Jump, Tumble, Roll

Ugh.

Look, I compare my kid to others around the same age, mostly for height and weigh purposes, but in observing them I often notice that Boogie is more advanced (mostly verbal and expressive) and sometimes hasn't caught up yet (physically, like jumping).

But I absolutely cannot stand those mothers who want to constantly compare their kids to mine, constantly brag about what their kid can do because they think Boogie can't. Just because you haven't seen her do it, or because I haven't been gushing over every minute detail of what she does in a day, doesn't mean she isn't as smart, or funny, or loving as yours is.

Boogie is cautious. She's not as smiley and outgoing with strangers as a lot of other kids her age, and she got it honest, because after 24 years of learning about life, I'm still the same way. But it irritates me that people make assumptions about her mood based on her reserve. She's not angry because she's not smiling, she's observant. I know it pushes my buttons, because people have said the same things about me all my life and I want to protect her from the hurt I still feel when people label me a certain way.

And it all seems magnified by this toddler-comparison crap that is always happening. I know Boogie can't be the best at everything, but she's damn good at a lot of things, and no matter how much you brag about how cool your kid is, I'm always going to think mine is cooler. I think if people spent more time with her, they'd realize too how absolutely amazing she is, but mommy-acquaintances are so focused on their own kids that they can't for a second see my baby, and it hurts my feelings because it seems like the kids that get all the attention are the ones who are smiling all the time, and she gets pushed on the fringes of activities because she doesn't crave attention like them.

Sorry...rant. I just get so frustrated sometimes. I want the best for her, I know how smart she is, but the only thing people say about her is she's beautiful. And I appreciate that, but there is so much more to her that I want people to see, and I get talked over. I feel like I'm the perpetual listener, it's always the other person's kid who is in center stage, but I know how annoyed I get when I'm bombarded with bragging, so I really try not to do it. It's just nice when people truly want to hear about her milestones, and how well she communicates, how she does imaginary play, and is so generous with kisses and food... but maybe gymnastics is not the place to find those people, eh?

I think the only people who really appreciate what an incredible kid she is, are the ones who already know her.