Our Birth Story!

Well, it's official...William Darby Dodds was born July 11, 2010 at 5:46 am. He weighed 8lbs, 14 oz and was 19 inches long! He made his arrival a little ahead of schedule (2 weeks!), but everything worked out perfectly.
Saturday morning, July 10, I was getting ready to leave to get my hair done. I was just about to leave, but still had to brush my teeth. As I'm doing this, my water suddenly breaks. Now, at this point, I'm not sure what has happened. Basically, I was in denial. Cole was still in bed asleep so I start calling his name. He didn't budge, so I finally yelled "I think my water broke!" That definately got his attention! Cole flies out of bed, slightly wild-eyed, and comes into the bathroom. I told him I was still going to get my hair done, and that I'd call the midwife while I was gone. He convinced my to go ahead and text her while I was still at home. I do, and in that time frame, it happens two more times. At that point, I come to the realization that I'm not getting my hair done that day, but instead we are having a baby! I think the last time it happened Cole looked at me and said "I don't think your getting your hair done today." Sure enough, the midwife told us to go to the hospital. Cole hopped in the shower and I started packing a bag. (I know, I know...I was totally unprepared. When they tell you to pack your bags a month in advance you should apparently listen!)  Thank goodness I had done the pre-check in at the hospital the day before. So...we make our way to the hospital and get settled into our room. Holly, our AMAZING midwife came in and tells us that my water had in-fact broken and today was baby day! Cole and I call our parents and they start making their way to Jackson. At this point I'm bummed because that was the day I was going to make goody bags to pass out in the hospital and make door decorations for when we went home. Luckily, my wonderful mom and mother in law went to Hobby Lobby and did all of this while waiting. Little did we know we'd be in for such a long day.
I had a really great labor. I couldn't feel my contractions, so they finally started me on some pitocin to help me along. I don't remember what time this happened, but it was late in the night on Saturday. I finally started feeling the contractions early Sunday morning. Cole was an amazing coach and helped me breath through them all. I also had a wonderful nurse, Mrs. Terri, who is the mom of my college friend, Cathy. Sometime around 4:30 that morning I started pushing, and Mr. Will was born a little over an hour later! It was definately hard work, and very intense, but it was all worth it! I couldn't have done it without Cole, Terri, and Holly by my side. They were all amazing!!!
Oh, and did I mention I did all of this with no epidural!? I don't want to brag...but I'm pretty proud of myself for this! I definately recommend this to anyone. It was such a great experience and I was able move around right after, which was nice.
We are so excited that he has finally arrived and can't wait for everyone to meet him. He is such a great baby, we couldn't ask for a sweeter little guy. He is very laid back and easy to please. He is on a pretty good routine/schedule and seems content. It is so much fun to watch him change from day to day. We are so in love!