My kid is cuter than your kid !!!

I am going to say a few things in this blog that I am sure almost all parents think, but nobody will ever actually say.
I have a theory that every parent believes they have the world's cutest, sweetest child. Each parent, no matter how ugly their baby is, and we all know there are some ugly babies out there, are convinced that their little treasure should be not only the new Gerber Baby, but also should be a baby model and probably receive the most beautiful baby of the year award. If their was such an award, I would think it should be sponsored by Gymboree or Babies R Us and presented by the Queen. As part of the presentation, your baby would likely get an invite to tea at Buckingham Palace, and a "beautiful baby" sash to wear. Anyway, I digress...
My point is that, for obvious reasons, people are afraid to say a baby is ugly. You never go up to a new Mum and say, "Oh look at that little one, she has to be the fugliest thing I have ever seen," or, "Wow, that baby girl looks just like your husband.... fat, hairy and with a face that makes Susan Boyle look like a runway model." These Simon Cowell comments are funny on American Idol, or Britain's Got Talent (depending which country you are reading this from), but do not tend to be appreciated at baby showers, or upon meeting someone with a newborn.
The thing is that any parent, when they see a member of the under 6 month age group will say, "Oh what a beautiful baby," or, "Wow, what a sweet little peanut."
But in their mind they are likely thinking, "Yeah, she's cute, but my kid is cuter." or, "I should say nice things so that you don't feel bad about the fact that I have a more handsome and more pretty child that you."
This is the delusion that every parent has when they have a bouncy, brand new baby. The 9 months of waiting and anticipating prior to the baby actually popping out makes you so anxious that no matter how deformed or covered in slime the little cherub is when he or she comes into the world, you will feel like the baby is the most amazing looking creature that ever lived, and will feel the need to tell everyone you know.
I know this feeling of delusion. With Gemma, pictured above, I am still under this, "my baby is so beautiful" spell, so am unable to pass judgement yet.
I do, however, remember that when Henry was born, 2 years and 3 days ago, I thought he was the classic, perfect looking little baby, and could not be convinced differently.
I now look back at his newborn pictures, and realize he looked like a bit of a big eyed alien with a funny shaped head, and while he was cute, Henry was certainly not a beautiful baby of the year contender.
Then again, I know that all parents who are reading this are thinking, "I already knew that and my kid is still cuter than your kid."