[LisaCA]

I have to say that I've tried really hard to not do that to other moms, to the point of being a counselor at times . Dd is quite advanced but it has nothing really to do with me-it's been clear from birth that she's got her own plan and we're just along for the ride. but I've had so many moms ask how old she is, then they seem really sad that their kid is same age or older and doesn't do whatever. Then I feel badly, so I mention that dd has her own plan, and that along with her achievements she can be a pain in the butt (not napping well, not sleeping well, colic for 5 months) and that kids do things when they feel they need to, period, so they don't feel badly. I'm sure the heavens will send me baby # 2 that will be about as bright as a rock, but I'll be happy as long as his temperment is calmer than dd's .

many use their kids as the latest acquisition, along with the mercedes, etc. And to be honest, maybe the lack of a genetic tie means I don't feel her achievements say much about me yet (though environment is just as important as genetics).

my sympathies casey. time to find friends that aren't so insecure that they have to claim their kids achievements as their own.