“Mommy, can I cut the lizard open?” JJ questioned very matter-of-factly. She had just come in from checking on her latest lizard, a big fat one she was sure was pregnant with dozens of eggs. She had felt little bumps inside the bulging belly of the western fence lizard, and this eight-year-old child with a bent for biology made the expectant diagnosis.
Sadly, she discovered this morning that her lizard was dead. She was curious. And maybe she could save the eggs. Frankly, I know nothing about lizard anatomy and may not know a lizard egg if I saw one. But I’m sure this girl would know. She has an instinctive nature when it comes to the study of living things. She loves animals, and her desire to cut open the lizard is inquisitive not cruel.
“That’s a-skusting!” cried the little brother. “Not while we’re making muffins!” asserted the little sister.
JJ brought me a paring knife. She’s a persistent girl, a trait that alternately drives us crazy and makes us proud. Am I ready for a dissection? Do I let her explore?
I’ve got a girl just like her :) and yes I would have let her cut it open too. Maybe they’ll both be great doctors one day and support us their old mommas : )
Jen July 15th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Tipper, glad you can relate! She wanted to keep the lizard skin.
The photo, the story, JJ, the lizard, the guts (in both senses of the word) the cast and dialogue (”a-skusting”, especially) the suspense… I love everything about this story — especially the thoughtful mom who has shared it with us!
Jen July 18th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Kristin, great note on the “guts” in both senses–that hadn’t even hit me til you said it. :-)
“Mommy, can I cut the lizard open?” JJ questioned very matter-of-factly. She had just come in from checking on her latest lizard, a big fat one she was sure was pregnant with dozens of eggs. She had felt little bumps inside the bulging belly of the western fence lizard, and this eight-year-old child with a bent for biology made the expectant diagnosis.
8 Responses
She might be a surgeon one day. Ya never know!
Let her experiment, under close supervision, that is.
Oooh, you’ve left us hanging. So did you let her? :~D
She’s so brave! I could never even go near a lizard!! Post some pics of the dissection though - I am interested to know.
Folks, we cut it open, Mom and JJ. It was “a-skusting” as Little L said. No eggs to be found, just bulging lizard guts. I will spare you any photos.
I’ve got a girl just like her :) and yes I would have let her cut it open too. Maybe they’ll both be great doctors one day and support us their old mommas : )
Tipper, glad you can relate! She wanted to keep the lizard skin.
The photo, the story, JJ, the lizard, the guts (in both senses of the word) the cast and dialogue (”a-skusting”, especially) the suspense… I love everything about this story — especially the thoughtful mom who has shared it with us!
Kristin, great note on the “guts” in both senses–that hadn’t even hit me til you said it. :-)
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