Sally the Anteater

Sally was found hanging by her tail at the side of the road. Her mother had been killed and the killers were trying to sell the baby. Baby anteaters live on their mother's backs until they are 1 year old. Sally is only a few months old. Even if she had been set free she wouldn't have survived. Rosanne saw her and took pity. They bought her just to save her life. Now she has become a very sweet pet! After some research on what in the world anteaters eat besides ants, everyone was surprised to find that milk mixed with honey and blue cheese is a favorite. She puts her front claws on the sides of the cup and sucks up the liquid with her long thin tongue. She makes a slurping sounds like someone slurping up spaghetti!

I had the privilege of babysitting her last night and it was very entertaining. After her milk, honey and blue cheese dinner, she went outside for a look around the place. She slowly meandered through the yard, occasionally digging up ant hills and having a little snack. When she was tired she snuggled up in my lap for a nap with her tail curled around my arm. Today she wanted to explore the house so while I was cooking I let her wander around. Suddenly I heard a noise on the stove. Sally had climbed up the side of the oven and was sitting on the stove. Luckily the burners were off! Later I turned around to see that she had climbed up the drawers onto the kitchen counter and was sitting on the cheese grater. I decided to wash that again before grating more cheese. I swear she can climb up anything!

These photos aren't that great, but give you an idea of what she looks like. I'll get some better photos soon!

A New Heartbeat

March 21, 2009

It is such a privilege to be the first one to hear a new heartbeat! It is awesome to hear them breathe and cry for the first time, to see them open their eyes for the first time, to see them eat for the first time. But to hear their little heart beating inside their chest...the sound of health and vitality. That is really something!

Neidy came in today with her newborn baby. When I saw her last week she told me she would have her baby over the weekend. I smiled and nodded and said "yes, maybe". Today she comes in with a precious little bundle all dressed in pink. Victoria, born last weekend, is a perfectly beautiful baby. Victoria has a perfectly round head, perfect little features and a sweet little cry. What a doll! When I listened to her heartbeat for the first time, I was reminded of the miracle that occurs each time a new life enters this world. That all those complex organs are working together just right for this little being to survive and grow. What a marvelous designer we have!