37 Weeks...Anytime Now!

I went to the doctor on Tuesday, and I got some exciting news. I've already dilated 1.5 cm! I described what I thought might be contractions to the midwife, and she confirmed that that's what I've been having. When she did my cervical exam, she told me how much I've dilated. Then she said she could tell that I've been having real contractions (not Braxton-Hicks), because I have a "bulging bag." Basically, she said the space in my uterus has shrunk a little bit because of the contractions I've been having. So that means that it's possible that my water could break. She also said that means I could have the baby tonight or four weeks from tonight. Exciting!

Waiting is the hardest part though. I've had contractions on Monday night and Wednesday night. Each time I've thought, Is this it?! Am I in early labor now? But, not yet. I never realized that you could have (real) contractions and not be in labor, but the midwife told me I'd probably continue to have them because I have a surge of estrogen every night around 8:00. I think my surge must be around 9:00 or so, because that's about the time I've been feeling them.

The midwife also told me that most people don't feel these early contractions, so that has me wondering. Will my contractions in active labor be more painful? I should've asked, but I didn't think about it. I was just really excited to hear about how things are progressing.

Every time I think about holding my baby for the first time, I get choked up. The thought of all the pain involved with labor and delivery, not to mention everything that can go wrong, is a little scary. It'll be worth it though. I can't wait to hold my son and take him home! Wes can't wait either. Some people have said he's like a little kid waiting for Christmas. That's pretty accurate, actually. I've never seen a man more excited about being a father.

My mom told me about the "nesting instinct" that many women get when they're close to delivery. I definitely have it. I've been getting tons of stuff done around the house and at work. My suitcase is packed and in the car. Most of the baby clothes have been washed - the ones Isaac can wear right away, anyway. All the baby showers are done. Now I'm focusing on tying up a few loose ends at work and writing thank you notes!