Katie Van Slyke Shares Bella’s Due-Date Update — And She Thinks the Babies Could Arrive While She’s Away

Katie Van Slyke has reached one of the most nerve-racking moments of Bella’s entire pregnancy countdown.

After weeks of watching her belly grow, checking her udder, monitoring her tail tendons and wondering whether each day might finally be baby day, Bella has officially reached what Katie called her due date.

And the timing could hardly be more stressful.

Katie was literally preparing to leave for a flight to a horse show when she found Bella off by herself while the other goats were in the front yard eating and hanging out.

That immediately got Katie’s attention.

She admitted she has a strong feeling Bella could have her babies while she is gone.

But Katie also made one thing very clear: she would not be leaving if she did not have complete confidence in the people staying behind to watch Bella.

Katie Barely Slept Watching Bella Overnight

The concern did not begin that morning.

Katie had spent much of the previous night watching Bella through the cameras.

Bella had been groaning, repeatedly changing positions and even sitting in a dog-like posture.

Katie said she kept thinking labor might begin within the next half hour.

Then another half hour would pass.

And another.

The result was a nearly sleepless night for Katie.

Bella looked uncomfortable enough to make Katie think something might happen, but the babies still did not arrive.

By morning, Bella was still pregnant.

But several physical changes were becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Bella Is Spending More Time Away From the Others

When Katie went to leave, she noticed Bella was separated from the rest of the group.

The other goats were eating and socializing in the front yard.

Bella was by herself.

Isolation can catch Katie’s attention this late in pregnancy because any change in normal behavior may be worth watching.

At the same time, Katie did not claim that this meant active labor had started.

She simply recognized it as one more reason to keep Bella under close observation.

The other goats also seemed to be giving her more space, which Katie was happy to see.

Bella Will Be Separated at Night

Katie explained that Jonathan plans to bring Bella in at night from this point forward.

The idea is to give her privacy and a quieter environment if that is what she needs to feel comfortable enough to kid.

Katie said they plan to separate her pretty much every night until the babies arrive.

That way, Bella can have her own space without the rest of the goat herd crowding around her during labor.

The daytime setup can remain more relaxed, but nights will become much more closely managed.

Today Is Bella’s Actual Due Date

One important clarification in Katie’s update is that Bella is not overdue.

Katie said this day is actually Bella’s due date.

Bella could theoretically continue carrying the pregnancy longer — Katie said she could even go another week if she wanted.

But Katie does not think that is likely.

Based on the physical changes she is seeing, Bella looks increasingly close.

That makes this update very different from the earlier ones where Katie was hoping Bella would simply keep the babies inside.

Now, if labor starts, Bella is exactly where Katie wanted her to be.

Her Tail Tendons Are Essentially Gone

Perhaps the biggest physical change involves Bella’s tail area.

Katie said there is almost no resistance left there.

She described Bella as having no tendons whatsoever, with the area feeling almost like “jello.”

Even when Bella is standing, Katie says there is very little firmness remaining.

Throughout the pregnancy countdown, the tail tendons have been one of the main things Katie checks.

Earlier, they were still firm.

Then they softened.

Now Katie can barely feel them.

That progression is one of the strongest reasons she believes Bella is getting very close.

Bella’s Udder Looks Different Too

Katie also inspected Bella’s udder again.

And this time, she sounded much more convinced about the difference.

She said it was definitely fuller than the previous day.

In fact, she thought it might even have filled more since earlier that same morning.

Katie described it as the tightest she has seen Bella’s udder so far.

For weeks, Katie kept saying she was waiting for a dramatic change.

Now she is clearly seeing one.

That does not provide an exact delivery time, but it makes the possibility of imminent babies feel much more realistic.

Bella’s Body Shape May Be Changing Again

Katie also noticed something unexpected about Bella’s belly.

She did not think Bella looked quite as low as before.

That initially seemed strange.

Then Katie wondered whether the babies could be repositioning upward as they prepare to enter the birth canal.

She did not present that as a confirmed explanation.

It was simply her observation while trying to interpret Bella’s changing shape.

From above, however, one thing remained obvious:

Bella is still extremely wide.

