At last....

Finally, at day 365, Myriah gave birth yesterday afternoon (!!) to a lovely big black male cria.  Mated to white last time, Myriah produced a white (female) cria, to black this time, a black (male) cria - that level of colour predictability is only to be applauded!!  She was not very impressed with her first cria and even today has no time for her, but she seems to be besotted with this little guy, don't know if the difference is the colour, or the sex, or just time!!  Either way he's doing very well thus far :) We've named him Monty.

Only Phoebe left to go, she's been walking around with her tail held out from her body - a sure sign, they say, that she'll 'go' tomorrow - for about a fortnight now!!

Pete comes running in the evening when I call him for his bottle, he is due to be weaned at the weekend... don't think he'll be pleased about that, but at 4 months of age, its time.  He and Lambchop can commiserate together while Sherrie has some alone time... must get a couple more ewes!!

Complimentary Colour Schemes

I'm not a big fan of agapanthus, but they are in the garden, doing well and provide colour.  At the moment they are making this orange flowered vine really zing - love it!

Christmas Eve

We celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve with lots of food and presents :)  At first Scarlett wasn't sure how to tackle them....

But with a little instruction....

She soon got the hang of it!

And then got stuck in....

There were lots of toys, and books

and clothes to try on....

And hats, which sensibly come with chin straps so she'll be able to keep them on in the sun... won't you Scarlett!!

Quiet time with Eggy

until Ruby and Kiki invaded!

Fortunately Scarlett quickly developed a handy back hand to fend off the ever vigilant Kiki!!

Not sure who enjoyed the Christmas episode of Geraldine more... but they both had to be told to move back from the telly!!

And then on Tuesday....

... Scarlett and her parents came to the farm to visit us :)

Kiki and Ruby were very pleased to meet Scarlett, and both behaved very well.... although they were both very licky licky licky!!  And after another funfilled feeding time, Scarlett was in need of a good wash!!

A 'shower bath' is the current favourite for getting clean :)

The only hat Scarlett really likes to wear is this 'bath hat' which means she can have water poured on her head without it getting in her eyes.

Kiki made sure that bath time was well supervised!!

Last Sunday....

..... I went to visit Scarlett Rose.  She was very busy and enjoying feeding herself, bananas and yoghurt are favourites:

Prior to lunch she was busy practising her balance skills, standing without hanging onto the table and taking a step or two... walking is very close!

Two Down....

... and 2 to go.  Yesterday began very well with Michelle turning up in the breakfast queue and then giving birth to a very pretty, very large female cria entirely unassisted and unobserved.  We've called her Mareebah and I hope she grows into her enormous ears!!  Here almost dry and trying to figure out those long legs.

By yesterday evening she was looking very confident:

Michelle looks justifiably pleased with herself, she's an old girl but she's in excellent physical condition and still very fit.

Alpacas (and llamas) usually give birth in the morning, and not commonly when its raining, but yesterday evening with a storm rolling in Tiana finally got around to having her baby.  She required a lot of help because he is GIGANTIC.  Tiana is also an old girl,  and like Michelle is still in good niche, but she's on the small side and this baby really tested her.  Sire of the cria is Alba who is also on the small side, so not sure why we have such a big baby!  It was nearly dark by the time he was up and about yesterday so had to wait till this morning for photos, we've called him Tiberius.

Michelle and Mareebah this morning, back in the breakfast queue 23 hours later!