Daniel Ray

Well, the last entry I wrote on here was to tell everyone about how Daniel wasn’t ready to join us yet, and my water broke the next day. Daniel Ray VanDyke was born on June 24th at 3:31 am. He weighed 7 pounds 4.3 oz, and was 19 1/2 inches long. Despite being born three weeks early, he is doing very well. He has a little bit of jaundice, but it should go away soon on it’s own.

His labor wasn’t too bad either. I didn’t feel any contractions at all until I was dilated to five, and it started hurting not long after that. I made it to an eight before getting an epidural. I was hoping to not get one at all, but I caved in. I’m really glad that I did, too. Once it kicked in I was able to take a nap and rest a little bit. The nurse woke me up a few minutes before it was time to push. Unfortunately, Daniel was turned face-up, so I had to push on my side for almost half an hour to get him to turn around. Three contractions after he turned around he was born. I was happy to not have to feel any pain!

Daniel originally only got an APGAR score of 2, but his second one was 8, and his third one was nine. He didn’t cry very much after being born, he is a very happy baby. Daniel sleeps ALL the time. I usually have to wake him up to eat. He eats really good though. I’m so thankful that he is a natural at breast feeding.

We’re very happy that everything went so well, and are enjoying every minute of having Daniel with us. Phillip is adjusting amazingly well to having him home. Phil likes to push Daniel in the swing and he tries to feed him when I’m not looking. Last night Daniel was laying on a blanket in the floor and he started crying, so Phil went over and started rubbing his belly saying, “It’s okay.” It was just too cute! I think it’s going to be pretty easy getting everyone on a schedule and getting back to normal. Daniel is just such a great baby!

Thanks for all the congratulations and gifts! We hope you guys enjoy the plethora of pictures and videos that will soon be coming to our website. Have a great week!