Christmas Dress Up.

This last weekend was my VWR Christmas Party.  We had a great time with all my coworkers and ended up staying up until after midnight!  Let's just say we had also planned a date night for Saturday at Mozambique in Laguna, we ended up back at our house watching a Christmas movie and both fell asleep during the movie [before 9pm]!  We can only handle one late night out a weekend!  It was fun to dress up and because we live in Southern California, I can get away with wearing a sleeveless shirt for a Christmas Party.  2 more Christmas Parties this weekend, cannot wait and we will have to plan on taking a nap on Saturday day!

We got a much shorter tree this year which we love the look of in our windowed corner.  If you look to the right of me you can see the little knitted booties my mom made for our daughter- a constant reminder of our little one coming in only 2 1/2 months!

And just because it is Abby's 1 week birthday here is a little picture of the sleepy girl.  Less than 2 weeks till I get to snuggle my sweet little niece!

3rd Trimester!

I have made it.  I am almost to my 29th week.  I am feeling nice and round.  Besides the first 14 weeks of throwing up, I have really enjoyed pregnancy.  I think it is funny that I have to have Ryan push me up sometimes when I have a hard time getting up from the couch.  I have enjoyed the non stop eating (although after the baby comes and I have to start working out again I might not enjoy it as much).  This week complete strangers have finally started to ask me, "when is the baby due?".  I finally look pregnant enough to people that they know!

I love feeling her moving around.  I heard sometime around now, sometimes babies get hiccups so I am hoping that happens soon!  I have been getting those pesky braxton hicks contractions especially when I am moving around a lot- probably why my doctor told me to take it easy. 

Clothing has been interesting.  I have had a slight addiction to shopping whether it is for my pregnant self or my daughter, I have gone a little crazy, most of you know, I normally hate shopping!  Thankfully Ryan just laughs and says, "I won't complain, you've been looking good".  What a supporter.  I think he is just thankful I am still putting myself together each day, rocking heels and haven't resorted to sweatpants and his shirts.  There is still 11 more weeks though so you never know.

Off to work.  I have been belting everything lately.  Including my scarf's to me.

Welcome Abigal Joy Schoenhals!

I had a good time in AZ with the family celebrating Nanna's life, meeting my cousin's fiance's, wives and other people I hadn't met yet.  It's too bad that it seems like funerals are one of the only events that can bring families, living so far apart, together.  Nanna was loved and was rejoiced for her love for Jesus and her commitment to her husband.  What a way to be remembered. 

After Nanna's service we got a text from Emily, she was in labor and Mark was on his way home to drive her to the hospital!  At 7:22pm Abigal Joy was born.  It happened so fast that Emily couldn't even get an epidural and she did so well.  I am so proud of my sister and Mark was such a good supporter and encourager.  Meet my first little niece Abby!  Can't wait to meet her in 2 weeks!

Ruth Marie Goff

I am so thankful Ryan had I had the opportunity to go visit Arizona over Thanksgiving Break.  We were able to sit and talk with my grandparents for a few hours.  It is so hard seeing your grandparents [and parents!] getting older but we all are and that is just reality.  My nanna had parkinson's and her dementia had started to take a lot of her memory away.  She was frustrated with it when we saw her last week.  Saturday morning we found out nanna had passed away.  Very peacefully in her sleep.  I am thankful that she loved Jesus.  I am thankful we have the comfort that she is in heaven.  I am thankful that she was ready. 

I will head out to AZ tomorrow to meet my parents and the rest of the extended family.  I am glad that it is only a 6 hour drive away as I am looking forward to celebrating nanna's life!

Thanksgiving.

There are so many things to be thankful for yet again this year. Ryan and I decided to head out to the Grand Canyon for Thanksgiving to have a mini "babymoon".  It's hard to believe in just 3 months we will welcome our little girl.  We talked a lot about everything we need to do before she arrives... We have our next few weekends planned out to get the nursery painted, furniture shopping, register, take baby classes and we still need to decide on her name.  That has been a lot more difficult than we thought it would be!

Ryan had never been to the GC before and it was such great weather for it!  Nice and cool but sunny.  We got to spend a few hours with Nanna and Grandpa Goff, I am thankful we got to see them, it is always hard seeing family members getting older.  Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me, I would have loved to get a picture with them. 

