8:45pm: What a cool day for Reid (and his parents)! A trip outside the NICU for the first time and the ability to breath some fresh 70-degree air, get some sunshine and listen to the birds chirp! After Reid was hooked up to his portable oxygen tank, the portable pulse-ox and put into his stroller that is still a little too big for him, he wanted nothing to do with this trip we were about to take. He cried and cried and as soon as the stroller started moving, he calmed down and just looked around. And if you stopped, he was upset all over again. After eventually making it down the elevator, through the doors to the outside, and pulled over to some benches, Kristen had to pull him out of his stroller to get him to calm down. Once under control, we put him back in his stroller where he was pretty relaxed. The sun was a little bright and he had his eyes closed most of the time. Kristen and I made several laps around the Egleston gardens while his nurse and respiratory therapist sat down and watched us from afar on the park bench. At one point Reid heard the birds chirping, opened his eyes and let them wonder. So, he thought to himself... this is what life is like outside of the NICU?? We stayed outside for about 30 minutes, packed up and got him back up to the room without any troubles. He was probably on sensory overload, but Kristen and I still have smiles on our faces this evening. It was something that we had dreamed about for a long time... taking him on a stroll in the park, forgetting about all of the negative things we have experienced, and just do what normal families do with a newborn child (even if it were for a few short minutes). Here are a few pictures:






11:45am: Reid had another good CO2 gas last night of 51. Unfortunately, they didn't wean, but I think that he has probably had enough over the past few days to warrant a rest in the weaning.

Today is a big day for Reid though as he is getting his central line removed. They will give him dose of morphine before pulling it out. And the best news of the day is that Reid gets to take his first trip outside in his stroller. He will get a portable oxygen tank and Kristen, the nurse and I will take a stroll with Mr. Reid. It is a beautiful day today so we are thrilled!

The nurse said that Reid was babbling this morning and was a sight to see! Over the past few days, Reid has really turned into a new baby and we are excited to see the changes on a daily basis.