You have done a wonderful job in caring for this cat and her kittens especially with no prior experience. It’s a daunting task even for the battle hardened!
You did an exceptional job in feeding her and keeping her healthy and safe before she delivered, and now having her inside and letting her pick her nest, even though it’s not really the desired place, LOL.
Hopefully, she will settle down and continue nursing them until they are ready to be weaned. I would just keep a very watchful eye on them to make sure they are getting enough so that you can step in if need be. I would think it’s fine to let the surrogate keep on doing her thing too, it’s helpful for both mom and kits and even her to be caring for the kittens.
Who knows why she is restless? It could be that your son isn’t there and that is her go-to person, she could be coming into heat, or she is just plain restless. Whatever the reason, she is in no danger and she is not neglecting her kittens. She has you to rely on in case she decides she doesn’t want to do this ‘mom’ thing anymore. 🙄
It must be a shock to not being a cat person, and then having so many to care for. Cats have taught me plenty over the years–the patience and resilience that mother cats have to care for kittens under the worst circumstances possible, has given me a different view on a lot of things. 🙂