Merrick at 18 months

Merrick saying, "Cheese"

Last week Merrick turned 18 months. I have been struggling to put the last year and a half into words. I wish I could say the last 18 months have been a breeze. That going from 1 kid to 2 was easy and a total joy. I wish I could say I would love to have 10 more kids just like him.

But instead I will sum it up the way the doctor put it on Monday night (a doctor that hasn't met him, mind you). Merrick is a "freak of nature." OK, I joke. I wouldn't say that (that is what the doctor said though).

Let's see if I can say it in the nicer way. Merrick is very, very spirited. He is very smart, energetic and emotional. So far they have not gotten to the bottom of his issues and in a few weeks he will go through some more testing.

Vital statistics:

Weight: 23 lbs (25%)
Height: 30" (20%)

He LOVES dogs, airplanes, balls and the Wiggles. He says: Dad, Mom, De (for Deklan), ball, no, yes, hi, bye, ready (right before he jumps off something!), he signs eat, all done, more, drink, he does all the signs for hoopty-do, rock-a-bye your bear, and rolling down the sand hills. He loves to pick daddy up from work and he has a special smiley face he gives only to daddy.