Hello,
I was walking around my paddock this morning and thought it might be a terrific idea if TASTY and I chatted and compared notes on all of the BABY NEWS we are hearing lately. Watching our friend, Rachel Alexandra, and her new colt has made me think! I must say, the photo of the baby reaching up to KISS his MOM was absolutely TOO CUTE!
TASTY and I were both bred on April 3rd. We each conceived on that date as well….so we are at exactly the same stage and number of days into our pregnancies. Time is moving right along! Our ‘baby bumps’ are definitely SHOWING…which is good news. Speaking for myself, my little one does like to move about…and you can definitely see a bit of a ‘shift’ in my tummy area now and then when he or she is doing so.
The upcoming weeks will definitely be filled with many NEW experiences for US! Per my pals at the farm, at the beginning of February, TASTY and I will be put under what is called “FOAL WATCH”. This means we will be carefully observed and monitored during each day to see if there are any physical changes in our bodies. Just like with human beings, when one begins to get close to the later stages before giving birth, the body does undergo specific changes and certain indicators are noted. This concept applies to MARES as well.
Through each phase of this process, I will give YOU an update as to what is happening with both TASTY and I. “FOAL WATCH” as described above beginning at the first of next month…is Stage 1.
I know our dear friends at Lane’s End will be extremely observant when monitoring each of these changes. We are so fortunate to have a core group of loving and caring people around US each day who know every intimate detail about our mannerisms, personalities, and bodies! LUCKY US!
Nature is truly amazing!
With Love,
Hugs to all~(Special blessings to Elena…on her loss & others in our thoughts and prayers)
Z
Diana Harris
Thank you so much for including us. I am so excited about baby Z and can’t wait to see Tasteys foal too. After Rachel had her colt it kicked baby season into high gear. How fast time flys. You are going to be such a great mom zenny I can’t wait to see pictures and video! Get your rest and happy grazing!
Elizabeth G.
The tears never stop coming with joy for you. How wonderful that you and Tasty have such fun in sharing. Thank you so much for allowing us to be part of this very special time in your life. Aries rule! Lots of Love!
Kelly, Allentown, Pa ^-^
Love you Zenyatta!
Jenna
Hey mama! You do look like you’re showing more than before. I cannot wait for the arrival. Boy, girl, whatever. As long as he/she is healthy! :)
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z, TT, Dottie and Z Fans:
We are all anxious Aunties and Uncles who will be hanging on your every word as you move along in the later stages of “Foal Watch”. Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of this very exciting time in your lives. Love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ
Kim
Thank you for the info and looking forward to all the future updates.
Joanna from TX
The foal watch sounds like fun. Dear Dumplings….I don’t think the Moss’s would ‘televise’ Z’s foaling live just on the off chance that things get dicey. Remember back at how upset everybody was when the first pregnancy didn’t pan out. I’ve no doubt they will film and if all goes well, maybe show the delivery after the fact. I absolutely trust they will do everything possible to assure a safe birth and let us participate as much as possible considering the situation.
Isn’t this just so exciting?!?!?
Margaret
Ssshhhhh we don’t wanna go there. We are thinking happy positive thoughts. I also know the realities but lets not go looking for trouble. Okay?
Peace.
Beth Alexander
Z, can’t wait until the big day and your foal arrives, healthy and happy! I’m so glad Tasty’s conditions will be included in the diary as I have grown to love her also. You are the best and I’m really hoping for a little filly for both you and Tasty! Love you always!
Keri Mattingly
Very exciting indeed!! We sure do love to get updates from you and can’t wait to meet your little one!
SHERRY DRISH WV.
I CAN REMEMBER WAITING FOR OUR MARE,BLACK MAGIC, TO FOAL. IT WAS A NERVOUS TIME FOR ME. THIS WAS MY FIRST FOAL. THE VET TOLD ME TO CALL HIM AS SOON AS MAGIC SHOWED SIGNS OF DELIVERING. HE SAID HE WOULD TRANQUALIZE ME AND MAGIC WOULD BE FINE..HA HA. I STILL HAVE THIS FOAL, MAGNUM OPAS HE IS 23 YEARS OLD COME FEBRUARY 11. SO THINGS DID GO FINE. TAKE THE LORD. THIS MARE MET EVERYTHING TO ME. NOW HER SON DOES AS SHE HAS BEEN GONE SINCE 1991.
Margaret
LOL!
Foal watch is nervous time, anxious time, scary time. Anticipation time! Exciting time. All of it wrapped up into all these tense moments.
