Follicle Hardness and Ovulation

So this is my first time breeding ball pythons and every step of the process is a learning experience for me so please bear with me. My fire yellow belly male and pastel female have been locking up since November of last year and I have been observing the growth of the follicles through palpation since the beginning of the season. She shed on the February 21st and started glowing right after.

For the past several weeks the follicles have felt to be at least 40 mm and I noticed that they have gotten softer and softer, now feeling like what I would imagine eggs would feel like. However, I have not observed an ovulation despite checking on her about twice a day. I haven't seen any large degree of swelling either, like I would imagine her to have when building up to an ovulation or coming off of one. I find it hard to believe that I could have missed her ovulation though I suppose it is possible if it peaked at night perhaps.

My question is if the follicles only get soft after ovulation or does it happen leading up to ovulation as well?

Thanks in advance for any input on this matter!

I guess I can answer my own question now as it would appear that she's in the beginning stages of ovulation.

http://i.imgur.com/CZ7c2kk.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/yJTblMI.jpg

good luck! :)

Sure looks like you have babies on the way... Good luck!

Thanks guys!

She's looking even bigger today. And the wait for the prelay shed begins!

http://i.imgur.com/SxzwlTa.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/0iLQ5FS.jpg


and one without flash
http://i.imgur.com/gcnb6rq.jpg