I had my 27 week doctor appointment today.  I had to do the glucose test- not as bad as everyone made it seem, the sugary flat orange soda tasting drink was not great but I survived.  I should find out the results later this week.  The doctor said that our baby's head looked normal (27 weeks) but that he body was very petite (around 25 weeks).  This is only a matter of a few oz but the news still made me nervous.  She didn't seem worried and said we would check on it the next time I am in at the end of December.  So pray for our little girl that her body will catch up with her big head :] 

Emily is due in just 2 weeks!  Can't wait to see my little niece over Christmas!

go vikings!

25 weeks and the bump [and the rest of me] is growing.  So tonight I am cheering on the Vikes and Ryan is cheering on the Packers.  So far it's not looking so good for MN, but we will see.

Heading out to PA tomorrow for some meetings, not looking forward to traveling all day just to turn around on Thursday and head back, such is life.  It will give Ryan some time to catch up on work. 

Baby Pee is moving like crazy, I love just having her moving around during meetings, it is our little secret.  I was reading that this week she will start getting hiccups and maybe I would be able to feel them soon!  I haven't had particular cravings expect for food in general.  If it is around it will soon be in my belly.  3 1/2 months to go!

belly.

All of a sudden this afternoon I felt pregnant, sure enough I look more pregnant but I think it more has to do with the PB&J and oreo's I had with milk about an hour ago... either way, enjoy the growing bump.  Yes, Ryan got me the boots with the fur for my birthday!  Love them!

22 weeks....

birthday weekend.

We had a wonderful birthday weekend with my parents out in Palm Springs.  We got to relax, chat, play golf and just enjoy each others company.  It was nice and toasty but we got to spend a lot of time outside.  I didn't take as many pictures as I hoped.  We golfed at the JW Marriott which is such a beautiful course.  Sorry not much of a baby bump pic, I will take one later this week [especially because Krista hounds me every day for a new one]. 

Ryan made me porkchops, stuffing, applesauce and bite-sized sweet potato's.  So delicious!

22 weeks along and feeling great!  My mom commented that I have more energy now that I did before pregnancy!  Woo Hoo.

baby's movin'.

Ryan was very excited on Tuesday night when he got to feel our baby girl moving around for the first time.  We were going to sleep and she started to move so lucky Ryan got to feel her slight movements. 

This last weekend we went to a harvest party and we carved some pumpkins.  Most of the women there were pregnant which was very fun!  This created Ryan's idea for his pumpkin "Prego-Ween".  He did his free hand while I used a stencil for my "Welcome" pumpkin.

Work has been a bit crazy lately and I have been waking up to see the sunrise some mornings.  Here is a sunrise I got to enjoy last week!  This view plus the ocean breeze, a lovely early morning for me.

halfway done.

I am 20 weeks along.  Our little girl is the size of a cantaloupe. 

This weekend Ryan ran a 5K in Long Beach with his coworkers.  He did great [especially considering he didn't train] 22:56! So proud of him.  I love watching races, it reminds me of college going up to Pacific Grove to cheer on Ashley and Noelle for their half marathon and when Ryan and Ashley [and gang] ran the full LA marathon when it was 90 degrees!


Ryan and his coworkers- pre-race.

 There was a mural of all these pregnant ladies... so here is the growing bump.

AND.... First win of the season yesterday for the Vikings!  Seahawks had an unbelievable game yesterday and had their second win of the season!  Woop Woop.

big bear.

We decided to get away this weekend.  We headed up to Big Bear and met the McGuires.  It was so nice to just be outside, in nature, chatting, fishing, exploring, eating and just being.  I love the lake.  Reminds me of MN with mountains.  Fabulous.  We had to get a camping trip in before my belly grows!

It was a little chilly so I am wearing Ryan's shirt.  [and yes, we got a little sunburnt.]

I had my 19 week appt on Monday.  Our little girl is in the 52%, growing nice and strong. 

Feeling the Baby Movin'

Our baby is18 weeks today!  She is the size of a sweet potato.  Over 5 inches!  Today at Bible Study I felt our little girl moving around.  I thought I had been feeling it for the last few days but now I am positive she is moving around AND I CAN FEEL IT!  Of course I got teary and wanted to tell the group but it wasn't the appropriate time and Ryan told me I better tell him first [I guess us Goff's have a reputation of telling each other things before our spouses].  People are starting notice the bump growing and commenting on it.  Almost half way there!

