More than just landscape

As most of you know, I recently planted some flowers and herbs in my front yard with my mom. It was some of the most fun I have ever had with my mom. Just the two of us in old T-shirts, hair up in messy ponytails. It was so relaxing and enjoyable... and on top of that- NONE of our plants have died! I am so proud of us!!! We are actually planning on tackling the backyard. But for now, we are just trying to maintain the front (we can hardly keep the little lucky bamboo you just keep in water, alive.)
I have made a routine out of it: I eat my breakfast, and then I go and water all of the plants... so far so good.
Well, one morning, a week after all of our yard work, I took the fern hanging on our porch down to water it. I found a small, and amazingly perfect nest with 4 tiny blue eggs in it. It was so perfect, I actually thought it was fake for a moment... but then I remembered saying to my mom a few days before, "Look how funny that bird is, it just loves our fern!"
The bird had been making a nest, and now had layed her eggs in it.
I realized I was going to be an auntie!
I quickly ran into our house and told my mom the exciting news. I waited until she finished her cup of coffee (of course) and then we went outside to take a few pictures... from a safe distance, so we wouldn't bother out sweet Mamma Bird.



We looked up what type of bird had chosen our fern to be her nest. We found a few birds that she could possibly be, but by the way she looks, acts and the area we live in, we think she is a house finch.
My mom and I waited another week or two for the little babies to hatch.
I found them when I was on the step stool, carefully watering the fern. I saw the grey little fuzzballs, and (again) ran in the house to tell my mom.
We are so excited that they finally hatched. But we are keeping a very safe distance... even though Mamma Bird doesn't really mind us anymore!
I am so happy that the little birds have a safe, and shady place to live!
I never would have guessed that our garden would be much more than just some landscape.