Week 32 Pregnancy VLOG, baby 4 by Teresa Palmer

WHAT WEEK?
32

HOW BIG IS BABY?
Baby is as big as a cantaloupe! And weighs approximately 3.5-4lbs and is about 16.5 - 17 inches long.

WHAT’S SOMETHING NEW THIS WEEK?
Baby hiccups. This little girl has had them a bunch in utero this week. It feels like a consistent tap and I can see my belly move each time she hiccups, it’s very cute! She’s in there practicing her swallowing and sucking and that makes me very happy.

MOST CHALLENGING MOMENT?
Nothing has felt really challenging this week. I’ve noticed feeling more tired on my feet by the end of the day but that’s probably because I have been absolutely NON Stop. There is just so much to do! We have polished concrete in our home so I think my body is getting used to walking on that all day long.

MOST EXCITING MOMENT?
So much!! Everyday has been exciting!! From setting up the baby’s area to taking the dogs on puppy play dates, nesting and settling in. It’s all been wonderful.

I also finally got to catch up with my midwife and have our first appointment, it’s so nice to see her again! She finishes up at the birth centre this year so I’m very lucky to get in as one of her last births. She measured my tummy which is right on 33 weeks (I was 32 + 4 when I saw her) she listened to baby’s heartbeat and I asked her a bunch of questions about the home birth. Specifically- when do I call her, how is the birth space set up, at what point does the second midwife show up, whether I should get a blow up pool if there’s a big bath etc. It was wonderful receiving all the information.

STARTING WEIGHT?
116lbs/52.5kg

CURRENT WEIGHT?
139lbs/63kg - so a 23lb/10kg weight gain so far. This is about on par with my pregnancy weight gain with Poet. My weight gain has slowed since I started incorporating exercise and healthier eating habits. My pelvis is feeling better and I just feel much more energetic overall.

EXERCISE?
This week I have done 3 work outs. Two lots of F45- which I absolutely love. And one of my Emily Skye Fit/Fluidform Pilates. The rest of the time I have been lifting boxes, squatting, sorting, and constantly on my feet doing ALL THE THINGS around the house haha.

MEALS?
Avocado toast, Lovewell smoothies, green juice, vegan dumplings, popcorn, salads and my stepson Isaac cooked us all pita pizzas the other day! I’ve also been drinking a bunch of kombucha and even had one glass of vino to celebrate being home.

REFLECTIONS?
I am not sure I’ve ever felt so happy. Everyone back together, including my mum and our dogs. The space in our house is really working for us. Everyone has room, we have 10 acres of land and having the kids explore on the property, collect firewood and walk the dogs down to our dam has just been absolute HEAVEN. I’ve seen my Dad and Stepmum too who get so much out of the kids. It just all feels so lovely.

I also LOVE having dogs that are very chill, in the states our dogs are very very sensitive and can react aggressively towards other dogs so it’s always a constant struggle to figure out ways to exercise them but without drama, they are so protective of us. We love them to bits but they’re not okay with other dogs. Our ‘Aussie’ dogs are so awesome to walk, we don’t have to worry about them getting in fights and they can happily be off leash. Although Dusky our labradoodle doesn’t have the best recall- she takes her time to return to us if she’s seen something more interesting. All these things have been so wonderful to witness and watching Bodhi in particular get so much out of these pups has brought so much happiness. I am really enjoying this slow pace of life and just feel grateful to call Australia home.