Yesterday we took Ian to the park for a walk. As you can see, he had a great time:

Friday, as you know, Ian started saying the word “no.” Hooray for word #2. It has been pointed out that I will probably regret teaching him that one. Monday night he made a game out of that new word and his other word- shaking his head “no” and saying “da-da.” Then he’d laugh. He could have been telling me what I already knew, which is that Daddy was not at home, but I have decided to pronounce this Ian’s First Joke. As in, “I know these don’t go together, so this is funny!” I consider this his most important milestone to date. It’s a hard, cruel world without humor.

Word # 3: This morning he said “Mama.” Just as though he suddenly realized, after all this time, who the heck this woman is who is always around. Then, this afternoon, he celebrated by biting a small piece of skin off of my cheek.

I realize that I do not normally discuss my own accomplishments in personal growth, but I want to share with those of you who know me well and are perhaps thinking, lovingly, that you are sure I was less than polite at the moment I realized my child was actually eating my face, that I did NOT yell at my son. I calmly informed the little cannibal that it was time for his nap, kissed him, and put him to bed. However, he Did Not Nap.

Other than that, I have nothing to share except that the magnolias are out. It rained today, and tonight it is very windy, so they might be gone by morning, but they were very pretty this afternoon.

First of all, I know everyone, everywhere has a favorite cause, and there is no reason why the one I’m currently supporting should be more important to you than any other good cause. I normally would not write to friends and family seeking support of a charitable cause, but I am really asking for your emotional support, so even if you do not care to make a financial donation, please keep reading.

Ian and I will be walking in the March of Dimes March for Babies at the end of April. Some of our friends are coming too, so we have a team of babies participating in the March for Babies. I was thinking about what the word “sponsorship” means, and I realized that NASCAR kept coming to mind, so here is the plan.

Ian’s sponsors will get a spot on the “car,” just like NASCAR sponsors. Obviously, in this case, the “car” is the stroller. I will put an image or phrase (of your choice, you so creative people) from each sponsor on the stroller while we train and during the March, and after the March, I will combine these images and any words of encouragement from friends and family into a keepsake for Ian. So please send whatever you have to offer in support of this project, whether it is a note, a rhyming couplet, a donation via the website, or two pennies and a nickel, and we will think of you while this blessedly healthy baby marches to help other babies who are no less loved. I will, of course, send photos as we deck out the “car,” so you can see what we’re up to. Your “GO IAN” is the most meaningful support we could have, and this way we can let the world know it.

Sponsorship donations can be as little or as much as you want- they accept donations as little as $5 via the website, and you could, of course, give me a dollar (or, as I say, two pennies and a nickel) to turn in. It all counts. If you want more information about the March for Babies or would like to donate money in support of Ian’s March, go here: http://www.marchforbabies.org/5feline5

And now, so this is not a mere crass, commercial appeal, here is the first photo I’ve managed to get featuring Ian’s brandy-new top teeth.

So, are you all “newsed out” on these Ian updates? They’ve been fast and furious lately. Well, too bad, because today he took a step. One small step for Ian, one giant leap for mommy-needs-to-be-prepared-because-I-want-to-RUN. I had no idea one teeny, little, unsupported step could be so terrifying and exciting.

He also stood unsupported for the first time, but that seems just a TOUCH anti-climactic now, doesn’t it?

you can view photos and video from today here: http://picasaweb.google.com/meghanegray/BalmyWeatherInMarch

Unfortunately, the videos are identified by the tiniest little icon you have ever seen inside the picture. It’s easier to see if you click on the button that shows you bigger previews. Click on the video files and they will play. Let me know if you have trouble and I’ll send you the photobucket links.

Love to you all,

Meghan (and Michael, and Ian.)

And there was a witness, so I am not just being a doting mommy. (Okay, his grandpa is not exactly impartial, but he CLEARLY knew what he was saying and meant that he wanted Michael.) I could tell when he got up this morning that he was up to something today… he just had a little smug attitude like he was proud of himself over something.

Michael often calls to say he’s on his way home or that he will be late, and he talks to Ian when he does. Ian shows signs of recognizing his voice when he does this. Today, I was at my parents and Ian was playing on the floor when Michael called to say he was on his way, and I was talking to him and I told Ian “It’s Daddy!” He started reaching for the phone saying “Da-da! Da-da!” So Michael talked to him, and he obviously knew who it was. (He made his “Daddy face.”) Needless to say, Michael is feeling quite the warm, fuzzy glow, although Ian refuses to do this in his presence- I guess having already acquired Daddy, he sees no need to ask for him.

As a little bonus, take a look at what he was up to this afternoon:

Love to all!

Meghan