very cute.
when did you guys start first handling the kittens? kittens learn most of their socialization skills from mom and each other. if the mom is fearful she'll actually inadvertantly teach that way of being to her kittens.
my family had cats all the time growing up & we went through alot in those years. we learned that some momma cats will allow their babies to be touched & will even bring 'em to you while we've had 1 momma cat that abandoned then killed her entire first litter that we touched & then abandoned another litter but we didnt let her kill that litter too cuz as soon as we realized she'd stopped feeding them we took over.
but it sounds like your momma cat is not feral.
sounds to me like you got a jekle & hyde kitty, lol. we've had a few of those.