Major update, photo gallery, joy

Yes, it's been way too long between updates.

Between illness and other issues, we've been hard-pressed to get to the Googler lately.

So, without further ado...

Maddy has been doing very well. She's still taking Lysine once a day. She rarely coughs now.

Occasionally she'll get winded when playing, but only after much vigorous activity.

Though clearly not a pure bred, we are fairly confident that she is a Turkish Van. Her physical traits and her personality seem to match well with this breed.

We've discovered a food that is both good for her and kind to her taste buds. It's Performatrim Ultra and available at most quality pet stores.

She's had her "womanly surgery" which is why her belly fur looks a little thin. She came through that very well, and was jumping around a day after. How are you supposed to keep a kitten from jumping? Restraints?

She has a fascination with wiping... any time we're wiping the table or counter she has to check things out. She's also fiercely protective of her dookies, and gets right in there when we're cleaning her box. Quite amusing...

Maddy is always active and she has to investigate everything and everyone.

She likes to carry her toys up and down the stairs... currently her fascination is moving Sharkey back and forth. Considering it's about the same length as she is, that can be quite a sight.

At seven-plus months, she still plays for several hours a day. She loves any game that triggers her hunting response.

She continues to improve her social skills - less biting to get her way. She'll still gnaw when she's over-stimulated, but what kitten doesn't?

Time for some info on the photos...

1. Sitting on the entrance-way carpet, munching on some cardboard... heaven!
2. She thought she was invisible when she hopped up on the table and hid under the paper while I ate my cereal.
3. She goes 'horizontal' in nabbing her feathery prey on the end of a stick. She also likes to go after the source and grab the stick itself.
4. One of her favourite relaxation poses... front legs this way, back legs that way.
5. Hanging out on the drum stool, legs crossed like a lady.
6. Leaning on brother-in-law Bryon's shoulder, much to his bemusement.
7. You just have to stop and smell, and maybe nom, the flowers.
8. Pfffffffftttttttt!
9. Go ahead, make my day... try tickling my bellah!
9. VIDEO: Waiting, prepping, wiggling and ACTION!