Since having E, we use the expression "doing the math" or simply "mathematics" for times when the three of us (or four, when Bailey is with us) are walking down the street and someone is trying to figure out our relationship. 99% of the time it goes something like this - look at J, look at G, look at E and B, a brief pause and then a smile.

However, it is easy to forget how insulated of a life we live in the "People's Republic of Cambridge" or the populated parts of Massachusetts for that matter. When outside of our "safe zone" the math can sum up a bit differently. In other parts of the country,namely red states, the equation sometimes ends with pursed lips or a muttering to whoever the person may be with. As a way to insulate ourselves, we joke that they are likely pray for E. The truth is, we hope that by seeing how much we love this child, that we are in some small way opening up minds.

In math, you can get to the same solution from many different ways. Parenting is similar. There is no one "correct" way. The most important denominators are love and respect.