:::mandy dawson:::

I forgot to mention that my OB did an internal at my last appt.  She wasn't planning to at first, but I was telling her that I'm still waking up with cramps and having contractions throughout the day as regular as 7-15 minutes apart.  So, she offered to check things out and to her surprise she said, "Oh, you are 2 cm dilated and 25% effaced and I can feel Baby's head!  So, that is what you are feeling!"  I have to say that I was not surprised because I knew what I was feeling was different from the other braxton hicks type contractions I've felt throughout the pregnancy.  Can't really go into details here, but suffice it to say it has just been different.  There are many pre-labor signs that I've been experiencing including the cramps, contractions that are timeable, low back pain, increased nesting :), and TMI warning* 7 days straight of loose stools with no stomach ache or any changes to my diet. 

Anyway, I was excited to hear my body is making progress towards labor.  Now, I don't want Baby to come too early.  Later than 37 weeks would be ideal considering lung maturity.  In truth, girls walk around for weeks 2 cm dilated, but still I couldn't help but get excited knowing that my body is responding dynamically to the contractions.  It has to as some point, so the fact that it's starting to now makes me feel good!

So, we'll see what happens...  The contractions have actually eased some since the internal.  Baby is still low in my pelvis and the low back pain is persistent.  I cannot believe we'll get to meet out Baby, soon.  It's gonna be fantastic!