10/25/09

The Longest Warm Up Of My Life



I played sports from Jr. high through college so I know the importance of warming up your muscles before you ask a lot of them. I've decided to hold onto the illustration that all of these contractions are just part of the warm up process. Things are happening slowly but they are still happening and all the work my body has been doing is getting me that much closer to the finish line. And maybe, just maybe, labor will be shorter because of it.

In related news, Elsie threw me the cutest baby shower on Saturday evening and it was so fun to hang out with some friends before Ruby gets here. I took my camera and then forgot to get it out and use it so pictures shall be borrowed from Elsie's feed when they are available.

Be back soon,

Rachel

34 comments:

Danielle said...

Incase I don't come back for a while {life gets a bit crazy} good luck. it will all be totally worth it. I am really going to miss your pregnant belly though, your the most fashionable pregnant woman I know {well not really know}

Katherine said...

I had those crazy contractions for a month, but Henry was being stubborn about being born! Even though the doctors didn't consider me officially in labor, by the time they finally broke my water I was already at 4 cm. I know this is not always the case, but I am hoping the same for you!!
Hang in there, Mama!

Evelien said...

wooooooow, you look so pretty! I want to tell you that I love your work and that you are a great inspiration for me. I check your blog everyday to keep myself up to date! Enjoy the last period of your pregnancy!

Lots of love from The Netherlands,

xxx Evy

Danielle Quarmby said...

Oh MAN tell me about it. I had contractions from before my due date, some that would wake me at night, yet Cedar didn't arrive until 12 days overdue. But you're right about the warm up working for you - I'd hoped the same, and it was true. After 27 hrs, then 12 hrs with my two previous labours, this one was 7 hours of which only 2 was really hard. I was actually putting a vacuum cleaner on layby at 5pm. I got to hospital at 7pm, at my first examination I was 9cm and he was born 5 minutes later at 7:25. I couldn't believe it was over already.

I'm sure your body's warm ups will work for you - you'll be awesome.

Jenn Grigoryev (jenn of all trades) said...

trust me, all the extra "fake" contractions are well worth it. i was having strong bh contractions my whole last month of pregnancy, and my labor and delivery was four hours start to finish. i'm praying you have a quick one, too!

Our Green Nest said...

You look beautiful. Your body is getting ready for the marathon that is natural birth! Our bodies are amazing when we leave them to do what they know how to do!!! Looking back, I had contractions for a little while before I actually went into labor and I just went about life as you are and ignored them for as long as possible. Then once things really "started" it went really fast! :) God bless!!

AshleyAnn said...

You are gorgeous! The always seemed to last the longest for me...soon and very soon she'll be in your arms!

AshleyAnn said...

That was supposed to say "the end always...."

Rebecca said...

I'm a newbie to your blog and every time you post I expectantly, hopefully, pop into your blog to see WHO is new (or what is new).

My last pregnancy seems just the same as this one for you. I went to bed for two weeks straight warning my hubs that this was probably the night because contractions were strong and regular.

Every morning I woke up disappointed. I asked my midwife about it (it's my THIRD pregnancy~I should KNOW when it is real labor!) and she said :oh don't worry. We call these babies GAS PEDAL babies" and went on to explain that once labor started you had better put the pedal to the metal because they come fast! (Due to all that workout over the weeks).

Sure enough. My babycakes was born in three hours.

It was short and sweet (albeit intense) and well worth the "fake outs". Your body is definitely preparing itself...and that is SO great.

Best wishes! can't wait to see the new munchkin!

Nicole Bretscher said...

Hi there

I looked the same - I felt the same, my daughter Robin will turn 18 on December 10th!
A very pretty, cool girl....
All the best to you from Switzerland!
take care

Nicole

Amanda said...

Good luck with baby Ruby! You are one cute pregnant lady! :) I didn't take any pictures at my baby showers, either....good thing we have photographer friends.

Chelsea, Tea Talk said...

I love, love your outfit. I have the same dress, only it's teal and it's my favorite.

Ps
I'm so excited for you and can't wait to see pictures of little Ruby!

mrs boo radley said...

Such a cute dress!

