"Let Loose"

I'm taking a break from the preggers posts/updates to share something on my heart this Christmas season. I'm sure many of you, if "many" even read this, are doing a victory dance due to growing weary of my growing belly pics and updates-ha!

This Christmas season has been especially meaningful to me. I don't know if its because we've been knee deep in ministry preparing for services for our 1st Christmas as B being on staff, or because I'm pregnant with our first born son, or maybe its the hormone rollercoaster-ha. But my Spirit has been more sensitive than ever before. As I've been digging in and studying the Christmas story, Luke 2:19-20 challenged me for this season and to carry on into this new season of our life.

Luke 2:19-20 "Mary kept ALL these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and LET LOOSE, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It truned out EXACTLY how they had been told." MSG

The words "let loose" stuck out to me, as it was written in this translation. What do you think of when you think of "let loose?" I think of jumping up and down, screeching/laughing in celebration, and of course DANCING. Whatever picture you get, its letting go of all inhabitions. You can't be inhibited and "let loose." Why did they do this? It was all an expression of praise to God for ALL they'd heard and seen regarding the birth of Christ. They'd found the birth EXACTLY how the heavenly host proclaimed. God's plan was coming to pass, just as the prophets foretold, and the angels proclaimed to them. They were praising because he had finally sent Jesus; the Saviour, Lord, and Christ. And their response was just as ours should be today; they LET LOOSE. How many Christmases do we let go by and simply awknowledge (if that) our Saviour's birth? When was the last time you (or me) truely LET LOOSE in our response to the birth of our Saviour and the saving grace through Him? When was the last time we couldn't contain our joy of the coming of our Christ, but had to SHOUT it from the rooftops or we'd explode? The shepherds provide such a clear picture of what our response should look like this season: LET LOOSE: let go of all your inhabitions, dance in joy, screech/laugh in delight, and then SHARE it. Let the JOY of your Saviour and salvation LET LOOSE this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas from the Opperman's!

pReggErs PiCs

so blessed.

The Bump

Had to get some jumpin photos. Bri got a lot more air than me!

This was supposed to be a serious photo of him sweetly kissing my belly. This is how it turned out;)

Don't worry, Axel was NOT harmed in the process. We did a baby position check prior to "lift off"

Does he really think he stands a chance in a belly bumpin' contest with me? I think not...

This is his attempt for a baby bump...not so much.

We are at 30 weeks, folks, not long! We are getting more and more elated for Axel's arrival each day.

a babymoon, a couple gobble photos, & 29 weeks

So I'm behind...shocking I know. So much has happened since the last posting...babymoon, Thanksgiving, childbirth classes, maternity photos, and Christmas is in full swing. Which in our house means heaps of Christmas decor, shopping for gifts, Christmas parties galore, and church activities/rehearsals a plenty! Instead of a lengthy post here are some photos of lately....

My sis and I at Thanksgiving. We weren't expecting her & my bro in law to come, but it was a last minute surprise. So thankful.

On our babymoon...I was excited to feed Axel this yummy salad at this amazing restaurant with a killer view of the lake.

Our accomodations on our babymoon. Quiet cabin on the lake. It was PERFECT!
We had the best time. We just loved spending every second together. We played games, fished (tried, a little cold), watched movies, read, shopped (B is a trooper), relaxed, and LAUGHTED a lot. Loved our quality time!
Technically this was at 28 weeks, but we're gonna use it for 29 weeks since I'm officially 29 weeks...almost to the 30s...woohoo!!!

How Far Along: 29 weeks

Size of baby: About 15 inches long and 2 1/2 lbs

Gender: BOY...Axel James Opperman

Movement: Still such an active little man, so much so, that at my last dr appt she commented he was one of the most active babies she's seen/felt. However, he is growing and running out of room. His movements are getting bigger but are more rolling than sudden jolts. This could be a challenge in my smaller body with a boy growing like daddy;)

Sleep: I'm so blessed in this area. So far, no issues sleeping. I am starting to wake more frequently to pee, but I go right back to sleep.

