Bragging rights

People compliment me all the time about the kids. In music class, at the park, in the food store, on the street. Its a regular thing. I would say normal, but its not really normal. My kids attract a lot of attention and no, its not normal.
Since Minna was little, I've been a bit perplexed as to how I should handle these situations. For some reason there is this unwritten, unspoken rule of public politeness that says that when complimented, we should do the following:
1. appreciate
2. self-depricate
3. reciprocate
So it goes a little something like this.
Them: "Oh my, your daughter speaks so well. She has an amazing vocabulary"
Me: "why, thank you" (1). "its great, but really, you just can't shut this girl up!" (2) and "your son just has the greatest hair" (3).

This bugs. Why isn't step one enough? Why can't I just say "thanks" or even (gawd forbid)..."I know, she was incredibly verbal from a very early age". I find that the three steps are particularly necessary with other parents of similarly aged kids. Try to get away with just step one and you'll find yourself ostracized to the outskirts of the playgroup.

So is it somehow bad/conceited/deluded of me to be pretty confident in the fact that my kids kick ass? I asked Dan about this once and he said..."well, I guess it depends on how much you think that reflects on you...." Well helltothefuckingyes I think that reflects on me. These kids have been my main focus for the past 6+ years (if you count trying to conceive and pregnancy, which I do), so yeah, I take pride in and take credit for their awesomeness. There I said it. My kids kick ass and I made them that way. Whether by nature or nurture, I (and of course all the other amazing people in their lives, particularly their father) kick ass at kids.

Before you get your panties in a wad at my outright conceit, let me just say, that I also take ownership of all the time they are Shitty McShitheads. Seriously. I aint saying they are perfect...yes the little one has zero table manners and the big one can't keep her hands out of her pants...Ok so the little one hasn't slept through the night more than twice in 20 months and the big one has a tendency to lose her shit when she doesn't get her way. BUTT BUTT BUTT...they are gorgeous, happy, affectionate, brilliant, capable, trusting, caring, funny, amazing kids and every ounce of what I have to offer has been funneled into these two beings with satisfying results.

So go ahead tell me how pretty, strong, musical, coordinated, sweet they are. I know and I'm happy to get the positive feedback. But oy, are they a handful at bedtime...and did I mention how I love, I mean really love, your kid's hair??