Saturday, August 08, 2009
A Very Close Call
This summer the family is learning Spanish. Because we live so far away from major cities, I’ve not found a suitable teacher and have so far made due with my limited Spanish skills and local resources.
“You can get two Spanish books,” I said to the kids as we darted into the library before lunch.
After ordering later at the cafe, the kids pulled out the new finds but there was more than I bargained for.
“Pa-ja..” Camille began reading her Berenstain Bears book which was entirely in Spanish.
“Pajaritos,” I explained. “That means little birds.”
“Abejitas,” she read.
I thought for a moment. “I think that means bumblebees.”
“I don’t get it,” she said. “I can tell from the pictures this book is about his mommy having a baby.”
I looked back at the title. Pajaritos y Abejitas? The birds and the bees?!
She continued, "What do birds and bees have to do with being pregnant?"
David barely contained his laughter as I slipped the book back into the library bag.
After all, I didn’t know the Spanish phrase for “birth canal.”