Symptoms: A fairly new symptom: NESTING. I've been on a cleaning/organizing/decorating/baking frenzy. And I LOVE it. However I'm worn out by the end of my "episodes." Also, sugar and my digestive system...not friends. At least it helps minimize weight gain;) Gotta find the upside!

What I miss: CAFFEINE.

Cravings: Greek yogurt with berries and honey, salad with gala apples, dried cranberries, and a sprinking of sunflower seeds (I eat this EVERY day for lunch-so good); and popcorn.

Best Moment this week: So many great memories these last couple of weeks. Highlights would be our babymoon, my last dr appt which consisted of my glucose test and rogham shot (just glad to have it behind me...literally), childbirth prep class, and getting our preggers pics taken. Tiffany from Growing Roots Photography did them and I can't wait to see how they turned out. It was such fun. You know you have a great photographer when you take photos in 30 degree weather and have a blast! We'll definitely post them when we get them!

What I am looking forward to: Our first shower is Saturday. I'm beyond thrilled. Brian's sis is throwing me an Opperman Family Shower. Photos to come!

Progress {total} of the 2nd Trimester

I'll start the last update of my 2nd trimester with progress photos. You'll definitely be able to see a distinct "bump." He's a growing boy! {I got bored with the "typical" poses, so I spiced it up and had fun with it...shocker, I know!}

{side view}

Here is a "normal" one.

I was testing my lighting. And it came out to be a decent photo. I have to take those when I can get them these preggers days...call me vein, but I'm just being honest!

This will be the last progress update for my 2nd Tri. I'm exactly 26 weeks and 5 days. As of the beginning of next week I will begin my 3rd Trimester, well according to my doctor, its all approximate. I LOVED my second trimester, but I'm looking forward to the 3rd. And then for Axel's arrival. Without further adeu...my last progress update for my 2nd trimester of my first born...

How Far Along: 26 weeks and 5 days

Size of baby: 14 inches and 1 2/3 lbs...almost 2lbs...such a growing little man!

Gender: BOY...Axel James Opperman

Movement: We definitely have our hands full is womb personality is any indication of his true personality. Our little man is extremely ACTIVE. His movements grow each day, and he's establishing a routine. He lets me know he's there after breakfast, around 1pm, and laying in bed. His movements are so big that he's shaking my whole belly. I just love bonding with my little man.

Sleep: Like a baby;) The more I read about newborns the more confusing that saying is...cause it doesn't seem they sleep much. However, I'm true to the saying. I'm sleeping soundly. It just takes me a bit longer to get comfy.

Symptoms: I'm feeling a bit stretched as the baby bump grows. I kinda feel as if I've swallowed a bowling ball...ha! However, the doctor did warn that he's looking to be built like his daddy. Ouchie for mommy! And I can't remember a thing. I literally write EVERYTHING down. But I really can't complain in this department. I've been blessed.

What I miss: CAFFEINE.

Cravings: Again, I think this is a myth. Mine change weekly if not daily. Right now we're loving greek yogurt with fresh blueberries.

Best Moment this week: So many great memories these last couple of weeks. We got and assembled the furniture for his nursery, started decorating the nursery, made appts with the maternity care coordinator/childbirth classes/parenting classes, picked out/met with our pediatrician, and lots more like this. Its making it all so real. However, my absolute favorite highlight is watching him move and being able to distinguish his little features. We've felt elbows and I think his little booty. I'm pretty sure he "moons" us often...ha!

What I am looking forward to: Our babymoon! We leave next week and I'm beyond thrilled (don't worry we'll be with family on Thanksgiving-just a little getaway).

Ode to the Second Trimester...

Its been awhile folks, its been awhile. Its been a whirlwind around the Opperman household lately. Between all things Axel, getting ready for the holidays, and busy season in ministry, its been crazy-but a good crazy;) Believe it or not, I only have 5 precious days of my 2nd tri left. I cannot believe it. Its going by so fast. So far, my second trimester is my FAVORITE. So I thought I'd do a little ode to the 2nd trimester of all the wonderful things it brought.

Ode to my 2nd Trimester...

Oh, second trimester I can't believe its time to bid farewell. You brought so many wonderful things, and here a couple to name a few...

No more hanging my head over a porcelain stool

ENERGY!!

