I have a hard time not needing that praise-through-my-kids, too. When my pediatrician told me she was "very concerned" about when my two-week-old wasn't gaining much weight I took it pretty personally; same thing when the librarian told me that my three-year-old has a "problem listening" (even though I am the first to admit that most days). *sigh* Hope everything with Laylee's ears works out ... and she enjoys Kindergarten! (I'm sure she will!)