PRINCESS DELIVERS A LITTLE GIRL!

I was really hoping to be around when Princess had her cria. Her actual due date was November 4th. I was in Washington from October 17-21. I figured since she went 339 days last year, she may deliver this week (and I got home yesterday). NOPE! Princess decided to honor Pati's birthday by delivering a gorgeous, healthy, true black, baby girl at 8:30AM on Saturday, October 20th. Am I disappointed? Are you kidding?? I have a GIRL!

Pati helped Princess deliver while Rick videoed the entire event for me. Princess had a pretty easy delivery, with Pati's help clearing the cria's shoulders to make it easier on mom. Wow, she is really black! Her dad is Snowmass Jericho's Conquistador, who is true black, as well. Immediately after the birth, Rick sent me a text message asking "what is black with no penis"?
After the text was a photo of my new baby girl. Thanks Princess. Once again, you have made me proud. Last year with ALPHA, and this year with "Princess Pati Cake". The name is in honor of Pati's birthday, and was what we called my sister when she was little. Photos were taken by Rick & Pati right after her birth. Thanks!

My plane landed at Ontario at 4:30 yesterday. I ran home, picked up a bottle of champagne, and headed for the ranch. I had to get there before dark or I wouldn't be able to see my little black girl :( I made it there by 6 and got to spend some time with Princess and Princess Pati Cake, along with Sonny (Aria's new cria). Cher, born to Penelope, was in the main field. She was born the same day as Sonny. I'll get to see her on Saturday.

It was a very bittersweet evening at the ranch. When I arrived, Rick & Pati were haltering Breeeze to bring her up to the show pen. She had been in labor all day, with no results. Dr. Thacher was called and got there about 8PM. Unfortunately, the cria was breech and didn't make it. It was a little girl. I had such mixed emotions. I was so happy about my new baby girl, yet so sad for Rick & Pati losing their little girl. If there is a happy ending to this, it's that Breeeze is O.K.

I realized that in my madness to get ready to go to Washington, I didn't write a blog last week. I had a really exciting day at the ranch. We halter trained 3 little girls to get them prepared for the show ring. We also microchipped them. I was amazed at how easy the microchipping is. Halter training wasn't too bad, except for Percy, who was a real pain. She can spit real good for a little girl! Indy and Zoe did pretty well for their first time. Although we expected to take the girls, and some boys (including ALPHA) to Alpacafest West in November, the plans have changed. There has been a nasty virus going around that has potential devastating consequences. I agree with Rick & Pati, a ribbon is not nearly as important as the health and well being of the Alpacas. So, we will miss this show. There will be more shows next year.
Rick, Pati & I walked Felix, ALPHA and Aerosmith and they all did very well. Oops, almost forgot! It was Rick's birthday and I brought lunch and a bottle of champagne to celebrate. None of the girls cooperated, so no birthday babies :(

I'm pretty excited about November 3rd. A lady that came to the ranch on Farm Days is a spinner. She is going to have a class at the ranch to teach us how to spin. How cool would it be to spin your own fiber?

As I'm writing this, I am watching the news about all the fires burning around Southern California. Thank God, All American Alpacas has not been effected. I worry so much about all the ranches in this area and hope everyone is safe. I was born and raised in California, and I believe these fires are the worst I've ever seen.

I'll be at the ranch on Saturday and promise to get lots of pictures of all the new crias.