sorry so many questions

Is it normal for mom to leave the kittens for a bit? She ate a little bit ago, now she's just kind of hanging out out of the box. The babies are in a little pile in their box, and they are not meowing. They are sleeping right now. I just thought that they needed her to keep them warm... maybe I worry too much. I just turned the heating pad on and put in on underneath the box and the blankets, to keep it a little bit warm...

Both of my momma cats frequently leave their "nest" to run around and play, and eat, and use the litterbox, etc. They run immediately back to the babies at the first cry though. As long as the box isn't in a drafty area where they will get cold, they'll be alright for a few minutes while mom has some time to herself.

You have the mom there, I would get rid of the heating pad, those can do more harm then good. I don't know how young the babies are but since the mom is present I would not use it. She can take care of them, she can also step away from them after she puts them to sleep, she needs a break too!! Plus if they are sleeping and not meowing, they are plenty warm enough and they are happy and content and sleeping. Don't worry.

Piling up together helps to keep them warm, too.

ok thank you! i actually turned the heating pad off a couple of minutes later... my husband told me not to have it on. i just worry heh. they were all piled up and sleeping but she was keeping a close eye on them.
thanks!

Sure, mom needs a break too

Just be sure the kitten box is away from drafts and they will be fine. Kitten piles will keep each other warm. Mom will check on them when they wake up and cry