Dear Curiosity Journal, 

I’ve been keeping a close eye on the pregnant ewes, Joy Jr. and Pearly. I was caught by surprise when Betty gave birth on May 20th. I was sure she had more time. With the Babydoll Southdown ewes, I oscillate between worrying that they’ll give birth in the middle of the night and wondering if they are pregnant at all. Rufus and I examine them a few times a day, staring questioningly at their plump bodies. “Are you going to have a lamb or have you just grown a grain gut?” They stare back, nervous and annoyed by our lingering. Now that they’re flush with grass, I’m giving less grain, and just watching, and waiting. 

~Joy