Waiting for baby

Well we have certainly been busy around here!  I've been slacking on blog updates but I've been busy finishing up everything on my to-do list before baby comes.  Hubby's mom stayed with us and helped me get everything cleaned and Cameron's big boy room organized.  We haven't been successful in transitioning him to sleeping in his new room but he's been doing really well pooping on the potty, so I decided one big milestone at a time is plenty of change with a new baby on the way.  Baby won't be in the crib for a while anyway, so I'm not in a huge rush to evict Cameron.  

Last Friday I had contractions all day but nothing came of it.  On Wednesday at my appointment my midwife said I was dilated to a 4, so I've been on high alert ever since!  She said that once the real contractions start I probably won't have a very long labor because everything is ready to go!  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she is right!  

On Thursday I had an appointment for a manicure and pedicure.  So my nails are looking great!  Friday I had an appointment to get my hair done.  My long bangs were driving me crazy so it felt really nice to get them trimmed up.  I even splurged and got some highlights and some color put in!  I definitely feel ready for our new little man to join our family.  

But apparently he can't decide if that's what he wants to do.  Yesterday afternoon we went on a nice little walk that led to lots of contractions for me.  We got the car packed and Cameron headed to grandma's house for the night.  My contractions were never very consistent, ranging from 2 minutes apart to 15 minutes apart.  However they did seem to be getting stronger so I called the hotline to let them know I was thinking about coming in.  I didn't want to wait at home too long in case things progressed quickly during the 40 minute drive to the hospital!  

The nurse suggested that once we get into town I do some walking to see if I could get things more consistent.  She said they wouldn't be able to keep me if the contractions were that sporadic.  So once we got into town we went to the only store still open- Walmart.  Let me tell you, walking the aisles of Walmart is NOT my favorite idea for getting labor to progress.  In fact, walking the aisles of Walmart hoping for contractions is more like something from my nightmares.  Plus it was late, Hubby and I were both tired, and I was very frustrated that the contractions didn't seem to be strengthening.  I didn't last very long walking around there.  But thanks to Priceline we were able to score a really great deal on a hotel room for the night, $50 is a small price to pay when it comes to peace of mind that I wouldn't risk having the baby in the car if we tried to go back home.  

Unfortunately everything pretty much stopped after we got to the hotel.  This morning I went in to the clinic and the doctor said I'm still only at a 4.  But she also agreed with my midwife that when the contractions start it will likely be a quick moving labor so I will want to make sure to get to the hospital.  

I'm in a much better state of mind today, but false labor is no joke.  It's exhausting and frustrating.  I've heard of people saying that they've rushed to the hospital for false alarms, but somehow I never thought that it would be as annoying as it is.  And so disappointing.  

Cameron, on the other hand, had a great time without us.  He loves to have slumber parties at grandma's house.  Today he got to go on an adventure to visit the twins!  He is having a much better weekend than mommy so far.  :)