3 Days to go, and the nerves are kicking in....

As the title says, it is getting so close now, that it could almost happen any time now. The knot in my tummy is getting tighter, some of it is fear, some of it is excitement and some of it is anticipation. Lily's delivered 2 litters before now, so I have some idea of what to expect. Once number one is out, she has proceeded to deliver the remaining babies so fast, that I really need to be there, and work quickly, to make sure the rest make it into the world safely. As soon as she looks at me, and makes the sound, that tells me that her uturus is starting to contract, my adrenaline will start to rush, and orders will be issued to other members of the house hold, as they all have their different jobs to do.

The heat pads, are in the lounge. These are all heated via the microwave, and I use them to keep the babies warm, while Lil is deliving subsequent kittens. Because, in the past, they have come every 6 minutes, on average, this just gives Lil time to eat the placenta, break the amniotic sack and start to clean. As soon as I see her strain with the next baby, I have to take over with the current baby, keeping it warm, and rubbing it's little body, gently with a warm towel, while directing Lil to the next baby that has appeared, without her realising it is there, she being so intent on the baby before. Sometimes it can be difficult to manouvre her quick enough, so I will make sure the sack is broken, to stop the baby from drowning in the fluid.

As each baby is delivered, the anxious bit is to wait for movement, and it is a great relief, as you see it moving, and then hear it squeak.

Once that is all done, Tim takes over, and sits with them, trying to get all the babies to latch on. Without this, they would obviously die, so it is vital that all babies are latched on, and snuggled up with mum, in a warm and clean environment.

At the moment Lil is not showing too much interest in the other cats in the house. She is quite clingy with me, and sits on my lap often. I am now shutting her in here with me at night. last night, she slept on the pillow next to mine. She has reached the stage where she needs the reassurance that I am not far away.

I have 2 photos today. One with her snuggled up with Galadriel, on my bed, and another, with her on one of her favourite places, a shoulder!!!