Less trips to the bathroom

A proper baby bump

Great reports from the doctor

Fun with the registry

Assembling of the nursery furniture

Decorating the nursery

Reading, Reading, Reading

Making appointments for check-in, childbirth classes, and parenting classes

Bedtime stories with Axel

Kicks, squirms, stretches, and in general a TON of movement from our active little man

Most of all such a LOVE for precious Axel and an attitude of undeserving gratitude to our Heavenly Father...what a gift!

Stay tuned for one last "bump" picture from the 2nd Trimester. I cannot wait to see what the 3rd trimester brings.

22 weeks...

How Far Along: 22 weeks and 2 days

Size of baby: 11 inches (think a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 lb!

Gender: BOY...Axel James Opperman

Movement: ALL THE TIME. The question is when ISN'T he moving?! Ha! He's starting to jiggle my whole stomach when he moves...so fun!

Sleep: Sleeping like a champ! For now, anyway;)

Symptoms: Not a whole lot right now!

What I miss: NOTHING. So worth it. I LOVE being pregnant.

Cravings: I think this could be a myth. Mine change day to day, but nothing has been consistent. Maybe it picks up as I get into my 3rd tri?! Who knows. I'm learning every body is different!

Best Moment this week: Getting our little man all registered. Brian had too much fun with the scan gun;)

What I am looking forward to: Our first meeting/appointment with our pediatrician next week. She told me to come with questions. Ha! She may regret that!

Birthday Madness

So I had a phenomenal birthday. It all started the week prior, when my mom gave me a family birthday dinner. I failed to take any pics...darn. But it was so amazing to celebrate with my family for the 1st time in 3 years.

Then "the girls" took me out for a birthday lunch and shopping. We had a great time chatting, laughing, being ridiculous, and spending money...ha!

And last but not least, my amazing hubby planned a fall fun day for me! It all started with pumpkin pancakes and ended with one of my favs...Jane Eyre. It was perfect. Since living in Sydney, I'd missed my birthday being in the fall.

And last, but not least, it was my first and only birthday 20 weeks {5 months} pregnant with Axel. Undescribable. I love that little man!

I'm such a blessed girl. See for yourself.

Birthday Dinner with B. I LOVE this pic of him. I still make him laugh.

Yummo!

Very proud of my pumkin. It only took an eternity to pick out the perfect one.

Cider Makin'

After my day out with the girls...sporting my Rachel Zoe fur vest!

Birthday Lunch with the girlies and Parker & Brycen. LOVE them. I'm so blessed with family friends;)

Yummy Birthday dessert!

What's in a Name?

Being my organized type A-self, I wanted a girl and boy name picked out and ready for our sonogram at 18 weeks. As the day approached we had both carefully selected. At the last minute I realized we did NOT check the meaning of the boy name we chose. And it wasn't a family name and it didn't have any significant personal meaning to us. We just liked it. So I checked. And it was awful. The meaning was terrible. And then my artsy self came out. And I remembered how significant the meaning of names were in the Bible. And I was convinced. We couldn't do that to our boy...IF we had a boy. So the BIG day came. And we did NOT have a boys' name selected. And sure enough...

Our little man at 18 weeks!

Our little man getting ready to suck his thumb...he's grown so much since his 12 week pics!

We are having a little man the 21st of February. I couldn't be more thrilled. I had a feeling. I like to say its my motherly instincts already;) Needless to say, we left the office ELATED that we had a growing healthy baby boy, but he was NAMELESS.

And then one day, I remembered a boy's name we heard in Sydney that I LOVED, and I was pretty sure B loved it too. So I rushed to the computer and checked the meaning. And it had a Hebrew meaning...and it was PERFECT. I presented all of this to B and we both KNEW it was perfect for our little man. Between the sentimenal value of Sydney and the Hebrew meaning...it was a NO brainer... we had a name!

He will be called...

AXEL JAMES OPPERMAN

Axel {"divine reward"}

James {his daddy's middle name & a family name on both sides}

We are so thrilled that we found a name so fitting & perfect for him. He's already lived up to his name. He is such a blessing to us, and truly, our divine reward.