A child’s inspiration for bringing up life’s topics is anything but predictable.  Without warning, a question will be posed and the parent is left reeling, wishing for a pause button so that books or Google can be consulted for sage advice.  The rule in our house has been that anytime Charlie wonders about the mysteries of the world, I can pass him off to The Mister with the understanding that when the time came for Lola to pose those same questions, the responsibility would be on my head.  Dad with son  - Mama with daughter.  It seemed fair.

I just would have appreciated some warning ahead of time.

We were sitting on the couch, watching a cartoon that had absolutely nothing to do with babies.  What sparked the connection in Lola’s mind to be uncontrollably curious about babies at that moment is the real mystery to me.

“Mama?”

“Yes…”

“After people get married, how does the lady’s tummy know that it’s time to grow a baby?”  Lola asked.

I stuttered.

I stammered.

I choked on my words, my mind whirling with how to communicate this delicate topic in a way that is suitable for a Grade 1 mind.

Charlie sat on a chair nearby.  Slouched down, arms crossed over his chest, he looked over at Lola from the corner of his eye,

“It’s worse than you think.”