"You've got two girls that you're looking after; I thought all parents were up and eager to give their tips and warnings to those who haven't yet had the joy," I mutter, trying to keep myself from feeling too irrationally ruffled by his snort. He's just making sure I know he's got no plans to act superior about all this. That's all. I shouldn't be irritated; he's being friendly.

God, but it takes a lot more to rein my impulses in line lately.