Warm-up exercises, take one

We had a rather eventful evening yesterday! Out of the blue, I went from normal Braxton-Hicks contractions (becoming more and more common, especially after exercise or when the baby's doing her evening calisthenics) to something more like false labor. It felt something like a Charley Horse all over my belly and back. Tim started timing the waves while we frantically checked through the pregnancy books (this would be why we have them!) to see their notes on false vs. real labor. It was over after about an hour, but such a strange experience! We couldn't get to sleep after that... then as usual, I couldn't stay asleep after about 5:30, when the discomfort in my back and hips gets to be so painful I have to get out of bed. Our cats were thrilled to have me join them on the couch in the living room, but didn't quite understand that I wanted to sleep for a few more hours, so took turns trying to wake me up. Seriously, I know it isn't the same thing, but I really do believe that pets are wonderful practice for parenthood.

Here's hoping tonight is a bit less dramatic; I am entirely wiped out and really ready for some rest!