First full day

Well, that last one was a surprise! I’m really not at my best when I haven’t had enough sleep (I know people always say that, but seriously!). I got back up after a couple of hours and staggered in with some “breakfast in bed” for Oprah. I was busy telling her what a good mom she was when I realized I was looking at two grey blobs … wait, what? Sure enough; I did a butt count (everyone was busy at the milk bar) and there were five!

There’s a definite preference for the front of the milk bar!

Looks like four … but check out the little leg sticking out to the right from between Oprah’s paws.

After the likes of Arabelle and Claire, it’s amazing to see what a great, relaxed mom Oprah is. As far as I can tell, she didn’t leave the nest for more than 8 hours! and the kittens seemed to nurse that whole time. Good thing she put on all that weight. And apparently, without all those kittens, her bladder has more room. 😉

She is completely relaxed with me and pretty unconcerned when I pick up the kittens, even if they cry. But I heard her growl at Murphy! I nearly fell off the chair! He was outside the door, minding his own business. I know neither he nor Jonesy would hurt the kittens, but the door will be staying firmly shut for Oprah’s sake.

Nature is truly amazing. I picked up the little grey and white one, who was less than four hours old, and he hissed at me!! A-dorable. And already fighting each other over the milk bar; I’ve seen it with FDJ’s kittens or on Tinykittens, but to see it live? Hours old and pushing and scrabbling and squawking. I love every bit of it; it means strong, healthy kittens.

Here’s what I think we have (apologies for the blurry pics; I was rushing while Oprah was eating):

Classic dark tabby — female

Black and white — male

Grey and white — male. This one is trouble already; if ever anyone is crying, it’s him — the other guy’s nipple is always better!

All grey — male

Dark tabby and white — female

As usual, some are easier to tell than others! I’ll check again later and do some comparisons. 😉 Everyone, especially the little ones, had nice gains in their first 12 hours!