Preparing the birthing stall (and taking care of myself) | VLOG

[@gatherboutique]

Everyone should have someone who looks at them the way Helen looks at Miah ❤️🤣

[@graskeygirls3850]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@cindyreinhart9552]

Oh you got me dyin here.....Bwahahahaha

[@tamararoberts9307]

😆 🤣 😂

[@sandrainontario6710]

The way Miah looks at Jess❤️

[@jennythyme1729]

This needs to be a sticker!

[@shamancarmichael5305]

This week on "S-moo-th Talkin With Miah", Helen and Honey battle for Miah's attention in a Moo Off Royale! 🐄

[@justgoodness333littlehomes5]

Hahahahahahaha

[@southernladywithmanyhats7428]

lol

[@deborahcarson5927]

Lol love it ! MooMiah🤣

[@doubleglfarms9750]

Hello Roots and Refuge family! We are new subscribers! We are so excited to get to know you all! We are a farm family of all girls plus Dad from Kansas! We are lambing and kidding now! We calve in the spring! We also have bunnies, puppies, mini donkeys, chickens, ducks, mini horses, etc…🤪 I am fourteen years old and the voice behind our channel, Double G&L Farms! Thank you so much for sharing! Blessings to you all!

[@heatherk8931]

Welcome to the Roots and Refuge family!! You will learn alot here, even though you already know so much with your critters on your homestead. 😊

[@doubleglfarms9750]

@@heatherk8931 Oh we have so much to learn! 🥰 We try to teach on our channel as well, but we so appreciate the inspiration from others doing the same things! Thank you for the welcome! Blessings!

[@sandrainontario6710]

Welcome! Hey y'all everybody go give them some love. The video of the truck stuck in the mud has the hugest pile of gorgeous little puppies have ever seen in it. Girl how many puppies have you got there?

[@doubleglfarms9750]

@@sandrainontario6710 Thank you so much, Sandra! We have three breeding mamas and they all three had puppies about the same time! One mama had 12 puppies, one had 10, and one had 9! This makes a total of 31 adorable, sweet preciousness! We love them so much! Blessings!

[@dewinnutn]

I’m sure you know this…. But being an old (71yrs old) farmer, I have to say…. She will wax up sometimes as early as 48 hours before calving. She’ll get soft on each side of her tail about a week before. What I mean about getting soft is, you’ll notice how jiggly her skin and muscle is when she moves. She will empty their bowels just before she calves as well.

[@PromisedJubilee]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@southernladywithmanyhats7428]

I love it when knowledgeable folks share their knowledge with others so they all can learn! Thank you!!!!

[@jenniferchristiansen2040]

What does wax up mean?

[@Thetimecapsuletx]

Ben is going to be your biggest farm hand. He has such interest in everything you do! Teach him everything.

[@vbo9872]

Ben is a treasure, that's for sure

[@caravanmassennhoven4004]

Ben has the soul of a farmer. What a joy he is. Excited for the newest addition to Roots And Refuge!! Be well from Canada 🇨🇦

[@JustineMcGuire]

Ben is such a sweet soul ❤️

[@tealadyp6380]

@@JustineMcGuire Ben is adorable!!!

[@tasteofheavenhomestead8553]

Being a wife and mother definitely can develop some habitual neglect in the self care arena. At 65 I still have to work at caring for me and especially not feeling guilt over it. You are important and your family needs you. You can't pour anything out of an empty vessel!! So glad to hear that in this new season you are being intentional in this area! Blessings to you and your family and your new barnyard additions!

[@my3bsfarm863]

Love his earnest little face when he helps his dad.

[@judymooney2993]

Everyone should have such a wonderful little boy!

[@justgoodness333littlehomes5]

I LOVE this on soooo many levels. 1st animal bedding down in the barn. Farmer Ben busy at work. ❤. Miah the builder. " Can he build it? YES HE CAN" 😃 and Mama keeping the whole clan fed. 😃

[@BradfordHomestead]

Hey that’s just beautifully said!

[@cynthiahiebert5023]

Ben is a true farmer! Good helper and just delightful!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

We have a video baby Monitor (the non-internet kind) in our barn to watch imminently-kidding goats. I would suggest doing that if you aren't already! Peace of mind from the warmth of home.

[@adriannakeller1908]

This is brilliant !!!!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

@@adriannakeller1908 it wasn't my idea but it sure helps! I'm not sure if their barn has power? I think it does. That light is coming from somewhere.

