Piglets!

Seven, in fact

OMG. You think this photo is cute? Check out the video, below. I keep watching it over and over, noticing the different reactions of each one. 10 June 2026.

Yes, we do indeed have reason to celebrate this hot, humid week in June.

While I had not heretofore named her, and apparently neither had Teddy-the-Farmer, she who shall henceforth be known as Penelope has given birth to SEVEN adorable piglets! Well, I shouldn’t prejudice you. Here, take a look at these little muffins who were videoed only hours after being born. You tell me if they’re adorable.

I’ve been missing Teddy-the-Farmer, and the field in which the pigs and hogs normally reside has seemed especially quiet. (They’re mostly hogs now…the only one who may still remain technically a pig is probably James).

While I harbored an unspoken worry that some had ‘met their fate’ and were never to be seen again, I knew that hadn’t been the plan for James. And the last time I’d seen James – a couple weeks ago – I was shocked to see how magnificently endowed he was. (I have no doubt he is at least attempting to embrace his nickname of Stud Muffin.)

James, back in December ‘25, when he was a sassy little boy.

Then again, things change. You never know.

I was thus delighted to run into Teddy-the-Farmer on Tuesday and hear the news that he was checking on the white spotted hog who was now overdue to deliver her first litter since last Thursday.

How exciting! I immediately shouted out my pride in James’s efforts. Alas, Teddy-the-Farmer said, James is still too short. While he was ready and willing in most of the right places, it turns out, ya gotta be able to reach the target.

Meanwhile, Teddy-the-Farmer had embraced the idea of starting a breeding program. Since Penelope was ready, he decided to go the turkey baster route. (No, I don’t know if this is the exact apparatus used. I’m just being a bit irreverent.) Suffice it to say, apparently, Teddy-the-Farmer may now also be known as Teddy-the-Inseminator.

Penelope in December, ‘25.

It was during our conversation on Tuesday evening that I learned that the field had seemed empty lately because he’d moved everybody to the upper field, which is much further removed from the road, in order to give Penelope her privacy. But she’d not been lonely, as Teddy had allowed James to stay with her. They have a great affection for each other, and he didn’t want Penelope to be sad. While she was kept a bit sequestered, Teddy was privy to how James would lean his back up against hers while sleeping, snuggling with her even though they were separated by a wire fence.

On Tuesday evening, Teddy was pretty sure birth was imminent. When he’d reached his hand in to give Penelope a pet and reassure her that he was there, she acted like any self-respecting female in the midst of active labor – she made it clear she wanted to be left alone. And when he checked her undercarriage, he could see she was making copious amounts of milk.

And so it was last night, Wednesday night, that I saw a light shining forth from their pen and – I kid you not – those two stars (planets) in the sky, directly above. Venus and Jupiter heralding the birth of the first litter of piglets Teddy-the-Farmer’s new breeding program. I’d texted Teddy about 20 minutes earlier, just to inquire whether she’d given birth and he sent me the video above.

Needless to say, I’m delighted. Teddy-the-Successful-Inseminator seems pretty pleased with the outcome as well. All seven - and mama - are healthy and content.

Another still grabbed from the video. Happy birthday little piglets! 10 June 26.

I’m pretty sure I’ll get a first personal glimpse of the little ones within the next week or so.

I’ll be sure to take photos!

Whether they’re humans, or bees, or lambs, or fawns, or piglets, babies are such an affirmation of life. I can’t think about their adorable, furtive lunges toward their mommy’s warm milk without feeling overwhelmed with love, delight, and hope.