in between contractions

I've got about 5 to 10 minutes to post a quick update. The very irregular menstrual like cramps of yesterday got a little more intense and a little more irregular right before I went to bed around 11. They seemed to last anywhere from 20 to 45 seconds and were coming every 10 to 15 minutes, or just as I'd start to doze off again. I did pretty well until about 3 or so, getting up often, but feeling like I was at least able to rest between contractions. After that, though, they seemed to intensify, and I felt a bit better when I got up and moved around. I took a shower and then let the shower fill the tub and sat there for a good 20 minutes or so, which helped a lot, even in the ridiculously tiny tub that we have. I think I probably should have stayed in bed a bit longer, though, because I had a hard time finding a comfortable position that would allow me to feel like I could rest in between and by about 6 this morning I was exhausted. I decided I should take a "real" shower then because I was sure I was headed straight for active labor. I was so uncomfortable standing, showering, lotioning, etc., but I think the discomfort and increased crampyness was more from fatigue than my contractions getting any more longer, stronger, or closer together, as they say. They really subsided after that so I decided I should try getting some sleep. Sure enough, as soon as I crawled in bed they returned at regular 10 minute intervals, but I was able to doze off a bit in between.

I've been up and about since 9:30 or so. The contractions almost completely subsided for close to an hour, as long as I kept a swaying motion, even while sitting. Since about 10:30 I've had another five or so, with intervals of anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes (oy vey, just had a good one that lasted about a minute, about six minutes since my last one).

So hopefully things are moving along. The downtime between contractions feels great, obviously, and the couple of periods when they've subsided I almost feel like I can actually get something done. But at the same time, I want things to progress already! It's a strange situation to be in. I'm not sure I'll be able to update the blog again, but hopefully no news means there's a baby around the corner. I'll post news whenever I can and of course if labor totally stalls, I'll have plenty of time to update!