I don't know what either of these plants are, but...

I don't know what either of these plants are, but Kira says that the darker pink bush is "her roses" and tells Cubba that he "Better not pee on them!" 😂😂😂

Whatever they are, they're pretty! ❤️

Leon has pooped.

Leon has pooped. It's been almost 2 weeks and this was another piece of progress that we've been waiting for. I can't remember the last time I was so grateful for a turd. What a relief for us all - especially poor Leon. ❤️

I don't even care if I sound crazy

I don't even care if I sound crazy, but I'm pretty sure Tort Baby either knows his name or knows my voice. I haven't figured out which it is yet, but he definitely responds when he hears me talking or say his name.

Cubba af. 😂😂😂

Cubba af. 😂😂😂

This is another Leon update.

This is another Leon update.

I think our boy is going to be ok.  I say that with the hope in my heart that he continues to get stronger every day and that we get no more awful surprises.

He's moving around more and is far less wobbly than before.  He's still eating on his own - small amounts, but that's ok.  Kira got his treat bag out last night and he was so excited that he didn't wait for her to get one for him; he stuck his head right in and got one for himself.  His face looks far less miserable than it did days ago.  His eyes are starting to look clear and much more alert.  He pays attention to things going on around him now.  He's even gotten on her bed a few times on his own.  The improvements he's making are so welcome.

I cannot believe that just 7 days ago he was basically knocking on death's door.  (This week flew by because we were all scared and worried and sleep-deprived.)  For now he is still on pain medication, but I don't know if that's really necessary.  He is getting two injections per day from Shaun.  He's interested in food and not throwing up so we've saved his last nausea pill for in case we need it.  He's still on eye drops twice per day, which Kira handles well.

The good news is that he'll probably only need shots twice daily for a couple of more days and then we can drop down to daily.  The bad news is that the treatment he's getting lasts for 84 days - yes - eighty-four.  We may be able to switch to pills at some point, but in my experience it's not easier to make a cat swallow a pill than to inject them.  He'll also need to be closely monitored for relapse for another 84 days after his treatment ends so this is nowhere near over with, unfortunately.

We're finally starting to breathe and rest over here.  It is a much-needed change.  I think that for now regarding Leon, no news from me is going to be good news - but do feel free to check on him if any of you wish.  Better yet - message Kira and she'd probably be happy to tell you how wonderful and good and sweet he is and overload you with pictures.  She loves to brag on him and it would probably make her feel very loved.

I guess I'm about to get ready to help with his nightly injection and then get ready for bed.  I love you all.  Goodnight.  ❤

Another Leon Update:

Another Leon Update:

He licked some wet food, took a piece of turkey from Shadow, and tried a bite of tuna.  He also climbed up on the bed to be with Kira, and has head-bonked her at least once when she kissed him.  He also laid on his tummy a few times which is a lot nicer than seeing him splayed out on his side and not moving - which is all he's done up until today.

I still don't know that he won't take an unexpected downturn because this sickness is terrible, but I am feeling much more optimistic about his condition than I have all week.  I am so grateful for his improvement and really hope it continues. I really, truly think we got his not-FDA-approved drugs to him just in the nick of time.

Thank you again to everyone who's thought about us or checked on us.  ❤

LEON DRANK WATER BY HIMSELF!!!

LEON DRANK WATER BY HIMSELF!!!

It was just a few licks, but he did it and sniffed his food. We are so excited! The kids were smiling so hard.

Shaun was sleeping when it happened, but I slapped his shoulder (out of excitement) and told him the news. He smiled and thumbs-upped and hugged me.

I checked his gums and the color is returning. My heart is hopeful. I could cry.