Hello, friends!
It's been more than a year since I've posted a recipe on this blog. I can't believe I took such a long break from posting anything here, especially since I posted several times a week for more than five years prior. I know many of you have been wondering where I've been or if I fell off the face of the earth, and I am back to reassure you that I am alive and well and the whole family is doing great! Thank you so much for all the caring emails and comments on the blog, Facebook, Instagram, etc. I really appreciate all of your genuine concern and well wishes.
Where do I even begin?
In the last post, I shared that I had given birth to our second son, Joshua. He is now 9 months old, such a lovable, sweet baby, who is crawling all over the house, getting into any cupboards and drawers that aren't locked up and especially his older brother's personal space and favorite toys. As most of you know, both of my pregnancies with the boys were very difficult and high-risk and I had many complications and a long recovery with both. (If you're new and are interested in finding out more, you can read more by clicking on this sentence.) After I had Josh via c-section, I had a really hard time getting my strength back and lost a lot of weight and had to be on TPN (intravenous nutrition) for a few months. I was in a lot of pain because of all the scar tissue from the multiple abdominal surgeries that were disturbed during the c-section and my wound ruptured along the c-section scar, so it took many months to close up and heal. The pregnancy took a huge toll on my body, causing many GI issues, which I'm still trying to manage. The malnutrition, weight loss, and constant electrolyte imbalances are the reasons why it's taking me so long to recover.
Obviously, I was so sick, blogging was completely out of the question. For a long time, we were in survival mode. I didn't go anywhere - not a simple run to the grocery store, church, or getting together with family or friends. All I could do was take care of my babies and muster up enough strength for doctor appointments. When I finally started feeling stronger and had more good days than bad, I just savored the good days, catching up on housework and spending time with my family.
I had not intended to take such a long break from blogging. At the time, I could only focus on getting my health back. Even when I started to feel better, I decided to stay off all social media, because I didn't want to have the pressure of feeling the need to return before I was ready and prolonging the healing process. I'm sure most of you can understand.
I've definitely missed blogging, cooking and writing. I am so happy to once again be able to take care of my children, my home, the grocery shopping, cooking and being more social once again. I really hope I can slowly ease my way back to blogging and sharing new recipes with all of you. I still struggle with health issues and am trying to establish my groove as a Mom of two little boys, so I can't predict how everything will unfold here on Olga's Flavor Factory. I will do my best to return just as soon as I am able because I truly enjoy it.
Everything is so different than what it was just three short years ago. I find myself looking around at my messy house strewn with little boy "treasures", and can't believe that this is my life now. Going on walks with a smiling baby in the stroller and a curious toddler running next to me, stopping every 5 seconds to pick up rocks and sticks is a dream come true. Through these simple, everyday moments, I am reminded over and over again, how amazing it is that I get to experience the miracle of being a Mama and that my boys are healthy even though they had such a rough start.
It feels so good to be writing a blog post. It's like coming home after a very long, tiring and stressful journey. Thank you for your patience and understanding as I ease my way back to sharing recipes with you once again.
Good to hear that everything is going well!
Glad to have you back! Missed you
Welcome back. How cute are your boys. Such a blessing. And I was so excited to see this blog post.
Praying for your health issues to lessen and for you to be strong mama for your sons.
Welcome back! Glad you are doing better. I was just thinking about you and then I saw your post on Facebook.😊 I can relate a bit to what you have been going through..I have an almost 9 month old. And had some health complications also. All is good now thanks to Jesus! God bless you and your family.
You should've seen my excitement when I received the email saying you have a new blog post!!! And you should've heard my awwws and oooohs when I was looking at al the pictures. I sure don't know you in person but all your posts are so personal, it just was always such a pleasure reading them. Thanks for posting all those family pics, your boys are SO adorable!!!! God bless your little family!
So glad to hear your doing better and on your way to recovery! We love all your recipes and are looking forward to new ones when your ready to post again! I have 3 kids that are 3yrs and younger and can't imagine running around after them all day while not feeling good. You are in my prayers for God to give you health to be able to injoy your miracle babies!!!!
Olechka,
Welcome back, my friend! Our thoughts and prayers have been with you.
Your blog will be here once you are fully recovered, and that's what's most important! Sending you and your family God's blessings. Praying God's healing hand over you, strength to raise your boys and wisdom for your hubby to be your rock through it all:). Your posts were missed<3.
So nice to hear from you and so glad that you are doing well!!! We've missed you, but take as much time as you need to get all your strength back. Your health and taking care of your family is more important than anything else right now! God bless you and your family.
It's so good having you back! Best of wishes and blessings to your beautiful family! God bless
So good to hear you are doing well!!!
Welcome back (kind of?). I'm grad you are doing well. I love your recipes and look forward to new ones. Your boys are adorable. My daughter is 2 (a fourth round of ivf) and I feel the same way - when I look at her I feel so blessed to have this miracle in my life. Enjoy your family. I hope you feel all better soon.
Thank you for the update. God Bless you and your beautiful family!
Welcome back! It's so good to hear from you! Your boys are adorable & you truly have a beautiful family! Take care of yourself and cannot wait for new recipes!
It's so good to hear from you again! I can't wait to read more, or not as you enjoy your life and family. I love your recipes.
Welcome back! I have been working through your old recipes while you were gone! Your boys are so cute!