"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!