I’m just as appreciative of a good joke as the next girl, you know this. However, if these random contractions…these REAL contractions – don’t amount to REAL LABOR soon, we’re going to have a long talk about how rude it is to lead someone on.

I had the most painful one so far this morning, around 5:30am. It woke me up. I thought maybe it was just the evil combo of a braxton hicks along with a full bladder. However, after peeing, it was obvious it was much much more.

I’ve since had maybe 3 other contractions this morning that made me pause for a moment and made me unable to think of anything else. Of course, there’s no rhyme or reason to these contractions, and they’re lasting between 2-4 minutes a piece, with as much as FIVE HOURS apart.

My parental units will be here in about 5-6 hours.

I will say, if this DOES turn into labor this weekend, the Ninja will get a gold star for timing. Having my mom AND dad here for the big event would be more than I could ever hope for.

I’ll attempt to not get my hopes up.

Also, it’s snowing like a mo-fo right now.

Oh – and John the midwife called last night and said my bloodwork looked okay, so if nothing happens this weekend, I’ll be seeing him on Monday.

1. Braxton Hicks starting around 16 weeks
2. Gallbladder inflammation/attacks
3. Rh negative
4. Tested positive for preterm labor
5. Dilated to 3-5cms before 37 weeks
6. Bedrest

And now? Protein in the pee. Which is a cause for concern…that is a sign of pre-eclampsia. It’s slightly surprising since my blood pressure is usually pretty decent, but I did have a day of a headache that wouldn’t quit and some floaters in my vision yesterday. John the Midwife checked my reflexes and nearly got kicked in the face. I’m still not quite sure what that was for, but I did also mention the swelling I’ve noticed in the past couple of days, and the dent in my left shin from crossing my legs for 20 minutes the other day. My blood pressure was a little higher today (for me) but within normal range. He wasn’t too concerned about my weight gain – up 2lbs from last week (good GOD I’m 166lbs)…but did a blood draw for more info about the protein issue. John mentioned if the protein IS an issue, that they’d more than likely induce me.

Yep, the “i” word.

It makes me laugh; who in God’s name ever thought that someone who is 4-5 cms dilated would ever NEED to be induced, but apparently it happens. And yes…I’m still at 4-5cms.

I’m supposed to go in again on Monday for another check. My parents will be here tomorrow evening until Sunday – something tells me I’ll make it through the weekend, only to go in on Monday and have to go in for an induction the next day. Then my parents can just turn around and come back.