Cousins. Explained.

Ever use the term "1st cousin once removed" or "2nd cousin?" I have always spoken of these relationships, but never actually knew what each meant. And ever since the recent births of many new babies in our family, I decided it was high time to get down to the nitty gritty.

First Cousins: A person with whom one shares a grandparent (but not a parent). Duh. We already knew that.

Second Cousins: Someone with whom one shares a great-grandparent (but not a grandparent).

First Cousin Once Removed: The child of one's first cousin is one's first cousin once removed because the one generation separation represents one remove.

Phew. I feel better now. Time for a lobster roll.