The bitties are growing like... well only kittens can. They're getting
more independant all the time. When they first moved in they stuck
together all the time, when I found one I'd find a pile of kittens
since they were always together. Also, when momma Spot called them,
they would all come. Now they're all doing their own thing. It's not
at all unusual for them to be scattered all over the apartment and
they don't need a buddy or three to cuddle before taking a nap. They
ignore Spot's call at least half the time. Shadow comes, and Cali
comes about 75% of the time, but the other two boys ignore her call
more often than not. As I type this Spot has been calling them and no
one has come.

They're no longer terrified of hoomins. When I walk into the room they
no longer hide, now I have to watch where I step as they are
underfoot. The folks at TED's commented on their improvement
yesterday. They no longer cringe and try to get away when someone
reaches to pick them up. They've pretty much stopped nursing, but
still pile on top of Spot for the ocassional nap.

Spot is no longer on high alert when I have the bedroom door open for
LB and Sam can see their guests. LB comes and looks out the door, but
retreats as soon as anyone notices her. She still growls whenever she
sees Spot. Sammy has come out to invesigate the kits, though she still
hisses if they approach her. This morning Sammy came out and crossed
the room to join me on the recliner. Spot didn't notice until Sammy
decided to hop down. They had a short screaming match. I had the water
bottle handy, but didn't need it. After screaming at each other for a
short while, Sammy slinked back to the bedroom while Spot called
insults after her. Course I followed Sammy and gave her some attention
and praised her for being so patient with the guests. The kits have
also ventured into the bedroom on ocassion, which Spot ignores, so I
guess she's not too worried about Sam or LB hurting the kits.

Note: Using the recliner has to be done with caution, since you can
never tell who might have crawled under it. I have the footrest up all
the time, which locks it in place to keep it from rocking and maybe
squishing someone. To make sure I don't forget when I get up, there's
a carrier under the footrest which keeps it from coming down.

Spot did a great job with them when she was taking care of them in the
big Out, but now she act like they get on her nerves. She feels she
found a safe place for them, and doesn't mind turning their care over
to me while she goes outside. Yes, I've been letting her out. Usually
she's only goes out for a few minutes to sniff around and see which of
the neighborhood cats have been visiting. But ocassionally she leaves
for an hour or two. She's been wearing a spare collar with my phone #
just in case she has another home. So far no calls, and she has been
coming back with the collar on. Back when I first noticed she was
pregnant I put a couple collars on her, and the collar would be gone
the next time I saw her.

So far I've only found homes for two of the boys. I thought I had
another one placed, but never heard from the potential slave. Course
this raises serious questions about how much this lady really wants a
kitten, and how well she'd take care on one if she had one. I'd rather
wait until I have GOOD homes for them, than just give them to the
first person who says they want a cat.

So far I figure they've cost me just over $100. IIRC the prices at our
local non profit clinic, getting the three I don't have homes for
speutered, vaccinated, and dewormed may add another $100. The two I
have found homes for will be going to my vet, so he'll be looking
after their medical care. Thanks to those who offered to offset the
cost, but I've got this covered unless something unforeseen happens.
Probably be better to check into sponsoring a cat at your local
shelter, or donating food or something. All the shelters I've ever
heard of can always use any help they can get (though I have heard of
some who can accept food who some crazy reason I've never understood).