Joy to the World...

Here is a list of some of the small things that have brought us joy over the past 20 weeks:

• Being able to change our first diaper- we quickly became skilled at maneuvering our arms through the side portholes of Reid’s isolette, and he became quite skilled at peeing out those same holes and soaking his nurses and parents.
• The first time Reid sucked on a pacifier…who knew they made preemie pacis? I have no idea how he fit the pacifier in his mouth with the ventilator tube! Kids on the vent for prolonged periods of time tend to have oral aversions, so we were so happy when he showed an interest. However, now I think we may have created a monster….he hasn't quite mastered keeping it in by himself, and when it pops out, he vigorously searches for it and lets out a wail when he can’t locate it.
• The first time we were able to hold our baby boy…it only took 57 and 59 days, respectively! Once we got him into our arms, we wouldn't move an inch in fear that we would jostle his breathing tube or tangle his IV tubing.
• Moving from his isolette to a warmer bed and then to a big boy crib! Looking forward to the day when we are able to transition Reid to his crib at home.
• The day that he no longer received his nutrition intravenously and started “eating” breast milk (through his ND tube).
• Being able to dress Reid in baby clothes for the first time- although we had to leave one arm and one leg out because of his numerous IV’s. So technically, I guess he was only half-dressed.
• Reid’s first trip out of the unit...although the reason wasn't the best (cardiac catherization). He was pushed through the hallways in his crib and was able to ride the elevator…his view of the world was no longer confined to his small NICU pod.
• The day Reid was extubated and we no longer had to worry about him self-extubating…on several occasions, I caught him gripping the ventilator tube with both hands. Thankfully, he left it up to the professionals to remove the tube.
• Hearing his first sneeze…it’s a powerful one, and I think he surprised himself with his voice.
• The first time we were able to pick Reid up from his crib without assistance and hold him against our chest…nothing like feeling your baby’s heart beating next to yours and kissing the top of his head.
• Reid’s first tummy time experience. He enjoyed the different position and just as Bryan put his nose near Reid’s bottom to see if he needed a diaper change, Reid released some major gas. Bryan gagged, and I had to change the diaper- what’s new?!
• The first time we were able to give Reid a bottle…although, we had to keep it a secret. He showed us that he definitely does NOT have an oral aversion!
• Giving Reid his first real bath, rather than a sponge bath. Our nurse found a basin large enough, and he loved being submerged in the warm, soapy water. Next up, the swimming pool this summer:)
• The CD player that one of his nurses attached to his crib- Reid has listened to so much music, we’ve had to change the batteries 5 or 6 times! His music preferences range from nursery rhymes to Frank Sinatra to Metallica. He has a very eclectic taste in music:)
• The hardworking, dedicated nurses showing their love for their “boyfriend," Reid. Their daily check-ins; encouraging me and Bryan to become involved in Reid’s care as much as we could from the beginning; making his name sign; organizing his bedside (for his neurotic mother); coordinating his crib sheets, blankets, and outfits; not taking a lunch when his condition was so critical; playing music; holding him when we weren't there; decorating his goggles when he was so sensitive to stimulation; leaving personalized messages on his whiteboard; exposing him to different languages (one Nurse Practitioner loves to speak Spanish to the little guy), listening to Bryan and me vent about our frustrations; giving us tissues and privacy when the emotions got the best of us; and most of all, being our family for the last 4 ½ months.

Through all of this, we have learned that sometimes you have to experience the depths of sadness and pain to appreciate the simple joys of life. Thank you, Reid, for teaching us this valuable lesson.