at 2:33 pm
Darlene says:
How exciting! They are so adorable and Clover has such a beautiful expression! Congrats!
Darlene in Ks
On August 6, 2010 at 3:09 pm
nightsmusic says:
Congrats to you and Clover on the babies! They are absolutely adorable.
(as a side note, my DDs are in their 20’s now and they’ve always been Thing 1 and Thing 2. You really made me laugh!)
On August 6, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Susie says:
Yay. We had one of those nights last night. Our power went out around 8:30pm then came back on around 3:30am. They are cuties. I hope the daddy is proud as Clover is.
On August 6, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Vicki in So. CA says:
Congratulations, Clover! Good job! Your babies are sooooo cute!!! And congratulations to NanaSuzanne! :snoopy:
On August 6, 2010 at 3:43 pm
catslady says:
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww so sweet. Maybe next time she’ll have a girl :sheepjump:
On August 6, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Amber says:
So cute!! Looks like Clover already lost all her baby weight!
On August 6, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Leanna says:
They are super cute! I’ve never wanted a goat so much than after seeing those cuties!
On August 6, 2010 at 4:33 pm
Dixie C says:
They are precious. I think it’s time for a naming contest!
On August 6, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Estella says:
Congratulations!
On August 6, 2010 at 5:10 pm
sondra says:
Oh, how sweet they are!
On August 6, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Grandmatotwochicks says:
So excited to see Clover’s babies! they are sooooooo CUTE! I want one! I love babies!
On August 6, 2010 at 5:50 pm
Ulrike says:
What an adorable surprise!
On August 6, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Luann says:
Adorable!
On August 6, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Melinda says:
They are soooooooo cute! I am so happy for you, and for Clover!
On August 6, 2010 at 8:23 pm
princessvanessa says:
That is great that Morgan and her two friends were so willing to move a tree. You’re right–country girls can survive. I had to laugh about how you dropped off the two girls to their rightful owners.
The new little ones are sure cute.
On August 6, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Valerie says:
I NEED to see a picture of Morgan holding one of the babies in her arms. Just to see how tiny they really are. They are so cute!! Congratulations!!
On August 6, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Linda Goble says:
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!! Clover is a proud momma. Good work clover. Enjoy your soap. Can I ask who is Little? I don’t remember that dog.
On August 6, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Little is a cat! He’s one of my kittens from last year. We got him from Ross’s girlfriend. He’s of “Kitten and Little” fame!
On August 7, 2010 at 6:51 am
sandy says:
Clover, you rule! You did great.. Good for you.
On August 7, 2010 at 12:14 am
Mokihana says:
Absolutely adorable!!! I’m so happy for all of you! :sheepjump: :sheep:
On August 7, 2010 at 1:04 am
Runningtrails says:
I don’t know how I missed this post! Wonderful just wonderful! I read it a few times! Those babies are so sweet.
On August 7, 2010 at 9:38 am
Jersey Lady says:
Oh my,oh my! They are so itsy-bitsy and perfectly matched. Could you keep them and train them to pull a little cart? My gram had a pair that did that when she was a girl.
On August 7, 2010 at 10:14 am
Miss Becky says:
This is fantastic news! Clover is a beautiful momma and the babies are simply adorable. :yes: :yes: :airkiss:
On August 7, 2010 at 12:14 pm
WKF says:
:woof: :happyfeet: :shimmy: :snoopy: :dancingmonster: :heart: :hug: :sun: !!!!! Congrats!
On August 7, 2010 at 4:30 pm
rileysmom says:
Congratulations! They are adorable…..they, too will grow too fast!
On August 7, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Sandi says:
Oh I want one!!
On August 8, 2010 at 1:57 am
Marianne Arkins says:
AWWWWWWWWW…. and my goat always dropped bucks, which was so depressing. **sigh**
But enjoy them while they’re adorable. Good for Clover!
On August 8, 2010 at 6:15 pm
lavenderblue says:
Yay! :woof: for baby goats! Yay! :woof: for Clover! Yay! :woof: :snoopy: for country girls!
On August 10, 2010 at 8:34 am
lisa b says:
What a proud mama Clover is……..the babies are just adorable :snoopy:
On August 10, 2010 at 5:01 pm
Mathew says:
I think that they are very cute. I guess a bad storm can make anything have babies. I hope that she was not, too afraid. I did not know that you could make goats milk soap. I wish you would share your recipe with us after you make it. It sounds like alot of fun and I bet it smells nice, too. Good Luck with your new babies.
On August 10, 2010 at 10:36 pm
Kathy says:
:sheepjump: Susanne,
Have you thought of names for the “little kids” yet? How about “Billy the Kid’ and “Thunder Horn?” I think that sounds like something you’d have on your little piece of heaven on earth.
On August 17, 2010 at 10:36 am
Madeline says:
MANY COOKIES AND DOUGHNUTS FOR MS.CLOVER!!!!!! Where do the boy goats end up?? Geez.. they look JUST LIKE THEIR DADDY!!!! Any more babies due soon ?? (Calves in October???)
On August 19, 2010 at 10:26 am
stephanie says:
Oh, be still my goat-loving heart! They are precious. And I am coveting all your cow and goat dairy!
On August 22, 2010 at 5:47 pm