I remember it like it was yesterday. We’d all been spending sleepless nights watching our CassidyCam with each morning bringing the news of no baby. I got to the barn before chores to turn off the camera and get Cass out to her paddock. All the horse people said she’d have the baby “in the safety of the night”. When I looked over into her stall, a feeling hit me that something just may be different but Cass demanded her breakfast. All the horse people said she’d “go off her food” when she was ready to have that baby. As I fed her others began showing up at the barn. It was suddenly clear she was getting ready to have that baby! I was suddenly in a terrible position. I’d already turned the camera and laptop off and didn’t know how to get things back on. (Yes, I’m computer stupid.) Over a hundred people from all over the world were watching and waiting to see this baby born on the internet. Cass was telling me in no uncertain terms to get her out of that stall! No stall… no camera… I was going to be in big trouble.

A very pregnant Cass.

I listened to my girl, though, and got her out where she wanted to be. By this time, I’d called Scottie and he was speeding through town trying to get to us to get the camera back up. Gayle and I were standing together at the gate to the paddock waiting for Trish to come back out of the house with her camera. In those very few moments, Cass calmly laid down and popped that baby out easy as you please! Trish barely made it back in time from the house to see this little miracle. It was so easy, the sac didn’t break off the baby. The women started urging me to “get in there!” Me… get in there?… really?!….

Keep in mind, I was still very frightened of this new love of my life. She was still very frightened of me… when I was frightened of her.

1st photo of Momma & baby.

I did “get in there” and I broke the sac off that baby’s nose so she could get her first breath.That was an amazing moment shared by only the three of us, Cass, baby and me. The fact more people had shown up to watch didn’t matter. Cass knew exactly what needed to be done (after demanding more to eat) and she also now knew she could depend on me.

Sizing each other up.

She found her legs, confidence & curiosity!

So much has happened in these five years. Fears conquered. Tears shed. Laughter heard. Frustration, joy, determination felt. Mistakes made. Battles won.

We are family.

Nearly a year old.

Nearly 2 years old.

Lots of changes from 2 to 3 years.

Goofy 4 year old.

I came close to giving Becca away this year. Probably hard to believe, huh? I spent a month searching my heart, crying every day and trying to convince myself it would be the best thing for all of us. At the last moment, things didn’t work out and I have never felt such relief in my life! Cass and Becca have been together every moment of these five years except for two months when Becca was weaned. They have a special and wonderful relationship, ever evolving. I’m blessed to be part of their world.

Happy Birthday Rebecca Maye!!!!!!!

5 year old Becca.

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