NATCHEZ — Many 11-year-old boys likely ask for video games or toys for Christmas.

But for Tyler Upton, a third-generation farmer, it was love at first lick.

When Tyler asked for a baby cow for Christmas, his mother Bobbie Upton said she was hesitant.

“We know how much work it is caring for a baby without its mother,” she said. “We didn’t know if it was just a phase.”

But Tyler, who hopes to become a dairy farmer one day, talked about getting a cow for months and even came up with a name — Bessie.

His grandparents, who used to raise show cows, encouraged the family.

“(His grandfather David Upton said), ‘You’re only young once,’” Bobbie said.

Despite her initial hesitation, Bobbie said she wanted to encourage her son’s agricultural interests.

“It’s touching to me,” she said. “His heart is just so big.”

A few weeks before Christmas, Bobbie and her husband, Mike, saw an advertisement for a gentle milk cow due to give birth in December.

Bobbie said the deal was sealed when she found out the expectant mother cow was already called Bessie.

“I figured it had to be a God thing,” she said.

The family brought Bessie home, and she quickly became a family pet.

“I really like her,” Tyler said. “I wanted a calf really bad, but they found a milking cow, and I thought that’d be fun.”

Bessie is a quiet, affectionate and curious animal that enjoys licking her owners’ faces and chewing on hats. She lets Tyler hug and touch her however he likes, and Bobbie said Bessie would never be aggressive.

“I’ve never heard her moo,” Bobbie said. “She’s quite a character.”

Tyler said his main interest was in a show cow for fairs and competitions, and hopes to raise the baby, whom he plans to name Milk Dud, for that purpose.

Bobbie said Bessie was just the perfect animal for their family because she provides not only milk and companionship, but also the opportunity for Tyler to help raise a calf.

“We just love her,” she said. “She’s more than we could have imagined.”

Bessie could give birth any day now.

“They say it happens really fast,” Bobbie said. “I was hoping for a Christmas baby, but a New Year’s baby would be good, too.”