They moved into their new home a about six weeks ago. They built their digs inside a hanging glass candle holder, and I became an unnecessary midwife as the mom deposited first one little egg and then three more.

After the babies hatched, we watched them dine from our kitchen sink window, just six feet away from their nest.

Despite the killer heat wave here in our area, both mom and dad have stayed close, taking turns with feedings and encouraging their brood from the juniper nearby.

Two days ago, just at my dinner time, one of the little peepers hopped up onto the lip of the candle holder and lifted his wings. We thought the moment had come and thrilled to watch his parents coaxing him from their spot on the big old juniper right next to our deck.

After forty minutes of pondering, mom decided he wasn’t ready after all. She swooped in, knocking him back down into the nest.

Yesterday afternoon, he decided to give it another whirl and he was up and on his way in about two seconds’ time.

Two were left in the nest, and two were out in the world!

Or not. Minutes later I discovered a still-warm little wingless body, the presumed victim of a cat.

Today, mom and dad are still there, tending to the remaining two nestlings in what’s become a pretty foul nest. They will likely fly later today.

False starts and stops. Perilous journeys. Launching your new business is the same way.

When you get stuck on a project that just isn’t taking flight, whether it be your marketing approach, the niche you are targeting, or software you just don’t get, picture your mom knocking you back into your nest.

Take pause, get something to eat, take a nap, get refreshed. Seek the advice of a trusted colleague or your mom or dad or partner. Maybe you need to change your direction or just spend a little more time in the development stage.

Remember that you can’t do it all at once, you can’t do it all on your own, and realize that some of your best laid plans may not be winners and are destined to fail.