[@kellybinek8728]

i am happy that you have that big barn for the protection of your animals and you guys in that miserable weather.

[@patchurch1677]

Re the fruit trees and deer, have you looked at the Living Traditions double fenced area for garden and berries, orchard. They also have ducks and chickens in between. It has been successful keeping the deer out. :-)

[@usbpphillips]

He's the cow whisperer because he's the bringer of food! When my cows were let out by a elk that failed to clear the fence my steers followed me a mile back to the pasture just by me calling them.

[@GossMania]

Sitting watching you in your barn and all of your dreams and prayers coming to fruition. How blessed this past few hearts have been for you. Many more blessings for you and your homestead. Much Love from our little homestead in Mississippi

[@southernladywithmanyhats7428]

I am also a Mississippi girl living around Hattiesburg area. Nice to see another Ms. girl on here or family whichever the case may be.

[@GossMania]

@@southernladywithmanyhats7428 Hi there, I am a Mississippi girl, we live in South MS just 45 min South of Hattiesburg. But we are a Mississippi family too. :)

[@angelabutler1808]

I love this . We are lifetime farmers and my husband just smiles seeing younger people getting into farming . I now tell him we need a new barn. He say’s they are fine we are not putting our cows up every time they calve . Lol we have about 300 head. But he sure does like your barn. So I might get one of those after all

[@anitadodson4316]

Oh my goodness! So sweet.. A little bit of Ben makes everything better ☺️ He's such a little sweetheart.

[@ellenford4738]

Ben you are such a big help. You make me so happy, when I see you help your mom and dad with such joy in your heart.

[@mariafolch8067]

What a sweet video. You have me checking all the time for the arrival of this calf. Watching Ben participate in every chore with such enthusiasm is a delight and experiencing Miah's love for the animals, his gentle demeanor and way to ease Jessica's nerves is admiring. Little Ben wanting to stay at the barn watching after Helen is so sweet. Put a baby monitor, security camera or some gadget like that at that stall so you can monitor it from the home or your telephone would be a great investment. It would be beneficial even after birth by watching the movement inside the barn from other animals, etc. 🐂

[@madelinemacalpine1767]

I love to see the children learning and helping what a great investment..

[@woods-haven-half-acre]

We love watching Miah with the Cows. Glad you’re taking care of yourself.

[@natalee1638]

I love sharing these videos with my 6 year old son! We live in town and just have room for chickens and a garden. My son loves seeing Ben run around and participate on the farm because it inspires him. In our yard, my son is masterful at wrangling chickens and loves to have “chicken parties” where we put them in the garden to eat some of the weeds and grass. His job is to keep the chickens out of the actual beds and not eating our over-wintering plants while I work on whatever is happening in the garden. Thank you for the inspiring content and allowing my city-dwelling family to live vicariously through your channel.

[@TheEmbrio]

Night filming is a nice change of ’scenery’ for us viewers.

[@marygrott8095]

It's so cool to see Ben helping out with the chores and really getting into it! Good luck with the calf birth.

[@karenmikasko7148]

I grew up on a farm, but once I was old enough to learn things....the farm fizzled out, however. I was able to grow up with neighbors who had many farm animals and I experienced births from cattle, horses, chickens etc. I will never forget and I am pretty sure Ben will remember these moments also. And if not...he will always have this content to go back to.

[@patriciawilliams2404]

That "frontis picture" or freeze-frame of you and Miah for this video struck me _so_ much like a Renaissance painting, for some reason! As if one of the Masters painted it. It was just perfect.

[@renamurray8138]

With the change in the barometric pressure changing there is a good chance she will calve soon. Good call on stalling her up

[@darlaherbst5929]

Your videos are so enjoyable to watch because you guys do things correctly! You plan ahead, have compassion for the animals, research and reach out for advice before it's needed, and clearly explain things so new homesteaders or anyone can learn from you! Thank you!

[@maryannditullio2581]

Ben is just so adorable. He is quite a good helper too!

[@marigoldmeadowsfarm7495]

My husband let a lipoma on his back go until in grew inward & attached to his shoulder muscle. He is learning after almost 40 years together that I need him to take care of himself for me. I’m praying for a quick recovery.

[@jaehortonluvgarden]

Ben is such a big helper ❤️

[@imaginethat2003]

I love that Ben is so interested in the life.

