The Birds And The Bees And The Belly Buttons

(We’re at home on a weekend, and I’m just sitting on the couch, reading. My siblings are very loud, but the loudest is my eleven-year-old brother. Keep in mind that he’s very smart. He’s actually quiet at this time, so I ask what’s on his mind.)

Me: “What are you thinking about?”

Brother: *with hand on chin* “Oh, just about the pain a mother must be in during birth.”

Me: “Uh, yeah. It’s quite painful.”

Brother: “How long does it take for the belly to go back together? Or does the doctor do it?”

Me: “What?”

Brother: “You’re a girl; you must understand. After the baby comes out of the belly, does the doctor stitch the stomach back together or does it do that by itself?”

Me:“…”

Brother: “Oh, come on, [My Name]! You know, when a baby comes out of the mom’s belly button!”

Me: “Who told you babies come out of the belly button?”

Brother: “Well, why do you think it poked out so much when Mom was pregnant with [Younger Sister]?”