Patches' Pending Bundle of Joy

vanessa brito
Oct 10, 2025
3 min read

Oh, friends, if there's one thing this old ranch hand's heart knows for sure, it's that waiting for a new life on the ranch is like waiting for coffee to brew on a Friday morning equal parts torture, thrill, and "why did I sign up for this again?" But let me tell you about Patches, our med-sized powerhouse of a cow who's got us all wrapped around her fuzzy little hooves. She's not just any bovine beauty; no, Patches is the kind of gal who'll nuzzle your hand one minute, steal your hat the next, and then stand guard like a four-legged Secret Service agent if she senses a whiff of trouble. Loving? Check. Cute enough to make a grizzly bear coo? Double check. Playful and protective? Honey, she's got the market cornered on both think golden retriever in a cow suit, with a side of "don't mess with my herd" sass.

We've been pacing the pastures here at Barites Veteran Ranch, eyes glued to Patches' every waddle, because her big day is creeping up like that one relative who overstays at Thanksgiving. And let me just say, her track record with little ones? It's the stuff of ranch legends. Every single one of Patches' babies has burst onto the scene like tiny tornadoes of sweetness and strength the kind that could charm the spots off a dalmatian and then outrun it for fun. We've watched them grow into calves that don't just survive the wild whims of ranch life; they thrive in it, turning chaos into cuddles and mud puddles into playgrounds.

Now, if we're being honest (and a little greedy with our daydreams), we're crossing our fingers for a girl this time. Picture it: a mini-Patches, all saucer-eyed innocence and hidden mischief, ready to boss the boys around and steal hearts left and right. But here's the beautiful truth of its gender's just a plot twist in Patches' grand tale of awesome offspring. Boy or girl, this calf is destined to be a walking, mooing miracle. We've seen it time and again: her babies don't just leave the ranch; they heal the families they join. They bring that quiet calm you didn't know you needed, like a warm blanket on a chilly evening or a surprise hug from your favorite person. They're love in calf form strong enough to weather storms, sweet enough to melt the iciest of dispositions, and funny enough to trip over their own legs while trying to look tough.

As I sit here under the stars, sipping my thermos of something stronger than tea, I can't help but chuckle at the whole circus. Patches, bless her, has taken to following me around like I'm her personal snack bar, bumping my elbow every time I try to write one of these reflections. "Hurry up, human," she seems to say with those big brown eyes, "I've got a superstar brewing in here!" And you know what? She's right. Whatever shape this little wonder takes, it'll fit right into the patchwork quilt of our lives here a thread of joy, a stitch of laughter, and a whole lot of heart.

So here's to you, Patches, and the bundle of miracles on the way. May your labor be quick, your mama instincts fiercer than ever, and your new arrival's first adventure involve fewer face-plants than its siblings. We're ready with open arms, fresh hay, and maybe a few extra treats. After all, in this ranch life, every new beginning feels like coming home.

With love from the Barites crew,

Your fellow dreamer in denim,