I was told by two people this week that baby D is already showing signs of good rhythm.
"Oh really?!" I smiled in response. "That's so cute."
What I actually thought was: "I knew it. She'll be the next prima ballerina of the Royal Ballet, I'm sure of it. She obviously inherited this from me. She's amazing. I'm amazing! When can I enrol her in dance class?"
Or something along those lines.
You see, I was a classically trained ballerina for 10 years, and somewhere inside my head lurks a psycho, pushy, Natalie-Portman's-mother-in-Black Swan-type person.
I have to admit I've noticed that D has been dancing her heart out the past couple of weeks. It's certainly not balletic, that's for sure. She likes bopping around to songs, and I try to integrate different soundtracks into various points in the day – my favourite is Michael Jackson's "Dirty Diana" whenever she gets changed.
In addition to bouncing to the beat, Diana also does a crazed Sufi-like, whirling dervish thing which involves hyperactively flinging herself into the air and chanting. I'm not going to lie - it's starting to creep people out. I've gotten some weird looks from parents in baby cinema and our Sing & Sign class.
I think D's erratic jerking motions just signal enthusiasm, which I'm pretty sure is a good thing. I also imagine this new hyperactive, wildly moving streak is part of Diana's development. She's exploring new things, and rotting with mum (sadly) isn't really part of her vocabulary any more.
She doesn't even like to snuggle with me these days. She's too busy moving. When did she get so grown up?
I am even more mesmerised by Diana now than in the early days. Seeing her turn from a baby into a little girl is just a pleasure. And crazed Sufi or not, in my mind, this kid has the best personality of anyone in the world.
And I refuse to spoil that by being a high-pressure mother.
But what if she is destined to be the next Darcey Bussell? I don't want to keep her from greatness.
Just kidding. Maybe.