Five bundles of fur and teeth

In recent weeks, it has been the pleasure (or misery, depending) of Kristin and me to watch over and raise five little kittens. When we picked them up, they were orphaned on our neighbor's porch and she didn't want them. So, we took them in and started to care for them. They have been a real headache, but they're so cute. We often used to have to get up at midnight to feed them, only to return again at 4 a.m. When we got them, they were only 12 days old and couldn't move very well. Their eyes were mostly still closed as were their ears. However, now, at 6 weeks of age, they are active, energetic and fully aware bundles of joy. They play with each other and roll around on the floor.

Something really strange and awesome happened this morning. We have one Calico kitten that has refused to eat as we have successfully weaned the others from bottles to eating out of a bowl. We have had to continue bottle-feeding this little one for fear of her just not eating. However, this morning, I mixed up the kittens' formula in a bowl and put it in their box. Then, I went and got the regular cat food to feed Psycho, I mean, Orion, our adult cat. The little Calico followed me over to the cat's dish and watched as I poured the food into it. As soon as I got done pouring, she jumped up on the food and started munching away. Just like that! No coaxing, no prodding, no suggestions on my part at all. She just decided that she was done with this baby food crap and took her lumps. Soon, the others came over and started fighting over the food. They all were up on top of the cat's dish (which really pissed off Orion, by the way) munching away at the solid food. So, we have now officially stopped feeding the cats liquid kitten formula and they are now well on their way to eating solid cat food. Now, if we can just get them to realize that the water dish isn't for walking in and choking on...

Anyone want a kitten? I'm posting pictures as soon as I can get the pictures sized for the Web.