Gettin' a baby bump

Well at almost 18 weeks the little bump is starting to show.  It is amazing how different the last few weeks have been compared to the first tri.  Although I am still going to bed around 10pm each night [which is a stretch] things seem to be pretty normal [for now].

Krista was here for the weekend.  We had a great time walking around Balboa, eating too many desserts to count, playing golf, playing dominoes and hand & foot, chatting, crafting, watching the help, watching football and just enjoying being together. 

Here is my growing belly [of course ryan wanted in on the picture too].

Yes, I am going to rock heels until I am forced to wear flats.

baby girl!

On Friday we went to visit the doctor.  Baby pee is about 14 1/2 weeks old.  We were hoping that we could find out if baby pee was a boy or a girl and lucky for us Dr Kim could tell!  We are having a little girl.  Emily and Mark are also having a daughter and we could not be more thrilled about it!  Girl cousins 3 months apart!  Amen. 

Ryan, Krista and Andrew were the only ones in the family who thought baby pee would be a girl.  Although I did start thinking girl after I was so sick for so long (in fact I did buy only girl clothes prior to finding out-and just said if I wasn't having a girl I would give them to Emmy, so I think I knew too :] ).

This weekend has a been a fun labor day weekend of discussing and shopping for our baby girl.

It was amazing at the doctor's appointment this time, baby pee looked like an actual baby.  She waved at us with her little hands, gave us the #1 sign with her pointer finger and and was scratching her head.  It was good to see she has 10 fingers and the dr said she looks very healthy! 

Second trimester has started and has made a world of a difference.  I am eating a lot more and have more energy.  Ryan and I went to the Twins-Angels game on friday (twins won!), Saturday we ran errands all day and saw a movie, Yesterday after church we went and played golf!  I am thankful for 2nd trimester and being able to do some activities again.

Told the family & first doctor's appt.

This weekend we were in Minnesota for Fourth of July and had the best time.  We thought it would be a good time to tell the fam since they were all together.  Ryan had cut out the PREGO spaghetti sauce label and so I pinned that to my shirt.  Ryan was videoing [see below] as we told them.  There was a moment of crickets (except for dad's laughing), excitement and tears!  So thankful I could tell them in person.

I couldn't get the video to upload :[ I will try later.  But here is a family pic from the wonderful 4th of July weekend!

Last night Susie set up SKYPE and we got to tell her somewhat in person!  We got to tell Fred while he was at work and Karissa and Jonathan were enjoying some drinks poolside when we called them.  Andrew and Katie found out via text but called us right away- even though they were at a wedding!  Such a loving and supportive family.  We love them all so much.

Here's some pics from when we were in WA- I was actually preggers and didn't know yet!


Graduation at Susie's with champers.

Enjoying breakfast with Fred and Carol.

Susie graduating with her masters- and was the student speaker!

We had our first dr appoint yesterday afternoon. Although I thought we were passed 6 weeks, turns out today is 6 weeks.  I have not been feeling well at all.  a lot of dry heaving.  Certain smells are just the worst.  Even seeing raw meat makes my stomach turn. Hopefully this first trimester goes quickly!  6 more weeks to go!  We got to see our little baby and even hear the heartbeat.  It is amazing what technology can do these days!  Praying that this little baby is growing nice and strong. 

Ryan thinks little pea will be a girl and I am thinking a boy...

Preggers!

Yesterday, I wasn't feeling so well after eating sushi (I know, sushi! oops) and told Ryan, I thought we should take a pregnancy test when we get home. 

He got home and in our doorway he prayed.  We took the test and it came back with a faint faint (I mean REALLY faint) blue line... OK so what does that mean?  We wait, still looks VERY faint.  We were so confused.  Very anti-climatic for finding out if you are or aren't pregnant with your first child!

So we googled...
It said if there is anything, even faint, you are "preg". 

So off to Walmart to get a digital pregnancy test that says, pregnant or not pregnant  (and fishing wire for Ryan's deep sea fishing trip this weekend!)  We had some tacos at Rubios.  Then headed home.

Test #2.  You have to wait 3 minutes... then all of a sudden I see the word "pregnant".  What shock.  What surprise.  What excitement.  I will never forget that moment.  Ryan just kept saying "Woa Mama!"  (literally).

Only 4 weeks along.  The size of a poppyseed.  Thank you Jesus for this wonderful gift.

Psalm 139:13-16
For you created my innermost being: You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body.