When we settled into our hotel last night, I checked my email and found this message from my daughter Maude:
So, I heard the lawn mower stop, and I went outside to see what was up. The cows were mooing louder than usual.
I crossed the street, and I saw Mme Lucienne and her husband and the lawn mower guy.
The husband had plastic on his arms, and a cow was tied to the corner of a fence. The gate was wide open. Mme Lucienne was putting fresh hay out.
The cow was in lots of pain, I could tell. The man reached into her bottom, and pulled out some hooves. A small gold head poked out. The man was covered in blood. He untied the cow.
I saw the mom lick her baby clean. It started to rain, but only a little. Mme Lucienne and her husband went inside, and the lawn mower went back to work.
About 10 minuets later, I saw the baby try to stand up. All the other cows rushed forward. The baby fell.
A rainbow appeared in the sky. The baby stood and went under the mama.
Mme Lucienne came back out, all clean, and asked us what the baby girls name should be. Betty suggested Clara, and Mme Lucienne agreed.
The baby cow took her first steps, and ate some hay. Mme Lucienne went back inside. Betty and I went in too.
xoxo,
Mimi
I think that might be the best email I’ve ever received! I’m so glad my kids got to see a calf being birthed (and named it too!). That’s the sort of experience that stays with you. Don’t you wish you could be everywhere at once sometimes?
i just love this! You are giving your kids such nice experiences they will share forever….
That was so wonderfully heartwarming. From both your perspective and your girls’ perspective. So great. Thanks for sharing:)
I will always remember this story too! So beautiful…makes me cry. What a wonderful daughter you have…
Thank you for sharing <3
That is a fantastic email! Maude included such interesting details.
Enjoy your trip in Italy.
:)
Maude is such a writer! I love how she describes so much detail with so few words. In just a few sentences, you get the whole birthing story…”The cow was in lots of pain, I could tell. The man reached into her bottom, and pulled out some hooves. A small gold head poked out. The man was covered in blood. He untied the cow.”
Beautiful, Maude!
This is such a nice story and expressed in such a clear visual way, almost feel like I was there! I love the name Clara :)
I read this post yesterday and then thought about it before bed and had to come back and read it again. Your children must be seriously stoked to have you two for parents! Bravo for taking this year head on with SIX children. You are one adventurous (and inspiring) mama, Gabrielle. I also love that Betty knew what that little baby should be named. Too sweet.
Wow, all I can really say is wow. What a story, what an adorable email, and what an experience for the kids…..wonderful!
What a pure and beautiful rendition of her experience. Thank you.
I love every single part of this story!!! Welcome to the world, Clara.
It’s clear Mimi needs to write books. Wonderful story!
xo
cortnie
So beautiful !!! A birth and a rainbow right next door! A sweet memory for your girls. Maude has a great way with words!
Thanks for sharing.