And Unto us a Daniel is Born!

Daniel Ryan Bickmore  

Born Wednesday, November 3rd 2010 at 10:48 AM. 

He weighed 8 lbs 7 oz and was 20 inches long!

Above is our first family photo - taken Friday November 12th, the day Daniel was discharged after spending 10 days in the NICU. Danny came home to us just in time for my birthday, which was the best birthday present I could have received! 

A bit about Labor...

I was induced at midnight on November 3rd because of a minor tear in the amniotic sac. Instead of getting an epidural, though, I used relaxation techniques from a program called Hypnobabies. However, I couldn't have done it without help from my wonderful Hubby and Doula who used counter pressure on my back and hips and supported me when things got  rough. I think the pitocin made things much more intense and difficult than they would have been otherwise. At one point the contractions were coming one right after another with hardly more than a few seconds between each one. UGH.

 I am not a very outspoken person most of the time and completely surprised myself by being very vocal as I brought Daniel into this world. As things became more and more intense my "ahh" sounds turned into tones, which then evolved into improvised music as I sang through each contraction! I have often related to people the power of music when I explain a little bit about music therapy, but this day I was able to experience it first hand like I never had before! Thinking back it seems a bit embarrassing, but I still marvel at how music was a great distraction for my brain and a wonderful outlet for the intensity of each contraction. Also, since music can communicate so much, by singing I was able to let those around me  know how long and intense each pressure wave using chord resolutions and dynamics. :)

Post Labor

Because Daniel would be born with some sort of cleft, the NICU team was present to make sure everything was ok with his breathing. Unfortunately it was a bit too snuffly for their liking so they whisked him off to the NICU just as soon as they could for monitoring. :(  However, it is better to be safe rather than sorry, but it was so very difficult to see him taken away after seeing him for just a few short moments. Gratefully, Ryan was able to be with Daniel the whole time so he wasn't alone.

Being Weighed

He didn't like the flash of the camera :)

Chilling in the NICU. We just LOVED all those wires...

He wasn't in the NICU too long that first day, but his mommy was so happy to finally be holding him!

All bundled up and so sleepy...

He opened his eyes for just a bit while hanging out in our room that first night

Baby Toes!

I just love those tiny, little feet!