Susan Carothers (in TN)
Sherry- I think it is SO wonderful that you have had your boy since birth! I can tell you still miss your mare- glad you have a “piece” of her.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Sherry – Your story of Black Magic and Magnum Opas is wonderful. Too be blessed with your beautiful mare and then raise her son and share his entire life, well that is what dreams are made of!
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
That was funny! But I can understand how nervous you would be for the horse you love and baby.
Ann Maree / Tennessee
Hi, Momma Z!!
Bet that little foal is moving around in your tummy a little bit about now! Sure looking forward to the day when your little one will be running around your paddock by your side! Some of us on Facebook were talking that if you have a colt, we might get to see your colt and Rachel’s colt face each other on the track!!! Wow! Sure would be something to look forward to and dream about! I know it’s a little early, but has your future mate been chosen yet?
Someone mentioned taking pictures of you and your little one…I bet Anne Eberhardt and BloodHorse will be all over that!!! Maybe Lane’s End might do a special video like they did when you first arrived at the farm…the video of you the first time you were let loose in your paddock!! That would be so cool to see you and your baby early and then later running around outside! Oohhh! Can’t wait!
Big hugs, sweet girl. Ann Maree
Trina Nagele in So Cal
@Emma—Happy belated birthday! I left you a little birthday poem at the end of #423.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Trina,
I left YOU a note at the end of #423 re the next Dumpling get together :-)
Sandy
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Thanks, Sandy. I’ll see what I can do—don’t know how to post photos myself, but I’ll enlist the aid of Dumplings.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Sandy, could you e-mail me at trinambn@yahoo.com about the photos?
Amanda
Can’t WAIT!!!! We need lot’s of pictures and video when the time comes!
Jeanie
CALLING ALL Z’ISTERS:
THE DAYS ARE NUMBERED FOR THE SIX HORSES AT THE NEVADA FEED LOT. THEIR SHIP DATE TO A CANADIAN SLAUGHTER HOUSE IS SATURDAY. THIS IS THE END OF THE ROAD FOR THEM. SOME OF THESE ARE VERY YOUNG HORSES WHOSE LIVES ARE JUST BEGINNING; OTHERS ARE IN THEIR PRIME. PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO MARLENE DODGE’S VALLEY VIEW RANCH EQUINE RESCUE TO HELP SAVE THEM! MARLENE HAS A CHARITABLE NON-PROFIT STATUS SO YOUR DONATIONS ARE A TAX DEDUCTION. PLEASE HELP US SAVE THESE SIX FROM CERTAIN DEATH. TO DONATE, GO TO http://www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.webs.org. AS SOON AS I GET AN UPDATE FROM MARLENE ON WHERE WE ARE IN THIS FUND DRIVE, I WILL LET EVERYONE KNOW. THANK YOU!!!!!
J
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Jeanie,
I think there is a typo here. This link didn’t work so I looked at what you posted yesterday. It’s webs.com (not .org).
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Thanks, Sandy! New link:
http://www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.webs.com/
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Signofthetimes:
Thank you for all the wonderful info and links, especially the great photos of Z and RA and their BFFs. Love and Hugs, JB
Gloria Jeanne in the "O.C." SO CAL
http://www.drf.com/news/rachel-alexandra-foal-doing-well-day-after-birth
http://www.facebook.com/ZenyattaOfficial#!/pages/Rachels-Colt/221715244581733?sk=wall
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Queen Z
“Uncle John Henry” sends his love! He is hoping (like the rest of us) that you have a safe delivery, and that your foal is healthy and sound! He teases you about delivering on March 9th – because he would be honored (and humbled) if you were to have your first born on his birthday. He was gelded and never had the opportunity to leave a PEDIGREE LEGACY like you :-)
Auntie Judy A G
Lisa in TN
Foal watch is a wonerful time. Even though you have a general idea of when, it is never for sure. My maiden mares have for the most part foaled during the day like RA, but after that at night. It is an exciting time with plenty of nerves to go along with it. You can’t wait, but you don’t want any problems. I always breathed a HUGH sugh of relief after it was over and all was fine. I have been lucky and all of my births have gone without a hitch. (26 years of breeding). I can’t wait to see Zen’s foal. No doubt it will be bay, bay, or bay. LOL. My TB stallion has had nothing but bay in its various shades. Have a great day all!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Lisa – Happy anticipation and worry are both on my mind for the birth of Zenny’s foal. I know just as you described, I will be breathing a HUGE sigh of relief when we see pictures like Rachel’s posted and hear the fantastic news.
Margaret
How utterly cool is this!
Foal watch! Darn I wish you were on mare stare! I’d be “helping” watch you for HOURS! No one would go to work! Wall Street would come to a slammin’ halt! We’d have to dig into our food storage cause trucks wouldn’t be moving!