[@karabates4308]

Have you thought about getting a camera set up in the barn, more like a security one? so you can keep an even closer eye on her and future births and record the process without having to worry about having to turn one on to document.

[@mamabunnysfarm]

I love how you can see the house porch lights from the barn 🥰 and I love seeing Ben help you guys even in the cold.

[@meagantrout2127]

For as much as he is a tomato Gardner, Ben is miahs twin. I know it is so difficult in times of hurry to let little ones help but y’all do such a great job of letting questions be asked and letting them help🥰🥰🥰

[@trenarexroad4083]

Ben is just the best little helper😊

[@kathryntroyer7779]

Love seeing Ben’s enthusiasm 💕 What a beautiful family! I’m going on baby watch with y’all.

[@bettrho2490]

Congrats on the Opening of your Cow Palace! 🌞🐂🐂🐂🐂🚜🎉

[@joannegreer9435]

Miah looks so settled in. There is joy in his countenance. How wonderful for him.

[@daisycouchfarm2464]

I know first hand how tough it can be to take care of ourselves but it’s so good for you and your family, glad to hear you are doing well after! Praying for quick healing for you

[@michelletabish7125]

I can absolutely relate to getting headaches from having my hair up. One thing that I have found is the type of hair tie does make a pretty significant difference. Those newer hair ties that look like phone cords work well, and if you have the patients for a hair stick/bun stick, those are by far the easiest on the scalp.

[@Amy-ul8fj]

My sweet son is in the other room and he yells… “I hear Jess!” He knows we’re besties 😂😂

[@LadyLeoneLocks]

Awe. That is so sweet.

[@kaylaserra]

I tell my husband that Jess is my bestie too! 🤣🤣

[@blynnwil]

Sitting here watching your video AND eating a carrot from my garden! Thank you Jess! I could not grow carrots until I met you😋

[@evalinawarne1337]

Barbara,. YOU'RE a sweetheart. GOD Bless you dear, from s.e.Michigan. Love to you.❤️🀄🛐🌹🌹✝️

[@annaburnside3765]

Kevin & Sarah from Living Tradition Homestead did double fence to prevent deer eating their fruit trees

[@talkandeattv]

im so used to watching yall in yall lil 3 sided reclaimed material barn i LOVE the growth its so heartwarming

[@bethgaither1214]

There's a good reason, when on an airplane in an emergency situation, they tell you to first put an oxygen mask on yourself BEFORE putting one on your child. So that you will be able to take care of your child. Take care Jess!

[@cynthiahiebert5023]

Ben is such a great and good helper!

[@craftygranny8035]

I love watching this journey of yours! The excitement you have is contagious.

[@debralugar7235]

It's great that you are starting to take care of yourself. When you hear elderly people say they would have taken better care of themselves if they had known they would live so long, it's true. How you take care now will be to your benefit later on. You know that but I just want to remind you. I enjoyed this video. It brought back some good farm memories.

[@portiagts9416]

I’ve never owned or milked a cow but I’m checking daily to see if Helen has had her calf. I’m really enjoying being a subscriber.

[@denisemankewitz8480]

Big moment indeed. The barn is getting baptized♥️

[@seedsanddreamshomestead5357]

I love the night shoot!!! It’s a true homestead night shift

[@joannmahaffey1068]

The phone video in the dark was really kind of cool. None of my business but i think you are doing the right thing for Helen. I see it happening Sun or Mon. Ben is so cute He just loves being with Mom and Dad.

[@lindaandstevejensen2002]

We raised stock cows for many years. Here are a few tips we learned. You might need to mount those gates a little higher so if you need to swing it in, it will clear the bedding. Don’t redrill, just move the hinges down on the gate. Also, we drilled a small hole through the hinge post and put a nail through it and bent it so a cow couldn’t lift it off. Best of luck with your calving!

[@happyheartgardening]

Living Traditions Homestead put up double fence around their tree pasture because they said that the deer would jump one...but wouldn't jump two because they would be afraid of getting stuck. Then they run their chickens and geese in that fencing. Just an idea if you didn't want to use the electric fence when you put your nursery of trees in. -- I am glad that you are taking care of yourself, Jess. Everyone needs you! ----- Miah cracks me up..LOL. ----Be safe..prayers..

[@kaycompton8983]

I remember growing up in Eastern Michigan in dairy country. Most of the cows called during the winter, outside in far worse conditions than what you have in SC. Helen will be just fine, even if she calves out in the pasture during a snowstorm.

