For weeks we have been waiting anxiously for our two goats Dotty and Ida to give birth to their kids. Countless hours were spent watching, reading and preparing for the exciting event that we knew would take place eventually, but when?

Friends and neighbors offered support and advice about how we should prepare of the birth: baby monitors to help listen, feeling for ligaments next to the tail as a sign of when they are due, watching for the goats to start making nests to settle down for the big day.

We are still waiting on Dotty to have her kid, but on Saturday morning Ida finally gave birth! It was surprising, actually. I was greeted by a visit from my mother and father (they come down every other week or so) and on this particular day I was just finishing up with my shower when my dad told me he would go let the goats and pullets out to pasture.

It wasn't 30 second later when I heard him scream my name like something horrible had happened. That's when we found out Ida had given birth to a beautiful baby boy just hours before, while I was still in bed. No warning at all! The kid is one of the cutest things I have ever seen, and Ida is being such a good mother to him.

We will start milking her soon, which means there will be an endless supply of raw milk, butter, yogurt and cheese. I have never tasted chevre from raw milk but have made it with pasteurized, and we are so exciting about it. Ida seems to be a good milker even though this is her first time freshening, and we hear this will be the second time for Dotty, which means she should offer more milk.

Unfortunately, when Ida's baby boy is old enough we will try to trade him to another farm. Since we are running a small dairy, there is no room to have any bucks around and we can't risk him linebreeding with his own mom. Hopefully Dotty will give us another girl, or perhaps twins. Enjoy the photos, and I will post some more once Dotty gives birth, hopefully either today or tomorrow.