High & Closed.

That's how my cervix was described to me today at my very first check for dilation. Honestly, I was completely fine with that for two reasons: 1) Matt is going out of town at the end of the week for a couple of days and I had completely convinced myself that I'd go into labor while he is gone. 2) I want to be able to get the freakin' H1N1 vaccination and have time for the antibodies to kick in so this little guy will have some protection when he makes his debut right smack in the middle of this terrible cold and flu season.

So...the cervix check. Um, ouch. I didn't know what exactly to expect, and I'm not sure what exactly was going on down there, but I can tell you what it felt like. It felt like the NP had her entire arm shoved up there. And I'm pretty sure she did because all of a sudden I heard, "Oh! Well, there's his head."

I also had the pleasure of having my Strep B swab today (otherwise known as the rectal swab). Honestly, it wasn't bad at all. I would take 10 of those swabs over a cervix check any day. I do have to say, though, that I enjoyed my OB appointments much more when they didn't require so much poking, prodding, and swabbing. And now my appointments are weekly. Super.

And, finally, the H1N1 vaccination. If you've read some of my prior posts, you might already know that I've decided to get the shot. And you might also know that this decision is problematic, as I have not been able to find this elusive vaccine anywhere. So, I was pleasantly surprised to learn today that my OB's office is getting in 500 doses next week and will probably be holding a flu shot clinic for all of their pregnant patients. Hallelujah. It's about time.