Let the Games Begin

The show seems to be on the road. I've been having contractions since late Sunday night and as of last night they are about 12-15 minutes apart and consistent. I finally gave up around 3:00a.m. this morning, got out of bed and moved to the couch. I know I should rest but I cannot get consistent sleep and trying to get in and out of our high bed was taking more out of me than it was helping. So I am trying to find ways to relax and occupy myself when the pain comes.
I have no idea if this means today will be the day she makes her debut or if I still have a few days before the contractions will get closer. We have our weekly appointment scheduled at 9:45 today so the plan is for Ben to come with me and pack our bags just in case they tell us it is time to go to the hospital. I'm frustrated with all the unknowns and wish the ticker on my blog could tell me exactly when we need to be ready. Our parents are not here, and although they can probably leave after we are admitted to the hospital and still be here before she arrives...it is difficult to not know when to ask them to prepare. Even though contractions were happening all day yesterday, they were not consistent in spacing so I really thought they were not a true indicator. Now however I will be really surprised if my doctor does not tell us we are VERY close as they are coming almost like clockwork and fairly intense. This is nuts!
I'm definitely afraid but know that the gift at the end of this is well worth any more pain I may endure. Oh and I'm already thanking God I plan for an epidural because if these are just the preview to labor and delivery pains I'm not at all interested in feeling the full blown power.
We will keep everyone posted as we find out more details and probably use the wonderful world of facebook to make announcements and then follow up here. My sweet husband is sound asleep upstairs so I will expect him to be ready to make the bunches of phone calls to announce our progress. Keep us all in your thoughts and prayers!