There's good news, and there's disappointing news... The disappointing news: I'm barely 1 cm dialated. The good news: I'm 90% effaced. This means two things: I'm barely 1 cm dialated and I'm 90% effaced. In other words, this really means nothing. I could go into labor tonight, or it could be another two weeks. Joanne did go on ahead and schedule me to be admitted to St. Elizabeth on the 30th to be induced... just in case she hasn't made her way out by then. I feel better knowing there's some sort of schedule and my big belly time is almost done. Plus, with Christmas next week, I have so much to look forward to, it should go fast.

And on that note, just in case I'm not able to post in the near future... Merry Christmas to all!!

No matter what, the time is drawing ever nearer, every day... Yesterday was a physically painful day. I'm having more and more contractions, but these feelings are frusterating and confusing. Some of them feel short and sharp way down in my lower belly and in my crotch area. They make make me stop dead in my tracks and take my breath away. I'm glad they don't last long. But ther are others that feel like strong menstrual cramps and last for several seconds, making me feel either like I need to poop or throw up (sorry for the graphics, but it's important for self-documentation). Both feelings cause my stomach to become rock hard, another uncomfortable feeling. I was sure yesterday that I would never make it through the night, but the minute I laid down in bed, everything felt fine. I slept great, waking only three times to pee. I have had a few of the sharp pains today, but nothing bad. I'm anxiously awaiting the appointment with the midwife in exactly 50 minutes. She'll surely shed some light on what's going on here. I will post more after the appointment.