This has been a very big week in the short lives of these kittens.

It's the week they both started eating solid food out of a bowl without prompting. It's the week they learned to run the length of the hallway. It's the week they started specifically responding to people.

They're growing up.

We've run into gender bias. Several people have inquired about adopting the little girl, but this guy is still waiting for a call. I'm not sure why people are avoiding the boy.

We learned many years ago that male cats are generally very mellow, and much lower maintenance than their complex female counterparts. There are always exceptions, but, as a rule, I would still say it's true.

Adopt me, please!

This has been the week for the full-scale emergence of play behaviors. This means endless bouts of wrestling, running, climbing, chasing, accompanied by occasional squeels and squeaks. Now and then they've been willing to pause for a photo.

Ms. Cybelle's keeping a careful eye on them the whole time. Now and then she intervenes to teach them a trick or two. And we're keeping a careful eye on Cybelle to prevent her from getting outside, at least until she gets spayed.

After play comes eat, and sleep. They're both eating solid food on their own now, but that hasn't completely eliminated the desire to plob down with mom.