A false alarm and a nasty fall ):

O.k, I am getting really tired of these braxton hicks contractions!! Yesterday I spent most of the morning having strong contractions that were 10 minutes apart. By the afternoon they were 8, then 5, then 4 and by the evening 3 minutes apart! I really thought it was the real thing... even Nick was convinced when he witnessed the contortions of my belly and the rock-hardness of it! There were a few times when I would get up and walk around, but have to stop because they were so strong. They stayed regular, whether I was standing, sitting or lying down... definitely signs of true contractions! I went to my sister's as a distraction while Nick and John took the kids out for treats, and on the way home, the contractions were still going strong. At midnight they were worse, so I called my Mom and Dad to drive over (they live 40 minutes away, so I get a bit nervous about them getting here on time). The plan is for my Mom to accompany us to the hospital as my Doula, and my Dad will watch the girls...
When my parents got here, my Mom, in her great hurry to come to my aid, tripped and
fell on the sidewalk in front of our house! She came to the door with blood dripping from her face and quite in shock- it was shocking to see as well! Apparently she had fallen face first, without stopping herself at all, since she had her hands full. In retrospect this was good, as she could have broken her wrist again (a few years ago she fell off a chair while cleaning and broke her wrist) Thankfully her nose was not broken, and no stitches needed.... we joke that botox is not needed either, as her lower lip has swollen quite a bit!
After some first aid and a bag of ice, we set up a bed for my parents, as my contractions had since slowed down (of course). We decided to all get some sleep in case something happened during the night... but while I slept the contractions stopped! I woke up feeling very well rested (but very guilty for having called my parents!) I suppose their trip out was not in vain...I finally relaxed enough to sleep really well... but I was disappointed that the contractions had stopped again.
They have been doing something, though! This morning I went to the midwife for my scheduled visit, and she said that my cervix is thinned out...just have to start dilating now! So hopefully things will get going again in the next day or two. Apparently all these false stops/starts are common in women who are having their 3rd or 4th baby. Just have to be patient! It's just frustrating to have so many contractions but not be in "active labour" yet. Only God knows when we will be ready! And we trust that He knows best.

Here is a shot of my poor mother... awful, isn't it?! I feel so bad! She was even supposed to set up and man a booth for doulas tomorrow at a convention but now she feels she can't ): Nick joked that she can talk about the "dangers of being a doula" and pretend I got rowdy while in labour.

I'd also like to thank you for all your prayers. We really appreciate them and need them! The uncertainty of our baby's health does not make the waiting easier... but we know we are not in control, and that whatever happens is for our good.