The new 'normal'...

After what seemed like forever, it finally happened.  At 357 days gestation, Maddie finally delivered her cria!  357 days isn't normal for her, but evidently delivering in front of an audience of farm visitors is!   Maddie is the only girl in our herd that has ever delivered while we have visitors, and this is the second year in a row that  she has done it!  Our farm visitors were delighted to witness the birth and to see a newborn alpaca. 

Not even 15 minutes old yet and is still wet.

As has been typical of Maddie's babies, this little guy didn't waste any time.  He was up on his feet within a few minutes, and nursing right away.

Not even dry yet, baby takes his first steps while a very protective Maddie stands guard and clucks over him.

Taken at just an hour of age, he has found the 'milk bar' and is nursing with gusto!

Visitors later in the day found it hard to believe that this baby was only hours old!

Four hours later, baby enjoys a sunbath.

Baby rests by Mom after a busy first few hours.

While we always love to get female crias, we are not unhappy with this handsome little boy.  Maddie has already given us 3 beautiful girls, so it was time for a boy, and this one is sired by our herdsire - Camilio's Caramello.  We hope this little guy has what it takes to follow in Dad's footsteps.

Since he was born on the 4th of July, we have named him 'Patriot of Pronkin' Pastures'.