I don't like being publicly acknowledged.

Last week at our annual general meeting, I was publicly acknowledged several times.

I don't like it. Actually, I should say, I don't like it when I'm there. I don't mind being acknowledged when I'm not around. But when I'm there, it's awkward.

I'm never really sure what facial expression to have. Do I grin? Keep stern? Look down? I don't know. I kind of keep my face pleasant and I look at the speaker. During applause I nod my head in a quick thank you.

Sometimes I clap, but then I quickly stop because I realize I'm clapping for myself. However, if I'm being acknowledged along with other people, I do clap and feel it's okay because I'm clapping for them, not for me.

A few times I watched other people who were being publicly acknowledged. They seemed just as uncomfortable and confused as me.

Last year was worse than this year because last year I had to stand up and give a wave. Very awkward and embarrassing. This year I didn't stand up. I stayed in my seat and tried to will myself to disappear.

People in our town are beginning to recognize us.

People in our town are beginning to know us - or more specifically Jake. They will come up to us and talk and we don't know who they are.

Sometimes they get excited when they see Jake walking or doing some new skill. "Oh look at that!" they will shout. This happened at a toy store recently. The woman apparently knew who Jake was, and he had been taking a couple steps.

If we go to a restaurant (which is rare), the server will talk to us like she knows us. "I remember when you came in here last year with him." You do?

It's sort of weird, but kind of cool. I guess it's sort of what a celebrity feels like on a much smaller scale.

Also, all the other daycare parents know Jake. We only know a couple of the other parents, and I barely know any of the other kids.