What does a contraction feel like?

Now that I'm down to my last 10 days or less, there are things that I don't want to forget about being pregnant. But not like how my legs from the knee down have gone from thighs, ankles and feet... to big tree trunks on top of five balls that used to be toes. Also, I don't mean the fact that my abdomen has gotten so huge that putting on socks is a chore I'd rather avoid. Nor do I want to remember the soft feeling of relaxation when I actually get more than an hour's sleep at night between getting up to pee.

This are things I want to FORGET or I fear I'll never have another child again.

The things I want to remember:

- Playing the pregnancy card (can you was dishes for me, my feet are still really swollen, or parking in the expectant mother spot at the mall).
- Feeling baby squirms and kicks... second to nothing in this whole wide world.
- The trepidation and excitement of my entire life being about to change. I've been through some drastic changes, but nothing this monumental.
- Folding little baby clothing. I'm sure that I'll get lots and LOTS of practice in the future, but for now it's still novel to me and something that helps me to connect to the reality of what's going to change.
- Sharing my feelings, fears, changes and thoughts with other moms (especially Jen & Tasha). It's like I'm entering this secret society where my stretch marks are the equivalent of the blue sash where you put all of your badges.

Otherwise, I think I'm having contractions. When I asked my doctor or the pre-natal class teacher what a contraction will feel like, they laughed. Then, despite the fact that they have been pushing the idea that it isn't "PAIN" that we feel, that it's a necessary feeling that we can choose to accept as pain... bla bla bla... they explain it as the worst pain I've ever known. Okay. First, why tell me it's not pain, then use that as a base for when it's going to be reality. Why not let me suspend my disbelief for a while and anticipate something less frightening? Besides, how do they know what the worst pain I've ever felt is?

I apologise for being belligerent. It's the hormones.

Back to my 'contractions'. I think, and if I'm reading the books right... a contraction is an all over tightening of the abdomen. If I am having contractions, then they don't hurt at all. They are just what they say. A tightening, like squeezing your eyes shut or tensing up all of your muscles. I hope they stay like this... but we'll see.

Doctor said 10 more days, 3 days ago. By that schedule, I'm due to go into labour on March 2nd. Duy and I are happy to let her come out when she's good and ready. I for one don't want to rush her, (no inducing unless absolutely necessary... thank you very much), and would rather let her come out in her own good time; whether that's in a week or three.

More updates later.