There's been a little action in my studio this week. Not from me.
And there's been a birth here this week. Also not me.
As Adelaide tells the story, her cat Piper marched into the house on Easter morning, on a mission. Heading straight to my studio, and a soft and cozy basket full of precious fabric scraps (naturally), this cat cozied herself in, stretched, "breathed funny and meowed and out came a kitten!" And really, that's just about how it went...three times more. Then she licked them all clean and took a nap.
(And this soon-to-birth Mama was inspired.)
(Before I continue....I know, I know. All of our house and barn cats and dogs are spayed and neutered, except for miss Piper, who was next on the list. It appears that we may have an extra boy cat lurking somewhere around these parts. Please be assured that just as soon as her body can take it, and before she goes back outside, she'll be headed to the vet. Same story with her kittens, who we'll care for, and who we will be certain are spayed/neutered just as soon as can be - as early as eight weeks.)
Mama Piper and and her four little kittens have since been relocated to the foot of Adelaide's bed, where they can be kept out of harm's way (in the form of toddling brothers), read to and sung to every hour, waited upon hand and paw, and otherwise doted upon by their loving grandma, Adelaide, who hasn't left their side. Except to periodically report to the rest of us on the adorableness of the kittens.
Adelaide's own mother decided that holding them should wait until they opened their eyes, giving them a week of bonding extra close with their Mama cat, a change to grow just a little bit bigger, and also giving Mama cat just a little bit more breathing room.
It may very well have been the longest week of my little girl's life.
Much to her delight, there were open eyes yesterday morning, and the gentle, periodic 'holding' has begun. I'm certain that they are all quite safe in her hands. And just as certain that they might just be some of the most loved kitties in all the world.
