Must. Have. Salad. Now.

I was really curious to see what kind of cravings would creep up on me as pregnancy settles in...and really couldn't be happier that the only items I CRAVE are salad and fruit! Last night I bypassed Chris' pizza dinner for a nectarine and applesauce, and took a double helping of cole-slaw at our church barbeque on Sunday (ahhhhhh cole-slaw!). At the grocery store, I think I spent more time in the produce department than all my previous trips combined. On the menu for this week's meals: salads of every kind. Caesar salad. Chicken Salad. Fruit Salad. And a couple fruit smoothies.

Searching through google images of salad, by the way, was not a good choice this early in the morning. It's a long time till lunch.... ugh.

Thank You for your Prayers.

Hi everyone.
We're back from vacation...more on that later. We return to "real life" which at this time is tragically "real". For those of you that don't know, my brother Derek was recently diagnosed with a malignant sarcoma, a non-operable cancer that has spread from the initial tumor to his bone and lungs. The doctors are hoping immediate and aggressive chemotherapy will help diffuse some of the cancerous cells. Because of the high number of inquiries our family has received regarding his status, my mom has joined the blogging world and is keeping it regularly updated on his progress.

THANK YOU for all your words of encouragement, virtual hugs, messages and, most of all, your prayers. Derek has been cloaked in prayer from literally all over the country. We believe God is a healer, and we are counting on a miracle! Please join us in the crusade to fight this cancer!

You can find updates at www.deezcentral.blogspot.com. And I'm sure my family would enjoy knowing that you are following along- leave some love :)

Baby's First Photos

For the hardcore fans....or those who like looking at fuzzy blurry baby blobs, this is for you!

On Monday we had our pre-natal appointment, and the NP performed a little ultrasound for us. Apparently, baby Stavenger already likes the spotlight, because as soon as she found him/her on the screen, he/she started dancing for us! Quite the scene stealer, even without fully formed arms and legs :) We also got the updated word on the due date...at this time, we are 9 weeks along, not 8 as we had expected. SO, D-day is estimated at December 14, a little farther away from Christmas. Yay. This was extra great news, since that shaves off a whole week of my first trimester which, aside from fatigue, hasn't been that bad!

In other pregnancy-brain news, it seems I have lost mine. While teaching yesterday, the word "definition" completely escaped my vocabulary. Oh, and I spent 5 minutes trying to unclasp my bra the other day before realizing I had worn it inside out all day long. Fortunately, my lost brain cells have quickly been replenished with such fourth grade knowledge as this:
"If you don't brush your hair for 6 weeks, you'll have dreadlocks."
"If your baby is born on Christmas, he'll have the same birthday as Santa Claus."
And, of course, "Zach Efron is soooooooo hot!"

Onward into month 3!

Like a Thief in the Night...

There's a simple explanation for my absence on the blog...zero energy. And zero is being fairly generous- if I could use a negative integer, I would. If you've been pregnant, you can certainly empathize with the first trimester blaaaaaahs. On the sunny side, I've been really thankful that my sleepy state has been the most inconvenient symptom...and then last night happened. It was like my body abruptly realized that I was in my seventh week, and it was overdue on making me feel like hell! My asian chicken salad- the one I sought out specifically during a salad craving- gloriously made it's way back up into the light.

Before "the sickness" came, I was able to 1) finish the class I've been taking for my license (hear the joy on this side of the screen??!), and 2) enjoy a weekend in the twin cities with my Stavenger gal pals, minus Carrie. My wonderful Mom-In-Law scored us tickets to a touring production of "Legally Blonde: The Musical" which was oh-so-fun and oh-so-pink! Bonus: the lead actress (Elle) has Moorhead connections, an alumna of the same high school my husband attended. It was fun meeting her and many others at the "after party". Thanks for a fun weekend, girls!

Oh the things one can find at the mall...

Alissa and I at "Legally Blonde". Yes, this is inside the theater, and yes, this picture was taken "illegally". We're such rebels ;)