momma-to-be

This May one of my sister's mares is due to foal, and has been brought out here for it. I anticipate camping out in the pasture with my sis when the time gets close, eating large amounts of chocolate covered coffee beans, birthing checklist in one hand, phone with vet on speed-dial in the other - 'cause it's only been i dunno ten years since we last had a pregnant mare on our hands! 

This 'gram of the momma-to-be was taken about a month ago, before she was moved out to my place. (I need to get out an take a new one before she pops but I'm forever forgetting to take my phone when I feed.) She's very big now, with only 4 - 6 weeks to go. The little mite is an active fellow, rolling and pushing against my hand when I check her each morning. Sometimes a little bump will sprout and wander down her side before disappearing again. In the new morning when I'm still not all the way awake, I find myself sitting in the hay, marveling over this everyday miracle.