3 babies + mom

not so many nights back, j & i sat on the front porch, dreaming. i sensed motion and noticed 2 birds, sitting on the ledge above us. we peered at each other, unsure how to share the space. more nights - they sat together, we sat too. the plant hanger - their outpost, which is why i have not hung flowers.

they began building a nest, and while inspiring it has also been messy.

i have not cleaned it up....i cannot disturb what they are building.

i am not sure how they spend their days, when not working on the nest, but every night they sit together on the ledge.

i have come to love those birds. sipping my morning coffee, I watch them watch their world.

i feel a kinship with them, i looked at j & said "that's us"

then, momma bird began sitting in the nest, papa bird near by.

she squirmed and moved awkwardly. he did not come close, wise bird.

i watched her anxious. how to ease birth pains?

for days we waited....nothing....and then a brown speckled shell at our feet.

straining for sounds of peeps and hunger cries...nothing.

a neighbor child climbs up and touches the nest.

and then 3 heads are poking up. my heart skips...is it possible?

they have 3 babies? it seems ridiculous that my first thought is to call my mom with the good news. i call anyway.