The results from the doctor!!!

So, I guess there is a benefit to not taking it easy...

This entire pregnancy I have been forbidden to exercise. At about 23 weeks or so, I started having some very bad pains (we moved around that time) and my doctor instructed me to no longer go on walks, rest as much as possible, and just take it easy. As a result, I have gained more with this pregnancy, but even still I have had quite a bit of pain. Well, at my 36 week appointment, I was told that nothing was happening to prepare me for labor. My doctor was no longer concerned about preterm birth, and I could resume activities as long as I was comfortable. I figured, I have pain even when I do nothing, so why not do more and perhaps get things moving along.

So, on Friday, my mom and sister took Joshua to the zoo and I had ALL morning to myself. I scrubbed the bathtubs, cleaned the toilets, vacuumed and swept and mopped the floors, did the dishes, did 5 loads of laundry, made dinner, did the dishes again, scoured the sinks and washed the mirrors, removed stains from the couches and floor, spot checked the walls, set up the baby's bassinet, moved my full hope chest and bookshelf to make room for the bassinet, sorted the baby's clothes, cleaned out Joshua's closet, and straightened up the rooms.... I WAS EXHAUSTED, and IN MORE PAIN! But, perhaps it paid off.

I just got home from the OBGYN office where I had my weekly pelvic check (we all know how pleasant those are!). The doctor told me that I am dilated to a 2, 75% effaced, the baby has dropped and is head down!!!! He definitely doesn't think she'll be late, although he has no idea as to when she'll decide to come. He said it could be as soon as next week... but who knows! I have had quite a bit of anxiety when I think of the birth since I had such a hard time last time. I know everyone has their own personal horror stories, here's mine... 28 hour labor with pushing for four and a half of those hours. But, the doctor reassured me today that perhaps because my body is doing some of the hard part now, my labor will be less intense and shorter. So, I am excited about that. Here's to hoping!