"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in."

Rachel Louise Carson

Our little guy hanging with Daddy while we were in LA. He has made outstanding gains, especially in language in the last few weeks. He is saying "Mommy" and "Daddy" to all three of us-which he never acknowledged us by name at all. Of course, Ian is not entirely thrilled with being called "Daddy", but we're working on it. He is beginning to add two word repertoire, usually "more, please" or some version of more and please. He is doing puzzles on his own. Still like the little cars, still gets into his own world and still has Houdini stamped all over him. Some things still seem to be in the future, but we are confident they are in there somewhere, waiting to appear in all of their glory.

Next month is Autism Awareness Month and I am planning to include a blog entry each day highlighting some interesting research, books, websites, links to other blogger friends with great children to tell about and stories of my own. I will not judge other parent choices-I will only say what works for us or what we observe or present as objectively as possible. Let's just see what we learn and go from there.

I hope you will stop by before that-but please plan on visiting in April (I will include regular posts too-we are more than just autism here!!!) and please send a few friends over to read as well. I feel like it's one way that I can do my part and feel more enlightened myself!

Finally-I have to thank my friend Jeni who sent me a gift of jewelry and ribbons for autism-thank you so much. She is walking for autism in honor of her two adorable grandchildren. I love reading her family stories and I appreciate her presence in my blogosphere. Walk on, Jeni!