So many questions
I like that!
Firstly welcome to the forum. This is definatley the place to learn all you want to know. I suggest first you make use of the search button up there
Type in any topic you want to learn about and read through the posts that pop up. It will turn you into an expert!
Also please ASSUME that your baby is and will be smart! Babies are such little sponges. Anything you do is teaching them something. I teach by the moto of " imput, imput, imput" it's wise to see your child education this way. Your job is to present the info, in a fun and loving environment. You don't test or question just present as much information as you can. The results will follow eventually. You may not know when exactly you will see evidence but assume everything you teach is going in. Teaching this way you focus your energy on the parts that count. Organizing info ( bits) and presentation. It keeps learning fun for you all. It takes away the pressure of all your questions too!
You are off to a flying start already. I really like the little readder program. It takes ALOT of the work out of flash cards and includes phonics too. If you havnt already try the 14 day trial, under the red "free trial" button up the top. You can connect your computer to the big screen TV to get the large size words you need for 4 months old. The program is useful for years and well worth every cent. Do try it!
Love to hear more from you about your learning journey. Welcome.