We went back to Arkansas Children's for his 1 year check-up in August. The doctors and surgeons were still very impressed with him and his progress. They decided to let him continue to grow and heal. They asked to see him back in a YEAR! Yes, an entire year! I was floored.
Maks is a tall skinny boy weighing in at a whopping 22 pounds. He eats like a horse and doesn't turn down any type of food. His new favorite obsession is with dipping. He enjoys dipping anything in ketchup and eating it. He loves Mexican food and still gets super excited about PuffCorn.
At 15 months we stopped giving him any type of reflux medicine. It was given to him as a precaution at birth and they continued it until he was 15 months. He has shown no signs of needing the medicine since we stopped giving it. He is currently on no daily medicines, which is a blessing!
Speaking of blessings.....My mom (Maks's granny) decided to retire from her job as a high school counselor to take care of Maks. I can not explain the peace it gave me knowing that his every need would be met by someone who loves him just as much as Chad and I do. He is learning so much. His morning routine includes making sweet tea, for which his job is to open the tea bags. He knows how to move clothes from the washer to the drier and so many more household chores. He knows how old he is and can recognize some of his body parts. Granny is teaching him so many things. He is one favored fellow.
Maks loves his dogs Ace and Maverick. He is an animal lover in general. He still prefers to be outside, but with the weather being so cold he is having to stay in more than he would like. One of his favorite outdoor activities is riding in the RZR with his sissy. She takes him for rides and they both smile and squeal! He also likes to jump on the trampoline and slide. Indoors he enjoys playing "Just Dance" on the Wii. He is a dancing machine!
Oh great day.......I forgot to mention that Maks is a runner! He started walking shortly after his birthday and has not slowed down since! He goes weekly to physical therapy to work on a few motor skills. He has finally learned to crawl correctly, and is an amazing climber thanks to Mrs. Wendy. She improved his gait by helping him walk on a treadmill. It has made him a smooth walker and runner now. He crawls through tunnels and jumps on her trampoline. Her work has helped him tremendously!
All in all Maks is an extremely "normal" 18 month old. He is right on track for every developmental milestone and is super intelligent! He knows exactly what he wants and can tell you. Here's a few pictures of my warrior!
First Steps
My daredevil climber 
The Hulk at Halloween
Maks & Sissy
He got a slide for Christmas
My Outdoorsman
