Both kids went to the doctor today. Owen was complaining of symptoms that screamed “ear infection!” so I called and made an appointment for him when Audrey was still napping. Then she woke up fussy and I figured she might as well have an exam, too, since she’d be along for the ride anyway. So I called back for an appointment for her. It was a prime opportunity for the issue of their two different last names to come up – but it didn’t.

I remember worrying when I was pregnant that this choice would saddle them with the burden of being different or wierd. Granted this was a doctor’s office where professional behavior reigns, not a third grade classroom where teasing is de rigeur, but it was still a relief. And a reminder not to let what other people might think affect parenting decisions, no matter what they are.