I still say the carrot-stealing bastard got what he deserved

This baby is taking her time.

I know, I know, I'm not even past my due date yet, but I can feel it. The Braxton Hicks contractions that seemed to be coming so frequently two weeks ago seem to have disappeared almost completely, and I can practically hear my cervix taunting me with all the non-dilating it's probably doing. My 40-week appointment is scheduled for Tuesday at 9:45, and in my heart, I know that Luke and I will be there. Blah.

How 'bout we answer some questions today, eh?

Professor Art Nerd is dying to know:

Who is your favorite artist, or artistic period, or work of art? What do you like about it? (I'm not judging, honest, it's just a question I always ask)

Oh, Lauren, I'm sure my response is going to diappoint you, because while I have a huge appreciation of art, my actual art knowledge is scant. I can tell you I love the Saturday Evening Post covers created by Norman Rockwell, which will be gracing my calendar for 2008, and there's a matted photograph of autumn leaves in my living room that I purchased at a local craft show a few years ago when I lived in Rensselaer and worked at Saint Joe. Other than that? I'm useless. I love the Post covers because of how well the images reflect all the coming-of-age situations that seem to happen in a typical American's life, and fall is my favorite season, so the leaves photo reminds of me crunching through parks in my hiking shoes with Luke, something we used to do all the time. That's one of the things I can't wait to do again in my non-pregnant state.

What is the book you most look forward to reading to Freka?

Now HERE'S a question I can get behind, mostly because I was a reading fool as a kid, and one of the biggest things that excites me about having a daughter is being able to share my favorite childhood and young adult books with her. Baby-sitters Club. Nancy Drew (both the original hardbacks and the paperback Nancy Drew Files). Sweet Valley High. Anything by Judy Blume and Paul Zindel. It's not that boys can't read these books, but do they? No, not usually. And even though I tried, I could never get into the Hardy Boys; they were only tolerable when teaming up with Nancy, Bess, and George in those random mystery thrillers that came out every few months.

Anyway, to answer the actual question, the book I'm most excited about reading to Freka right now is the comprehensive collection from Beatrix Potter. When I was a kid, one of my aunts gifted us the entire series of stories, and my sister Samantha and I had a blast going through the little books. My favorite at the time was The Story of a Fierce Bad Rabbit, mainly because he got his naughty little cotton tail shot off at the end.

Brittany asks:

Have you ever had something stolen from you?

Hell, yes, I have. The neon-green scooter I bought with money I received for making my First Communion back when I was nine years old, and I'm still pissed about it.

That scooter was a big deal. I already had a bike; Samantha and I had received matching pink bikes from my Nana for Christmas the year before, each with their own names etched into the handlebar padding (mine was Pink Taffy). But still, I wanted a scooter. Don't ask me why.

A week or two after my First Communion celebration, my father took me to Toys R Us, and I picked out said neon-green scooter. He put it together for me as soon as I got home, and I fell in love. Between that and the bike, my feet almost forgot what it felt like to make physical contact with the sidewalk. (We were NEVER allowed to ride in the street, and I'm still amazed when I see kids that do. My mother would've killed me.)

The poor thing didn't last through the summer.

My parents might say part of it was my fault for occasionally neglecting to store the scooter in the basement like I was supposed to every night before going to bed. Our apartment had fencing around the yard, and a gate, but it was that criss-cross wiring stuff that anyone could easily climb over. Apparently, the temptation of the scooter just sitting there next to our staircase was too great for one of the local sticky-fingers, and one morning, it was just gone. I never saw it again.

Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure they stole my bike, too. Couldn't you just cry a river for poor 'lil Frema?

Comments

[Lindsey]

I remember when scooters were big, but I don't think my sister or I ever had one. On second thought, I think my sister did, but it was more of a younger kids plasticy one. We were fortunate enough to live in a neighborhood where we were allowed to ride in the streets. Those were the days...

[Anna]

I just had to say that I bought a scooter with my First Communion money too! Except mine was turquoise.

[Christar]

I'm still totally bummed that Freka didn't come on my guessed due date! My 2nd one was Dec. 9th, but I didn't want to make you mad by saying it was after your due date. But that's what I'm going for next.

[Isabel]

I read to Babboo all the time these days. Way more lately. And I love every minute of it.

[Rachel]

Poor Lil' Frema! I love reading to my kids. Kaylie always wanted a bedtime story and lately, we have gotten away from that. Alyssa brings me books all the time and wants to read.

I still say the 9th!

[Professor Art Nerd]

I'm buying my nephew a scooter for his third birthday!

I really really do not judge anyone's art preferences. Well, maybe Anne Geddes, a little. Those poor babies! And I am as suspicious of anyone who doesn't have some sort of art that they like as those who have no favorite song, band or musical style. It's just crazy talk!

[daddy d]

Too bad about the scooter. I don't know how someone can ride someone else's scooter and like the ride. That is just plain wrong.

[Jenny]

The hours and hours I spent reading Nancy Drew...I used to be such an avid reader when I was younger - not so much anymore...

[debi]

Gosh, I must check in here 5 times a day. Just in case. How is it just hangin out at home? I think I made a guess a while ago and I lost already. My new guess is the 14th. She will weigh in at 8lbs 6oz. 21 inches long. You are going to have the best Christmas. I am so excited for you both. Have I already said that 1000 times? Yes, I thought so.

[Elizabeth]

Ooo, scooters! We ha two oldones that used to be my dad's. LOVED them! Until the one came apart as I was riding it and I went sprawling onto the sidewalk.

My favorite book for little ones is "Hippos Go Berserk" by Sandra Boynton. Actually, all of her books are great. My favorite book to read to my middle child is "Once Upon A Potty"... I love the pictures. I love the library, where I can pick up all sorts of different styles and stories.