The wait is over!

 My nights of camping out in the barn are done! Just before midnight, Gussie went into labour and the foal was born at 12:07. 

And- it's a filly! Also- it's just what Shayla ordered- a blue roan. 

All went well, Gussie had a fairly easy birthing, the foal lay there for a while as the nutrients were passed through the umbilical cord, and Gussie cleaned shortly thereafter. 

Two feet and a nose- just the way it should be

Calmly laying there taking in her new surroundings

Mama's first touch

Up and steady on her feet before too long

I shuffled them into the barn as baby was wandering all over  which is not conducive to getting that first colostrum milk in her! That helped settle her and she drank, passed her meconium plug, loped circles around her mama, then had a good long nap. Gussie got hay and water and some rest- although she still is not getting much sleep. She hasn't laid down to sleep since she got here. 

Come daylight, I turned them out. 

Such a lovely filly!

Pretty little head and a perfect swirl.

That's a lot of leg to grow into!

Velvet and Ruby spotted them and came a running up to the fenceline to check out the new arrival. Gussie herded her baby away from them, and when the filly laid down for another nap, she stood guard over her. Eventually I put them back in the barn for a while so Gussie could eat and rest some more. They will get a lot more turnout though and have free access to the barn from now on.