Let's say, for example, you'd like to ask me how old he is.

Uh, off the top of my head? I'm gonna go with about 5 months. How many weeks old does that make him? Well, if he's 5 months old, and there are roughly 4 weeks in each month, then 20 weeks, right?

Here's where I get out my calendar and -- please hold while I'm counting -- discover that's he's 21 weeks (and 1 day).

So, what's he supposed to be doing now? I guess babbling, cuz he's doing lots of that. And I guess sticking everything in his mouth, cuz every object that gets near him is suddenly covered in gobs of slobber.

He can roll pretty easily from his belly to his back when he wants to, so I think that's good. And don't babies start to sit unassisted somewhere around 6 months? Yeah, he's working on that, too, but only because I remembered the other day that he should probably be able to do that soon, so I've been propping him up and catching him by the forehead as he careens over.

Do any of these skills make him "advanced"? Dunno. Haven't had time to read every word of "What to Expect the First Year," which I had basically memorized when Sam was a baby.

Is he lagging behind in anything? Great question. I'll ask the pediatrician during his next checkup.

I feel like I'm more just winging it this time. Last time, I was researched and planned to the hilt, and I did all the stuff experts recommended to inspire her little baby mind and blah blah-blah blah blah.

Man, I hope this one doesn't turn out badly. Because it'll definitely be all my fault.

Did you notice changes in how you parented with your second/subsequent kids? Did it make a difference?