The Family Web Grows More Confusing

Looking at a photo of his Mom and her two cousins as babies, we asked your cousin Eryk: "Did you know that that's your Mom in the middle?" He showed no surprise or confusion so we followed-up with, "who do you think the other two babies are?" hoping he'd throw out a "my Dad!" or, even better, the correct answer, "Mac!". He gave neither answer, instead confidently shouting, "me!"
We laughed, enjoying the Twilight Zone-esque notion of a mother seated as a baby next to her own baby.
This was at the end of a great evening when you met your Dad's cousin and her baby for the first time. And, just when you thought that you were making sense of all the names given to family members connected in different ways, this meeting made things difficult again. You've mastered Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt and Uncle but what to call this lady known as Dad's Cousin and her child? No, she's not your Aunt. She's your second cousin and her baby is your first cousin, once removed. Clear?
We took a walk through the Park and ended up at the Outer Lands, a restaurant we've wanted to try for a few months. It was one of the best homemade type dining experiences we've ever had. This cousin, like your others, was fascinated by you and so gentle and sweet.
I can only hope that you'll have more opportunity to spend time with Eryk than I had with his Mom. After those first few years, my cousin and I didn't meet again until we were 16. It's a good thing that Portland isn't too far away.