Whatever is happening inside, there is still a lot of baby belly there.

Katie Has Built a Full Support Team Around Bella

Leaving during such a critical stage would be much harder if Katie did not have help nearby.

Fortunately, Bella will have plenty.

Katie laid out just how extensive the support system is.

Jonathan will be watching her closely.

Katie’s parents live across the street.

Her best friend is only about five minutes away.

Other trusted people are nearby as well.

Katie herself will remain reachable.

And perhaps most importantly, her goat veterinarian is on speed dial.

This is not a situation where Bella is simply being left unattended while Katie travels.

Quite the opposite.

There is a coordinated plan.

There Is Even a Baby Checklist

Katie said the people staying behind have very specific instructions.

There is a checklist detailing what should be done once the babies arrive.

That includes how to handle the newborns and what steps to take if anything looks unusual.

Katie emphasized that everyone knows Bella is essentially priority number one for the weekend.

And if anything looks wrong, the instructions are simple:

Call the veterinarian.

That preparation is what allows Katie to leave without feeling as though Bella is unsupported.

Katie Would Not Leave If She Didn’t Trust the Team

This point mattered enough that Katie emphasized it directly.

She knows some followers may worry about her leaving while Bella looks so close.

But Katie said she would not be going to the horse show if she lacked confidence in the people caring for Bella.

She trusts them.

She trusts the plan.

And she knows professional veterinary help is available if it becomes necessary.

Bella will be watched closely whether Katie is physically standing there or not.

Bella Is Still Bella

Despite looking miserable, Bella still showed plenty of personality.

At one point, another young goat approached from the side and Bella made it clear she was not thrilled about it.

Katie laughed that Bella was still “bright enough” to get mad at the babies.

That may not be a medical sign, but it was at least reassuring to Katie that Bella still had enough energy and attitude to react to the others.

Even heavily pregnant and uncomfortable, Bella has not completely lost her signature personality.

Katie Thinks There’s Almost No Chance Bella Waits Until Tuesday

Katie eventually put a number on her prediction.

She estimated there might be only about a 2% chance that Bella is kind enough to wait until Katie returns home Tuesday.

In other words, Katie thinks there is a very strong possibility the babies will arrive while she is away.

That is still only Katie’s prediction.

Bella could surprise everyone.

But given the missing tail tendons, fuller udder, discomfort and behavioral changes, Katie clearly feels the clock is running out.

A Sweet Goodbye Before Katie Leaves

One of the most emotional moments came when Katie spoke directly to Bella before leaving.

She told her she loved her.

She reminded Bella that she has already done this twice before.

And she reassured her that she would have all the people she needed to keep everything safe and happy.

“You know what to do,” Katie told her.

After weeks of pregnancy updates, it felt almost like Katie was giving Bella permission to finally go ahead whenever she was ready.

At Least the Weather Has Improved

There was one small piece of good timing.

Katie said Bella looked miserable, but at least it was not excessively hot outside.

Bella was resting under the shade with the rest of her family.

Considering how much Katie worried about extreme temperatures earlier in the pregnancy, cooler conditions are a welcome change as the due date arrives.

Is This Finally the Last Pregnancy Update?

Katie has said several times that she does not think there can be many pregnancy updates left.

Bella keeps proving that she is willing to make everyone wait.

But this latest check may be the strongest indication yet that they are approaching the end.

Her due date is here.

Her tail tendons are essentially gone.

Her udder is fuller and tighter than Katie has seen before.

She spent the night groaning and sitting unusually.

She has been spending time by herself.

And Katie thinks there is only a tiny chance Bella waits until Tuesday.

After weeks of guessing, the real question may no longer be whether Bella is getting close.

It may simply be:

Will Katie make it onto the plane before the baby alert comes through?

For now, Bella is still pregnant.

But Katie has left behind cameras, trusted family and friends, detailed instructions and a veterinarian ready to help if needed.

Everything is prepared.

And as Katie said goodbye to her first goat before leaving for the horse show, the message was simple:

Bella knows what to do — and whenever those babies decide to arrive, she will not be alone. 🐐❤️ 0803.txtTXT