I'm watching my feed for Elsie's pics of Ruby's shower!

xo

JAJjourneyahead said...

I totally agree with you! I too had weeks of b.h. before the real ones happened and labor truly started. I believe that it made my l and d smoother both times because my body had been practicing....I wish you all the best when those contractions=baby is coming....ahhhh the sweetest and most intense of memories include childbirth. Jamie

robin said...

can't wait to see ruby..every time I check your blog I feel like there's going to be a post saying she's here...you look beautiful as always..give Mr "S" a hug for me..his little sis will be here SOON!!!

Anonymous said...

Rachel, you look SO beautiful! Kudos to you for trying to stay patient and relaxed. You are doing GREAT :D

Like many others I know too how you feel. I didn't have a good time with the waiting during that last three weeks at all with my second baby. I was very anxious after two pregnancies fraught with problems, so I was REALLY glad to hold her safe and sound in my arms in the end.

I bet Sebastian is really looking forward to meeting his little sister. Best of luck to you all - you are never too far from my thoughts at the moment.

Karen xx

sarah bear said...

cutest pregnant lady ever :)

Mrs. Booms said...

When I was pregnant, I spent all of Mother's Day having contractions 2 minutes apart and for no apparent reason other than, "to get ready".

You look beautiful and hope those contractions give you a small break.

Vivianna said...

You look so lovely!

Emily Jones said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
emily said...

I'm due a week after you and feeling the same way! It's making me a little crazy though - you seem to be handling it much better :) I'm SO ready to have this baby girl:) Good luck!

margot said...

you look great!!!

Rubyellen said...

1 more week until my birthday, so it is almost your ruby's too!!!

i have been doing warm ups like crazy too!!! making me nervous for the real thing, but maybe like you said, it will just make it easier!

Jeanee said...

OMG.. Seems like you've been PG forever! I remember when I came to take the RVA 3D journal workshop on the craft weekend and you were PG then. C'on Ruby!!!

Anonymous said...

maybe for the next time...?!
:)

http://www.swiss-miss.com/2009/10/expandable-maternity-dresses.html

Melissa Mann said...

beautiful photo of you!!

swonderful said...

I had the same experience as you and many others-- lots of hard contractions for weeks before the real thing. I consider it early labor that goes on and on rather than Braxton Hicks, personally. When labor finally went full-on active it was hard and fast and wonderful. Two hours from the 4cm I was holding steady at to 10cm and ready to push! I was super worried that I wouldn't know when it was "real" but I definitely did because they didn't go away and they got much harder and closer together right away. Anyway, I hope this is helpful and reassuring. Hang in there, it will be wonderful!

Silvitanova said...

When my daughter was born, almost 3 month's ago now. I had contractions for 5 days (2-3 per hour). It was very painfull and I was so tired, I was in hospital for the last two days...but (I have to admit) it was a good warming up for the real work, that went fast! Glad that you're able to see this as a warmup!
I wish you all the best!

Hot Wheels and Glue Guns said...

Girl, I love your blog and the little updates are a nice addition to my day. Good luck (and tell Ruby Michelle says to go easy on her mama when she decides to come into the world!) =)

Anonymous said...

That is such a good attitude to have. I admit, my attitude was beginning to sour as I am so uncomfy these days. I read this and have made it my goal to think positive these last few weeks and know that my body is doing what it is supposed to be doing.

You look just darling! I adore your cute outfit, you will forever be my maternity fashion idol :) Thanks for your comment on my maternity shot, you are so sweet.

I can't wait until little Ruby comes!

Holly said...

I bet you're right. I'm sure this labor will be much faster than previous, and easier. Just because you're awesome, and I said so. :) I've been praying for you.

ps: you look adorable!

DeeDee said...

Looking forward to more pics of you as the cutest preggo ever. :)

Anonymous said...

wow....you look so pretty!

love the hair, cardigan and the tights (leggings?). gorgeous.

cupcakesandcoffee schwartz said...

Oh you look beautiful!! I haven't been on the blogs in a bit, and wanted to stop by to see what you have been up to. Here's to a happy and healthy birth!!!