I might be a little premature. But I think he will live, he must live after that terrible day, so I am calling him Marcel. His mother died yesterday morning. His sister died the day before. Marcel must live.
I really am of a mind that he will survive (though my mind is already sleep deprived with two hour feeds through the nights.) Yesterday he began to bleat like a real new born lamb, only once or twice, but the insistence was there, the volume. He stood. By himself. Not for long but it is a huge improvement. The bleeding from his navel and nose has stopped. And he is alive.
Though Boo would rather he stays safely in Kupa’s box. Wooden floors are hopeless for Lambies who are still learning to walk. Boo hated seeing the lamb do a splat with all his legs going every which way. So he was gently put back in his box.
Marcel has the face of a mime, the legs of a goat and the body of a Biafrin. But he is drinking, peeing and pooing and when he is not asleep he is rocking back and forth pushing himself up to standing. Collapsing then trying again.
Yesterday it snowed pretty much all day (probably 6 or 7 inches) with a little frozen rain mixed in just for a change. We lost power most of the afternoon, but the generator was primed and ready to go and the power came back on before anyone was much bothered. Though I did put some snow on the wood stove to melt for the dogs, alongside the chili that had been cooking there most of the day (my secret ingredient is sherry! Don’t tell anyone – they will think I am a wino).
Look at the delightfully Loyal and Common Birds taking a Bird Bath in a thunder snow storm, though they do have a look out. No girlie bird wants to be caught in her bath. The thunder was very deep and loud, such a surprise when it is snowing. 
What are they thinking?!
Lots of snow, we had to cut all new paths to the barn and the rat house again. They will be gone by morning though. I am getting good at this snow thing.
I hope you all have a lovely day.
Your friend on the farmy
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
106 responses to “I am calling him Marcel”
so much sadness but still you see the rainbows. We love you for it and are rooting for you all.
I so agree and come her for my daily dose of positivity! Dr Celi is good for my heart.
I’m pulling for beautiful little Marcel. I truly hope he pulls through. It looks like he has a pal to guide him on his journey, and it’s so touching!
morning rachel, thank you for commenting, boo is quite the pal for little animals though I am having to teach him that a lamb is not a kitten, they won’t play!.. c
Marcel. What a great name! Marcel Marceau came to NZ and started my son’s dad on a career of mime and theatre. Hope he thrives. Sounds promising so far.
Ahhh the life of a farm (sigh) it is so harsh at times and so achingly beautiful at others. Your gift to us is the gift of reality.
I give Boo lots of thanks,(Which you and everyone does also) because the need for a real live furry/wooly hug can only come from a real live furry/wooly animal–the hug that says…hang in there. You can do it. I’m here. We will do it together!
Then with the help of you–the giver of food and strength — the life of the farm really does go on.
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
So sorry about your sheep. I have farming friends and know lambing can be a gruelling business. I will keep fingers crossed for Marcel. Sounds like you are giving him the best possible chance…
what kind of stove/heater do you have?
Do you mean what brand? I have no idea, but I do know that it is not the one i want, the cooking space on top is not designed for that and is too small. I want the wood burning stove that has plates for cooking and a little fire box and an oven and ‘God help me’ HEATs the water! Do you know how much they are!? terrible.expensive. So i am working on finding a piece of steel, to make a tray that fits on top of this one, extending the cooking space… once again.. It is all about the Food!
Our woodstove has the upper and lower cooking plates and oh its so good……..alas no oven. We decided with our milder winters to install solar panels for the hot water and they work wonderfully even on the cloudy days. You can switch on an electric boost if you have extended cloudy wet days. Lovely to meet your wee Marcel.
I want what you have!! c
Oh he’s up! Fingers crossed! The vet in the family always says if the animal is eating and food going all the way through and out, and they are moving – hopefully complaining a bit – it looks good. So YEA!
Hugs to all
(and birds are singing like crazy in the mornings with flocks beginning to move over head in teh mornings…hang on!)
hope those birds are on their way over here! well using your vet in the family’s formula, our wee boy looks good.. and he does complain for food every time he hears my voice now, so that is good! c
Hi Celi, love your blog and your wonderful pics. I like you am a Kiwi, but am living here on a lifestyle block. Best of luck with you lamb – I think it is very lucky to be with you. 🙂
Wonderful Julie, welcome welcome, I am always thrilled to hear from a kiwi, i shall toddle over! c
Oh My goodness!!!!! I so wish that I lived next door to you. I would come over every day and help you with the animals. Oh poor sweet baby lamb.
I would LOVE the help too! morning.. c
I did not think I’d ever see anything as heartwarming as Nanny Boo and Marmalade… but Nanny Boo and Marcel… even simply Marcel 🙂 What a start in life for him… and we are all sad, but he doesn’t know anything but the good life.
he is a sheep.. everything is good.. bless him.. c
Oh Celi, I am so sorry. My heart breaks for you. We have also been there. Never easy. I wish I could get you my 4 ewes that I have for sale (we are just going to be going with goats now) who are awesome producers and don’t have any issues. :*(
I am so impressed with Boo, however, along with everyone else. Our Chihuahua and our now deceased Lab are very protective of any babies we have to bring inside, but nothing like Boo! He is a special soul. Hugs to you, wishing little Marcel all the best,
Nina
So sorry to read Bout your loss this week. Hope this little guy makes it through.
Boo is such an amazing being. Have you thought of writing a children’s book about him. I know my daughter loves reading him and his kitten and now his lamb.
Take care. Sending warm thoughts your way.
Sometimes i think the blog is a story. But a real one. I have thought of a childrens book. i am glad your daughter is following Boo. Do say hullo to her for us.. c
I am
rooting for Marcel from Canada! I think he is going to make it. Also, very sorry for your losses, oh so sad. Life and death on the farm as we always say … it is just that at times …. sad just the same.
My sister raised several lambs abandoned by their mothers and most survived. There was one cute little fellow we called Hiawatha because he had a little ridge of fur sticking up between his ears like feathers. It is a harrowing time for you, and I hope it works out well.
Marcel. Perfect!
Glad to read he’s a bit more mobile and that he “sings for his supper” when he hears your voice. I hope he continues to improve and that you’re getting some rest, Celi.