Finally! Woke this morn to a nestbox full of fur. Mama Apple did great there. There were four kits in the front of the box that didn't make it, but I also have 4 that were where they should be buried under fur who seem wiggly, fat and healthy. So, I'm taking this as a very successful first time kindling, even though I'm feeling bad about not checking during the night. I don't think two of the four lost were viable--not peanuts, but looked as if they wouldn't have made it if they weren't stillborn. It was probably in the 30s in the garage, so I wasn't too concerned but will probably keep closer watch next time now that I know when to expect.
When is it best to get some weights on the kits? This morn, I removed the nestbox from the cage entirely to get rid of the messy hay, and only had the live kits out long enough to count and ensure they had been fed. Apple didn't seem to mind me pulling the box out and then replacing it.
Congrats! Glad to hear that Apple did it and that you have some good live ones.
Try not to feel bad about not checking during the night - I felt the same way when I found dead kits, but it's possible that even if you had checked, the kits may not have been born yet. I bet she'll have even more survivors in her next litter.
I don't weigh my kits until they're older, but I do handle the kits right from the get go like you do (and haven't had any issues with the doe rejecting them, etc.).