Thoughts on Marsupial Motherhood: 5.00 a.m.

This would be SO much easier if I were a marsupial. I could just carry them around in my handy pouch, where they would be the perfect temperature and could feed any time without my having to get out of bed. Occasionally I would lick their little bottoms to make them poop.



I think we may lose one. He is very weak. Last night at eleven o'clock there were three who ate hungrily and pooped prodigiously, and two who had to be persuaded. One of the two is now getting the hang of eating from a dropper full of milk, but the other is very weak and hardly moves at all. I rubbed his tummy and told him he was my ugliest baby, but hardly got a reaction. What is a marsupial mama to do? So it goes, so it goes.



The three perky babies clamber all over each other in a bid for the Warmest Spot. They have a hot water bottle AND a hot water ketchup bottle (both padded with rags AND a small tablecloth, because who needs a tablecloth? Not me! Y'all can go right ahead and poop on my tablecloth, see if I care!), and my yogurt maker which doesn't seem to be working. I thought the yogurt maker would be perfect for keeping them warm during the night, but it is cold this morning.



So now, I will wake my other babies, and get them ready for sailing camp, give them toast and cream cheese, pack them a cooler, load up the slow cooker, feed the manicous again, head to work with my manicous in tow... I am certain I will find a good home for them today.

Comments

karisma said…
Hi there, just popping over from Nikkis place. Why because your name grabbed me! I know another Nan and I was wondering what the hell she would be doing there to tell you truth! (She is a bit of a prude!) Anyway clearly you were FIRST Karmyn has a habit of sneaking up on people. (But sweetie seriously you posted 10 min apart, typing lessons may be in order) Now normally I would have just clicked back straight away as you were not who I thought you were. But then started reading and thought WTF is she on about! But then you kinda reminded me of myself and well anyone who is doing the "Aussie" thing and licking marsupials butts must be cool! So honey, you have yourself a new friend!

PS. No it was really the fact that you were painting instead of cleaning that cinched it! Looking forward to getting to know you better!
GirlBlue said…
Oh sorry honey, we attempted with baby manicous once but they all died and I don't know anyone who would want to raise them. It was too heartbreaking to see them go downhill one by one, but it sounds as if you and Sean are doing an excellent job at it.

Crosses fingers that they all make it, especially your ugliest baby.
Ndinombethe said…
you are too good Nan, and I'm so pleased to see you back online a bit more - yay!

Still haven't sorted a thing out for Stink boy on Friday but will get there...
Anonymous said…
Good luck with the babies. Hopefully you can find homes for them.
Anonymous said…
You are such a softy, Nan. Try not to be heartbroken.
Anonymous said…
You are a kind person. Funny how the mammal babies are so similar from one species to the next.
Nan Sheppard said…
Ah, witchypoo, if you could just get to know them and their endearing smelliness! I just know you would love them! Alas, Ugly Baby did not survive the morning. The other weak one, "Quasimodo" is not doing well. Sharon is in the studio with me and THANK GOODNESS! She is chief Butt Licker. GirlBlue, Sean went online and is now an expert! He can tell you their body temp and all! I hope the others continue to thrive.
Unknown said…
There are some women out here who DO claim to have pouches - and muffin tops - but I don't think they can put anything in them, except by eating, and I don't think that's what you have in mind for our critters.

BTWm, How's Boudica doing?
Nan Sheppard said…
Boudica is doing very well. Quasimodo, sadly, died this afternoon. So we have left two girls: Boudica (named by Lceel) and Stinky (named by GirlBlue); and one boy:Chicken Soup (named by Theresa!). Boudica is otherwise known as Buddy. Not very noble, but hey. She is spunky!
BlueBella said…
Oh Nan - here's hoping for good things for the remaining three! In your kind and caring hands they should be alright.
Anonymous said…
Nan, you are much braver than I am. We can barely keep the snails in the fish tanks alive.

Best wishes to the remaining crew.
karisma said…
Hello again, I thought the Blogger booger ate my comment so was surprised when you dropped by. My Axyo-thingy has posted just for you! And no Kitten is not a colour, I like the same earth colours that she does, she is the one who tagged me for that meme!
Theresa said…
Me Likee!! I am feeling as though I need to get my hands painty again, so I think this time I shall by some proper supplies and see what happens.

And keep up the good work with the manis! Sorry to hear 2 didn't make it :( Now they are warm and cozy and happy in Mani-heaven. And you get extra karma points for being so cool about poop in your bra :)