[@AB-ol5uz]

Ahhh, Gabriel is on baby watch as well. Can't wait to see how he handles the new one :D

[@robinreneefrederick6598]

Ben is so great! Such an happy kid.

[@Jackiehutchings23]

I'm so excited !!!! I grew up on a farm , and I haven't seen a baby cow in almost 40 yrs . A calf is so sweet and their eyes are beautiful , I can't wait !!!!!💗💗

[@kellyturner9743]

Jackie H, me, too! I forgot how exciting it is waiting for a new calf!!

[@antonioberdeal4367]

Your son is a great help God bless him.

[@Kayteemaybee]

My 4yr old has been begging for a cow just after we bought pigs which have been so much fun having my piggies. My jack jack is so much like Ben. I am so proud of y’all!! And your goofiness in your marriage is great! 😂

[@gracefarm394]

What a comfortable place for Helen your new arrival will be a joy.

[@janeceulrich6633]

Much love and respect to you and the family. Thank you for deciding to share your life with all of us. Truly an inspiration to many. Congratulations on your 500K.

[@lanalovesjesus6133]

So glad to hear it was benign. God's got you girl, take care of you so you can take care of your babies. God bless!

[@fivetalentsfarm]

Jess! My gosh your talent to shoot in no light! I aspire to that! && 👏 that👏 cameras 👏 ability 👏to 👏shoot 👏 low👏 light 👏

[@jo-annlanders1286]

It is crazy how excited we all are for your family and Helen. I love hearing the process. I hope we get to see some of the birth. I also love how into different parts of farming Ben is. Not just the fun parts but also helping Miah with the intrastructure. Ya'll stay warm.

[@twistedponies7480]

This video gave me so much positive energy this morning bc as soon as the shot of Helen’s flank came on, I thought “Wow, that is different” and then Jess said the same. For some reason I got a positive rush lol!

[@choirmom78]

LOL..."Are you the man I'm looking for?" MOOOOO! So funny.

[@Chickanic]

Girl! You should just do a non-stop live stream!! Then you could keep an eye on her and all of us stalkers can too! LOL!!

[@kendallricker9633]

Story about the cow in heat and mooing at it...omg I laughed. Crazy. Good luck on a very healthy calf and a pretty one to boot. Thanks for sharing.

[@lindamickel8545]

Glad you're making the time and caring for yourself Jess. I love how faithful Gabriel is. I want to see Ben in 10-15 years and asserting all the knowledge he's learned over the years. Such a great learning experience. Miah is the cow whisperer because he's the man with the food. Helen just loves her Miah. Poor Hope, she thinks she's missing out. Can't wait to meet the newest edition name H___________. Blessings.

[@christinej2358]

So excited to see Honey’s calf. Y’all stay warm and safe! It’s cold 🥶!

[@alexandriiakilby5082]

Im loving these daily vlogs!! I found you through researchimg gardening in my zone and was excited that someone who lived so close to me was doing so well in the garden. Sad to find out that you have since moved away but I have went back and watched close to 100 of your videos and now I am here for the long haul. I am trying to plan a raised bed backyard garden for the first time this year and have been slowly gathering materials, but ... SOIL IS SO EXPENSIVE. I have indoor gardening experience but this will be my first time working outside of a greenhouse. With me luck!? 😁😁

[@sowinggracehomestead4506]

If youre close to miami, Oklahoma J& M Farms bulk sells mushroom compost, so cheap farmers come from texas for it. May be something for you to look into?

[@deborahledger4139]

You should check out whispering willow Farm they bought their older homestead. Jill and Nate are also fun to watch

[@michelewhite1150]

God bless you all! Ben and Miah are just so huggable cc

[@marshamercer]

I truly enjoy your content and seeing how your family works together. Thank you for letting us into your life. Inspiring!

[@przlsc]

I LOVE your channel! Been here from the first! That being said, at now 501K subs, I think Ben might possibly be your ace in the hole 😉 He has got to be the most famous farm boy on KZbin! 😍❤️😍

[@fruitafarmgirl]

Wishing Miss Helen a no fuss no muss delivery!

[@LisaNigro]

I love how Benjamin is always the fully committed kid. He is going to take over the farm for sure!

