I Just Got Mommyjacked!

I posted this photo on my Facebook wall because it's so hilarious and true.  I never close my bathroom door all the way because my cats consider it a personal affront to do so.  My younger cat doesn't realize he can walk into the partially closed door and it will open so he does a ninja kick into the air and comes barging in every time I'm having my morning pee.  My older cat soon follows and I watch them roll around on the bath mat and chase each other in and out of the bathtub.  As soon as I flush they excitedly race out the door because they know my next stop is their food bowls.

It's our ritual and one that I was sure a few other cat parents would relate to.  My cats follow me to the bedroom at night and wait for me to wake up in the morning, sometimes jumping up on the bed to rouse me.  They are my constant companions and I love them.  But it's also really just a funny picture I wanted to share with Facebook. 

A few people "liked" my status immediately.  And then a friend of mine (who is not a cat parent I must point out) commented "or a parent of a small child."

Sigh.

Mommyjacked.

If you're not familiar with the term mommyjacking, it was made popular by the web site STFU Parents and refers to instances "when an enthusiastic mother turns someone else’s status update into their own personal baby-talk forum.”  

I don't mind babies on Facebook.  They really don't bother me so much.  I cheer when my friends announce milestones or post cute pictures.  Pregnancy announcements are a little harder but I manage not to take them personally (because it's not!).

My Facebook post was about my experience as a parent, yes a cat parent, but a parent nonetheless.  I have been told that tiny humans like to accompany their mothers into the bathroom too.  I'm not naive to think I won't experience the same phenomenon if I am lucky enough to achieve parenthood.  But to take my funny parental anecdote and make it about yourself - your parenthood experience - is the reason why web sites like STFU Parents exist.  Not everything you see or read is about your children - nor should it be.  My funny picture is now just another reminder of what I don't have in my life.

Thanks.

I will add, however, that I shouldn't be surprised this happened since the same Facebook friend also posted the following status a while back: "Two great events in history today.  Bin Laden was captured and 'Baby' rolled over."

Sigh.