Helena's lambs arrived just after midnight, a ewe-ling followed by a ram. I didn't hear or see the ewe-ling' arrival; looked like she had just dropped when I heard a sound that woke me (over the baby monitor). She never made it onto her feet before getting the shivers, so badly that I ended up bringing her inside with me for the night. Her brother is doing fine but I still can't get this little ewe to latch onto her mom or even onto a bottle. We're keeping her going with stomach tubing at the moment. She's here with me in the living room at the moment since Helena isn't keen to take her back. I know there's a cardinal rule of shepherds about bringing lambs into the house - one I manage to break each year at the height of the season when a lamb is weak and chilled and I know it won't survive the night outdoors, and I need just a little sleep (please!). We'll see how it goes.
Papaya delivered a ram lamb just after dinner last night. For a yearling first-time mom, she deserves a gold star. Her udder is gorgeous: tight, good teat placement and tons of colostrum. She's brilliant and I'm so grateful for that at the moment.
More later. Hold a good thought for this little gal.
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Sending healthy lambie wishes to her!! And restful winks to you. I hope she takes bottle soon!
Posted by: Lori | April 12, 2010 at 01:05 PM
Ohhhh......the little ewe-ling is SO adorable ! Here's love and prayers for you both !
Posted by: Kathleen | April 12, 2010 at 01:11 PM
Are you giving her colostrum from Papaya?
I confess a soft spot for dark lambs of all kinds.I hope she decides to drink soon. Sending good thoughts to both of you.
Posted by: Lora Welt | April 12, 2010 at 02:12 PM
Fingers crossed for the babe....
Posted by: Diane | April 12, 2010 at 02:24 PM
Best wishes for strong health for the beautiful little black lamb!!! I'll be keeping her close in my thoughts. I love black sheep!!!
Posted by: Richelle | April 12, 2010 at 02:35 PM
Wasn't it one of Helena's lambs that needed a little extra TLC last year? Hopefully, this little dear will also have a happy outcome.
Posted by: Gretchen | April 12, 2010 at 02:45 PM
Come on baby -- she is so beautiful!
Posted by: Susie | April 12, 2010 at 03:30 PM
I do wish the babe well and am keeping her in my thoughts. I too have a soft spot for black sheep as my sister's first stuffed animal was a white lamb and I got the black one a year later when I was born. Come to think of it, I did grow up a bit rebellious....
Prayers.
Posted by: Laura B | April 12, 2010 at 03:43 PM
My heart just about melted with the first photo! Sending many good thoughts and prayers for this wee ewe-ling. Yup Helena has a way with mothering doesn't she? And this one is a black one unlike the white one she gave the cold shoulder to last year. The common denominator? They were both female. Does she not like ewe-lings?
Posted by: Manise | April 12, 2010 at 04:37 PM
Fingers and toes crossed!!
Posted by: Lesley | April 12, 2010 at 04:52 PM
Oh, what a little sweetie! She's so lucky to have you to pamper her. I really hope she perks up soon!
Posted by: Valerie | April 12, 2010 at 05:38 PM
When I hit your website today I couldn't contain a little "Oh!" at the cuteness that is Helena's eweling. I'll be thinking warm thoughts for her and you!
Posted by: twinsetjan | April 12, 2010 at 06:45 PM
None of us are surprised you brought this little one indoors for a chance at survival. Best wishes for a quick recovery to her -- and to you for good rest.
Posted by: Madeline | April 12, 2010 at 07:18 PM
rally strong little one! You're so cute and there's lots of bouncing to do on the farm!
Posted by: Torre in MD | April 12, 2010 at 07:20 PM
Fingers crossed that she will make it and go back to her Mama.
Posted by: Connie G. | April 12, 2010 at 07:33 PM
she is precious. definately deserves a special snuggle.
Posted by: wrapknot | April 12, 2010 at 08:12 PM
Prayers for you and the wee one.
Posted by: Barbara | April 12, 2010 at 09:39 PM
Gosh, she's just the cutest thing. I hope she makes it.
Posted by: Janet | April 12, 2010 at 10:34 PM
Aww- she has such sweet eyes. I hope she'll be ok. My thoughts are with this little one and with you- must be so hard to have them not all stand right up and join the other bouncing little lambs!
Posted by: megacrafty | April 12, 2010 at 10:43 PM
What are the shivers? Was she just cold for some reason? Or is it one of those mysterious things in life?
Posted by: Kristy | April 12, 2010 at 11:43 PM
My thoughts are with her. What a beautiful sweet little lamb!
Posted by: Elly | April 13, 2010 at 06:37 AM
Warm thoughts and prayers for the little ones...
Posted by: Lisa | April 13, 2010 at 07:43 AM
Saying prayers for the little one. I honestly don't know how you keep it altogether. Thank you for the updates and pictures.
Posted by: Cheryl Adams | April 13, 2010 at 08:05 AM
I'm thinking good thoughts for you and this little one.
Posted by: Jess | April 13, 2010 at 08:21 AM
She is in my thoughts and prayers! Such a sweet little girl!
Posted by: R Clark 2 U | April 13, 2010 at 01:26 PM