GOATS IN THE GUEST ROOM: HOW I FELL IN LOVE WITH FARM LIFE

If you had told me a few years ago that I'd be bottle-feeding baby goats in my spare bedroom, I would have laughed and asked which camera to look into.

But here I am. I now live in Florida, closer to my family, in the farmhouse I used to only dream about . And somewhere between the chicken coop and the goat shed, I found a passion I never saw coming.

It started with the chickens

Like a lot of new farm people, I started small. My first flock was Booted Bantams, and if you've never seen one, picture a tiny chicken wearing fluffy feathered boots. They're little, they're full of personality, and they made me smile every single morning. They were my gateway animal. Once you've had chickens, you start looking around the yard and thinking, "What else could live here?"

Then came Oakley and Summer

Meet Oakley and Summer, my Nigerian Dwarf goat twins. I brought them home when they were just one week old, which meant they weren't ready to live outside yet . Their goat shed was still being built , so they moved into the only place that made sense: my spare bedroom. Yes, really. They lived in a Pack 'n Play, and for 12 weeks I bottle-fed them around the clock . It was sleepless and messy and absolutely one of the sweetest seasons of my life. When you're the one feeding them from day one, they don' t just see you as the person with the bottle. They see you as their mom.

Now they're out in their very own shed, and the bond we built in that guest room is still there every time they come running to greet me.

The dogs of the farm world

Here's something nobody tells you about goats: they are basically dogs. They follow you around, they want to be part of whatever you're doing, they have big opinions, and they love attention. Oakley and Summer each have their own personalities, and they never fail to make me laugh. My favorite thing in the world? When the Florida weather finally cools off enough, we nap together under the oak tree. There is no stress in the world that survives a lazy afternoon with two goats curled up beside you.

The rest of the crew

Speaking of actual dogs, Bodhi and Minka have taken to farm life beautifully. Their natural herding instincts kicked right in, and they' ve appointed themselves the official supervisors of the farm. Nothing gets past them, whether it 's a chicken wandering off or a goat getting a little too adventurous. And our newest family member? A kitten named Kirby. He is an absolute doll baby, and he's already figured out that everyone on this farm is here to spoil him.

What 's next on the farm

I've already caught the bug, and I'm dreaming about our next addition. It 's down to two contenders: a Kune Kune pig or a mini donkey. This is where I need you. Which one should join the family? Leave a comment and tell me: Team Kune Kune or Team Mini Donkey? I'll keep you posted on what we decide, and you can bet you'll meet them here first .

A life I never knew I needed

I spent years talking about products that make life a little more beautiful. I never expected that the most beautiful part of my life would come with feathers, hooves, and a whole lot of hay. I never knew how much I would love this life. And I'm so glad I get to share it with you. Want more notes from the farm? Join my list for first looks at new products, show reminders, and the latest from Oakley, Summer, and the flock .