So, I know from previous experience that second (or third...) siblings tend to excellerate their learning when it comes to rolling over, crawling, and walking.  Of course, this isn't taking into consideration a child's God given talents.  Some children just do things early because they're good at it. 

Richard talked very early.  He just had a lot to say and couldn't wait to get it all out.  He still talks more than all the other girls combined.  I wasn't really expecting subsequent children to pick up that trait early... in fact, I was mentally prepared for delayed speech.  My friend Kathleen said her 3rd daughter didn't speak for a long time because her 2nd thought it was her job to answer all of #3's questions.  Hearing this story I figured Richard would do that to Deborah.  He did. 

Deborah decided that she loved music so much that she began to sing before she could talk.  Instead of regular baby coos, I realized one day that she was actually maintaining a steady melodic note.  This was her favorite thing to do.  She still sings more than she talks.  Without music in our house, I think she would shrivel up and languish. 

I can't really think of anything off-hand that Hannah did as an infant, but she is an excellent actress.  At age 2 she completely fooled me into thinking she was asleep.  She didn't crack a smile or react when tickled.  The manipulative tools I used on the other children to discern if they were truly asleep or pretending didn't work on Hannah.  After finally convincing me that she was truly asleep she popped her head up and smiled the biggest smile to prove she had indeed fooled me.  She still fools people at church at times.  With her up and down emotions that I noticed from birth I wouldn't be at all surprised if she made a career out of acting. 

So, here comes Amelia.  I don't really know what to expect of her.  She's only 3 months old and nothing has caught my attention.  Although, she has a seemingly long attention span for a 3 month old.  She can stare deeply and fixedly on a person's face for minutes at a time.  The average attention span at her age is measured in seconds, not minutes. I know some of my friends would disagree with my holding to the idea that God still speaks though words of prophecy, but I do.  Amelia received several preophetic words regarding strong mathematical, and technical abilities.  Her long attention span could certainly help her in these areas. 

So, there you have it.  I hope this note encourages other parents out there to take stock even at a very early age of what their children's abilities may be.  Don't ignore the little signs.  Get to know each child as an individual, and not as what you wish they would be.