Happy Birthday Merrick!

Today we spent the day at the pumpkin farm. I could not possible post all the pics. Here is a link so you can enjoy each picture! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2098174&id=71800729&l=f3192ca244

Today I was sat for a while and reflected on the last year. My has it gone fast!

*Everyone says having a newborn is exhausting, midnight feedings/changing diapers every 2hrs, crying and not knowing the reason behind the cry. Looking back--that stage was somewhat of a breeze! Having a seven pound sweet smelling precious baby that sleeps 23 hours and eats almost 20hrs a day really wasn't bad! Sure It was hard to have but all in all, it was incredibly sweet (who would have though something so small could require SO MUCH attention and time though!)

Then at about 6-8 weeks you start to feel the love back through the heart melting SMILES. Suddenly the endless nights are absolutely worth it, and you can now sort of leave the house without planning to be back within the hour because he will need to eat. Merrick only got up about 1-2 times a night! I was loving every moment of it.!

Month 3-5 was AWESOME. And if I didn't love every other stage...I would be brave enough to say this has been somewhat of a favorite! At this point Merrick was interactive cooing, smiling, a very happy baby! We couldnt have asked for anything more! We were so blessed! I could put him somewhere...swing, bouncy, play mat-and he was perfectly content and in the same place as where I had left him. 2 2hr naps a day and a bedtime of 630-7. Life was getting very easy!

Month 6 into month seven I would say was again my favorite! He began doing so many new things, babbles non stop and loved eating his veggies and fruits. His face was priceless as he tried new ones! He was sitting and very content to have a basket of toys in front of him. I could get my hair done in 15 mins flat!

Month 8-9 was awesome. Very busy, very independent, destructive baby. He was mobile and into EVERYTHING and EVERYWHERE! He had to be in site at all times. He was the fastest army crawler Ive ever seen!

And onto month 10. Our new "favorite" stage. What a ham...what a mess. Our house is always in a state of destruction...He can not be out of site for a second! Everything is out of reach cause if it is not it is on the floor possibly broken!

Month 11...I have to say I love this stage as well! He is such a blessing and ham! Loves to make you laugh and has definately found his personality. He throws his fits, smiles and then gives you kisses all within the same 5 mins. I love him more and more every day!

Month 12 or 1 yr! Can it really be?! We were starting this process just one year ago! I cant even believe it!! And yet again I have to say this is my favorite stage again! Even though it is by far the most work "stage" it is probably one of the most rewarding stages too! He catches on to things so quickly...monkey see monkey do! He loves his daddy, loves his mommy, says puppy, Jazzi, Uh-OH, Ta-da, hello, bye bye, nana (banana) and ank-oo(thank you)! I cant give enough kisses and say enough I love yous! He is such a joy! We love him with undescrible words! I hope you have enjoyed watching our lil man grow as much as we have! How much more could we have been blessed! Happy Birthday Merrick! You are truly a miracle sent from God! We love you and cant wait to continue to watch you grow!