[@patriciagray756]

So sweet the little guy wants to help...You look tired dear....will pray for you...love you and your family very much...appreciate your love for God...Gmaw Patti

[@ehsanihomestead]

If you want a neat tool for getting more dough out of your bowl each time there is a tool called a bowl scraper that is curved so you can get every last bit of that delicious homemade sour dough, or cookie batter, or whatever other creation you whip up :)

[@daviddeininger2938]

What a beautiful brown Swiss cow? She has a brand new stall too.

[@erikas974]

Great start to my Saturday morning. Stall looks like the Hilton for cows🙂👍🐂. Very interesting about the gate hanging. Thank you for that. This morning we have about 45 cows around us but still no hugs. Some reason I can not lure any of them for a pat or a hug. It rained the last 4-5 days eveything is muddy here so they were another part of the property but this morning they came down. Maybe they thinking they going over the road. The owner of them moving them about every 6 weeks to over the road where is a different pastour. Jess I am glad you are oke and taking care of yourself. Get well soon. Hugs to you all.🐨

[@genevievegreene1595]

I think I prefer the little boy method of spreading the hay. Well, watching it actually.

[@jasonmusic5703]

One option if both your gate hinges are turned up and you worry about it being lifted off: take your welder and weld a 'glob' on top edge of one of the hinges. The gate won't come off and if you need to replace the gate you can take a grinder and cut the 'glob' off quick. Hope this helps, you guys rock!

[@jenesselayman9666]

So glad you are able to take care of you, so you can continue taking care of everyone else😊 You're beautiful no matter what, but so cute rockin' the messy bun! Glad you can do that now, and be more comfortable. You'll appreciate it come summertime.

[@sharongraser6579]

Benjamin is so funny,he's such a sweet boy! Hope Helen does well. You are so right about moms taking care of the other family members first and herself last in line.It's a mom thing, hope you're well.

[@rawilson7768]

Glad you got the stall ready for the birthing. It really is a nice barn!

[@karenspeer7378]

I'm So Excited!! The Barn looks Amazing!! God Bless and have a Wonderful Weekend!! 😊⚘❤

[@denisewade6439]

What a glorious moment laying the first bed of hay, for your very first calving, in your new, beautiful red barn, at your beautiful dream farm! 🐮. Ben is truly a farm boy through and through and thriving in this new R and R farm! I see such Joy on Miah’s and your faces. Soak it in Jess and Miah! God’s blessings are upon you and your family. 😊. We love you guys and praying for your healing Jess. ❤️😊🙏. Take care.

[@PromisedJubilee]

YES. Oh golly, how glorious that first bedding down is 😍

[@stefanierichards4453]

When the udder is tight to the point of no wrinkles it’s usually within 24 hours .. so fun being on baby watch

[@kkmrad93]

You started talking about having both of the gate hinges pointing up and I remember coming out to my horses and they had picked the gate up and had a nice night destroying the inside of the barn. Lesson learned the hard way here!

[@roxannetarjan1411]

Lucky Cow! You guys have everything ready. Good job! ❤️

[@maryarcher8484]

On my farm with my 1st milk cow I had a name picked out that I had always wanted to use. I was raised with cattle but beef cows. Then after my dad passed I received the farm and we got our 1st milk cow she was a beautiful Blue Swiss! It would be weird if we had picked the same name! Can't wait to hear! God Bless you and your family!

[@judysiegmann1145]

I Love how much the "Girls" love Miah!

[@nahnisjourney1406]

Hello All, I have really enjoyed waiting for your new baby bundle of joy to arrive. It's Saturday evening, and I'm hoping to see a new video tomorrow morning. I bless you all as well.

[@kathyw5701]

Love Ben helping!

[@StoneKathryn]

Nice job setting up the birthing stall for Helen. Ben is so sweet and willing to help. I'm glad you could get Helen in there. The gates look really nice. We have to install our gates the way that Jereniah does because we keep pigs and they would lift the gate off the hinge in a second. Beans, rice, and sausage for dinner sounds wonderful. Good for you getting your neck thing done. I'm glad you got that fixed. I agree that keeping her in the barn is still a good idea. It'll be so wonderful when you have your first calf! Enjoy your dinner at your friends!

[@SheriLatulip]

I like this evening real life vlog...you should do a whole day of real life of roots and refuge.

[@darlenewright5850]

Not a container cow, hear me, hear my moo. Y'all are great. Thnx.

[@charliehoos9773]

Excellent stall! Yes, Helen looks close. You need a camera in the barn like zoos do when animals are on birth watch. Glad you’re taking care of yourself!