She gets it. Direct comparison between Joan and Michelle isn't something either of them wants. Even though Joan is technically in a role in Ted's life that Michelle once held, she knows that she doesn't replace her. She's aware that Ted knows that, too. If she thought he felt otherwise, then Joan would have hit pause on the relationship to give him time and space to figure out if he wanted Joan or if he just wanted someone to keep Michelle's place warm.

Joan smiles at the thought of Ted being excited about having a girl and doing her hair. It's an incredibly sweet mental image.

"You can braid my hair if you want," she offers.