And then when the baby’s born people would still not go to work cause they were to busy watching the baby! Yup! This is THE MIRACLE OF LIFE!
carol in utah
Happy noontime zenny….hi to tasty too…so glad you have each other to compare notes with…
…ok….this potential nanny will cease pacing for a week or so
…I also request lots of pictures and video’s….when time permits
…many thx to all your “folks” for keeping us all in the loop….esp Dottie aka scribe extrordinaire…
….also…to Tasty’s connections for sharing her with us…we have come to love her too
….just move at your own pace….little “BizZeeDancin” is probably doing cartwheels…
Many kisses for your soft nose….some for tasty too
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Getting so excited for the upcoming birth of your little baby foal, Zenyatta. And Tasty’s too of course. Will be awaiting to hear each and every little thing in the upcoming days.
So happy for and wishing Rachel Alexandra and her baby boy colt the best-he is adorable and she is doing a great mama job.
You take care and be sure yes that you do smell the roses and take in all the subtle little pleasant things around you as it won’t be long and your time will surely be taken in by your new little baby foal.
Sending my Love & Blessings to you and your unborn little bundle Zenyatta!
Shannon From Cool
The excitement is building. We are all watching you from our own homegrown grandstands.
Even my chicken Betty like to see your photos on my computer. Oh she has cold feet today, better
warm her up.
We’re standing by for more news. Be well all.
Marilu V
Hello Zeny:
I have not seen pictures of Rachel and baby yet. Happy to hear her delivery went well and she and baby are fine.
Take care of yourself.
Hugs to you and Tasty!
Marilu
Debbie
hi Z! I am getting sooo excited about the upcoming events for YOU and Tasty! Thank YOU for sharing all of the stages with us;) YOU and Tasty have a wonderful day!!! Love YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo
Stephanie
Hoping for a March Birth- if I can’t get the same day as my BDay-I’ll take the same month!! 2012 Foal Watch- Too Funny! Love it
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Would that be March 8, Stephanie?
Stephanie in San Diego
Trina….Different Stephanie, but yes…March 8th is what I am hoping for:)) When I was much younger and had horses…I had 3 mares over the years that delivered their babies on March 6th, March 7th and March 9th.
Stephanie…when is your birthday in March?
Mary / Lynchburg, VA
Z…..this is so exciting to read about……. cannot wait to see you and Tasty with your babies. I know one thing with women who are about to deliver is your face gets really puffy…..delivery is close. I guess they have signs to watch for you all. So much fun! I will have to find the picture of Rachel with her baby. Hugs to you Z….
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Dear Zenyatta. Hello my gorgeous, wonderful friend!!!! I agree with you, Zenny, the “kiss” picture with Rachel and her foal was my favorite. I have to say again what a great job you and Dottie are doing keeping us up to date on everything about your life, Zenny, as well as happenings throughout the racing world. I love and appreciate you both as well as the rest of Team Z for all that you do for us. Now we are entering the official “FOAL WATCH” for you and Tasty. Love it!!! Of course the unofficial “FOAL WATCH” began for most of us the day you visited Bernie. How fun it has been to be apart of such a remarkably special time!!! The beauty of nature’s renewal of life is truly amazing. I am so glad you have the marvelous Lane’s End team watching over you two each day. I know they have been and will continue to give you and your foals fantastic care. I hope the Farish family, Sarah, David, Matt and every member of the team knows how very much we appreciate them!!! I loved you describing your foals movement, Zenny. You have to be TOO CUTE with your round tummy!!!! It must have been so special for Dottie when she touched your side on her last visit and felt that little butterfly motion of a new life developing. Wish I was there to rest a hand against your warm side and feel the movement of your strong, healthy, growing foal. Fantastic!!! I am always with you in spirit though beautiful!! Love you to the moon and back, forever!!!! Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
Abigail from Montreal
Dawn: This post is PURE POETRY!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Hi, girlfriend. That means alot coming from you! Thank you!!
Ingrid Arnone. South Beach.
OH! My dear Zenyatta, foal watch that is so incredible I wish I were there next to you, and be the first one to see your adorable baby; I cannot wait, love you and love TT, Ingrid.
Maryp (New York)
Wow, FOAL WATCH, next week…..WOW!!!!! This is sooooooo exciting and wonderful!
Thank you Zen/Dottie for keeping us all in mind always. Love & Blessings to you.
Marissa
After seeing Rachel’s foal, I am SO excited to see what your foal will be like. I know that he or she will end up being miraculous, I can feel it! Stay safe, Zen. <3