39 weeks

A few things have happened this week. I had a few contractions on Saturday that took my breath away, but it didn't lead to labor. They were accompanied by some cramping. I had a feeling it was a sign I was opening up a bit, but when I went to the doctor on Tuesday, they told me they wouldn't check me for dilation until I was closer to my due date. The doctor did, however, push on my belly to see if the baby is in position. I think this is what led to my next episode. Tuesday night on the way home, I felt some cramping. When I got home, I felt the baby drop. This led to some awful back pain that put me to tears. I took several baths and showers, and even tried moving around a lot to relieve the pain, but I ended up staying up half the night dealing with it. And since this isn't the first episode of back pain whenever something "happens", I'm about 90% sure I'm going to have back labor. I did stay home Wednesday from work and the back pain is gone at this point. Joe didn't think I should go back to work at all, but I did manage to get to work on Thursday. I know he is worried about me and I told him I would consider staying home on Friday depending on how things go at work Thursday. He's been supportive. He put towels on my side of the bed after I told him the baby dropped because he was worried that my water was going to break and that I was going into labor. But the baby can drop 2-4 weeks prior to labor and I'm not feeling any contractions now.

My next appointment will be next Wednesday. Since I'll be closer to my due date, maybe they'll check me for dilation then. We decided to stay at home this coming up weekend. Joe wants to work if he can next Monday and Tuesday unless the baby decides to come sooner. I'll just be at home getting things ready or resting any way. I am eager for her to come and would welcome her any day she chooses. We'll see what the next week brings. Only one more week to go at this point. I pray she doesn't come too late, I don't know how much more pregnant I can endure!