The Middle Chapters

I woke up in the middle of the night and through the early morning with more contractions, but ones that seemed different - more like menstrual cramps. It got me thinking that maybe this was the real thing. I have no idea. They haven't gotten worse in the approx. 12 hours that I've had them, so I guess not. Things are, um, moving through the pipeline much better. I've read that this may be a sign of coming labor. But, it seems at this point, I'm willing to interpret just about anything as a sign that we may be done soon.

I have been crazy superstitious this entire pregnancy (and most of the previous ones). Examples include: (1) I worked with my (limited) understanding of feng shui in placing our bed in the room when trying to conceive. (2) I bought a good luckcharm. (3) I tried never to say anything too positive, in case it caused a jinx. (4) I tried not to desire or buy anything baby related too soon, in case it caused a jinx (I actually bought my first baby clothes today - well, I did get a swaddling thing a few weeks ago). (5) I didn't look at baby related things given to me by friends until recently, in case it caused a jinx. (6) I worried about the baby being born on Friday the 13th, in the Year of the Rooster (why? I have no idea), and a Capricorn (this comes from a few old boyfriends who were Capricorns). And finally (7) I still can't count on having this the baby until its in my arms after the birth.

As I mentioned, the other night I had a few blissful moments of peace when all seemed right in the world, then I went back to worrying about the birth. My birth plan -- anything to get the baby out okay. I'll try natural until I want the drugs too much. If anyone suggests a C-section - I'm there. I've read too many sad stories about labor going on too long or going sideways and ending in tragic results. Come on baby M, we so want to meet you.