37 weeks! Full term!

I'm having more and more symptoms of early labor. Want to know how awesome those are? I'll tell you.

Days of contractions, getting stronger and more regular.

Cramping.

Back pain.

Diarrhea.

Increased discharge.

Massive heartburn.

Frequent urination (even for being pregnant--we're talking 30+ times a day).

Intense restlessness and despair at having to spend another day being pregnant.

ALL COMPLETELY NORMAL. I can't even describe my favorite symptom. It's something I've felt periodically over the last couple of months, and I can't really find much on what causes it. I can feel a sharp pinching sensation around my cervix (I think). The best explanation I've found is that the baby's head is resting on the cervix and the pinching is caused by any movements he makes. Okay, fine. Whatever. It's only bad when I'm up and walking around because it makes me feel like the baby might fall out with every step. I know he won't, but it feels so weird!

I know we don't have the pack'n'play put together. I know there's a big wooden piece of furniture in the middle of our nursery, waiting for D to put together. I know I don't even have the hospital bag packed. I don't care. I'm ready. Let's do this.

Really, even with all of this stuff going on, I'm thankful. My sister's week has been an absolute hell compared to anything I've faced this pregnancy, even the terrifying ER visit of the first trimester. Her mother-in-law drowned a few days ago, and my sister had to be the one to tell her husband (who was halfway around the world on an oil rig). Everything about the situation was wrong and awful and heart-breaking, and my sister has been so strong. She's grieving, of course, but she's also held it together for her husband and the little girl she's building. AND to make this week even more awesome for them all, she was just diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The diagnosis itself isn't so bad, but they have to admit her to the hospital! I want to be there for her, and I just can't. I'm glad that she at least lives close enough to my parents that they can visit her. And, even though I HATE the reason for it, I am glad her husband is there with her, too.