It's time!  Arizen is due on Monday, and we're expecting her to actually foal on Tuesday.  She is HUGE and the baby is very active.  We're hoping for a boy, but I'm excited either way.  The sooner the baby is born, the sooner it is weaned, and the sooner I get my horse back! 

I'll be going out to the barn every day until then, and I will probably stay the night in the viewing room once she starts showing more signs.  Right now, her bag is large but the milk is still clear.  It gets more cloudy every day, though! 

In the meantime, I've been forcing her to get out and walk because her legs get swollen from standing around too much.  So we walk around and then hang out at the mounting block while my friends finish riding.  Here are a few pictures from the last couple days, with more to come:

And here we are grooming each other.  Sorry I'm so dirty, but I had just gotten done with chores in the rain:

Aww, thanks!  I think so, too.  I can't wait to see her tonight!  I'll be posting so many pictures, you'll be sick of seeing her!

Awww can't wait to see baby! :)

Here are some pictures from today.  She is getting closer!

 You can definetly see your bond!  I love the pics and cant wait to see her baby this year.

Thanks!  I feel like I've been bonding with her more every day I'm out there.  It's easy right now because she is so docile, with being pregnant and exhausted.  The real test will be once she has her energy back.  But I still love her! 

I went to the barn today to check up on Rizzie.  My trainer does some sort of chemistry test on the mares' milk right before they foal.  She explained it to me, but I am not science savvvy.  Anyway, when the mare tests at 200, that means they are likely to foal within the next 24 hours.  Yesterday, Rizzie's milk was at 70.  Today it was at 175!

After I finished up chores at the barn, my trainer had to leave and put me in charge of keeping an eye on Rizzie.  My friend who has done quite a few foalings already this year stayed with me and we sat in the pitch black barn whispering to each other and listening for odd movements.  We heard Arizen lie down in her stall, so we quietly walked over and saw her lying on her side, grunting.  I was so nervous, but my friend told me it was just "pregnant breathing." 

When my trainer got back, she said that Rizzie is just uncomfortable, but she is very close.  We're thinking she will foal tomorrow.  She may try to hold out until Tuesday like she did last year, but I think she is ready to get that baby out!  

I'll keep you updated.

I know, I feel the same way.  You should see her face.  She looks so miserable and uncomfortable; it breaks my heart.  But I'm off to the barn and will be sleeping there overnight tonight.  I'll update with pictures when I can! 

Good luck, hope everything goes well!

Go Rizzie!!! I can't wait to see the baby!!!!

Fingers crossed for Rizzie! And I really hope you have a camera with you, as you know we'll want to see some pics

No foal yet, but she is SO close.  I stayed up all night watching her on the monitor.  She didn't sleep at all, and she squatted and shifted and walked around all night. 

I just got home so I can take a half hour nap.  Then I'm off to the barn again because we are almost certain she will foal today/tonight.  It will be just in line with last year's foaling, and with her signs being so consistent, there is little doubt.

I'm hoping my friends can make it out before she foals so we get pictures.  If not, I will definitely have pictures once the baby is up and moving. 

I'm so tired!  I can't wait for this to be over, and I'm sure Rizzie can't either!

It's 8:45 here, just checking it to see if we have a baby yet!  Am praying for a smooth, easy delivery!