Okay, my *next* entry will be an entry either about religion or writing (or both), and not about the kid. I promise.

But, for now, let me just wax philosophical on the fact that Alexander had his one month check-up this past Friday. The doctor (well, the doctor's non-nurse practitioner assistant, actually) takes all kinds of measurements to make sure that the kid is growing correctly by comparing the kid to other kids the same age.

Alexander is in the 90-95% range of height (or length) for a baby his age. This means that 90 to 95 percent of the babies his age are shorter (or, uh, less long) than he is. Thus, he is growing well. Now, when he was born, he was in the 70th percentile or so. He is growing *fast*. In fact, he's still averaging about an inch per week, as I'd noted a few weeks ago, which means he is still on target to be seven and a half feet tall by his first birthday.

His weight is in the 75th percentile, which is good, because that means he's not as fat as other kids as tall as he is. As we all know, looks are everything, and fat babies are doomed.

His skull is now in the 75th percentile. When he was born, he was in the 90 to 95% range. Thus, his head isn't growing as quickly as his height. Don't know what that means, but if he's anything like his daddy, he'll have a bigger head than the rest of the kids before too long.

Oh, wait. Nevermind.

Other statistics:

* The volume of his screams is only at the 50th percentile, but the quality of harmonics (the "Piercing Factor") is closer to 70%.

* He is so white, they can't even measure it. All factors indicate he will eat Miracle Whip on white bread, watch Laverne and Shirley reruns, and listen to country music. He can't dance. If he plays sports, he'll either swim or play hockey.

* His flatulence is in the 45th percentile in quantity, but only 35% in quality.

* His cuteness is in the 95th percentile, but apparently so are the majority of other babies. Sounds statistically dubious to me.

Alexander Benjamin is healthy and happy, and doing okay for a one-month old. We hope his pleasant disposition will carry through for our road trip to ConJose, a science fiction writers' and fans' convention being held in San Jose this year.

...that's a long, long drive, even if the kid is in good spirits! :-)