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.
Olga,
you are such a positive person!
I enjoy reading your blog and always looking forward to receiving emails about new posts.
You are so organized - there's a lot to learn from you.
Thank you!
Keep blogging!
Thank you for the kind words, Julia:).
Dear Olga,
Thank you for the update and for sharing what's been happening with your family. I am always so impressed with how at peace you look in your photos despite your health complications. I have often wondered how you are doing and am relieved to hear you are on the mend. Keep at it and know that you have the support of many blog readers. We are so happy to welcome you back.
Very happy to hear that you all doing well 🙂 God bless you and your family! Your little angels are very cute 😉
Welcome back Olga! I'm glad you're doing well and are feeling well enough to post again! Thank you for also taking the time to share your difficult but encouraging journey. You are an inspiration for my friends and I and we were so excited about your post 🙂 Be blessed!!!!!!
Thank you so much, Olga. It feels great to feel healthy again. I love blogging and cooking, so it makes me feel even better. It's my creative outlet:).
Welcome back! Glad to hear that everyone is doing great!!! Feel better, and thank you for all the wonderful recipes, many of yours have become my regulars!
So glad you are all well. What a beautiful family.
Olga it is sooo good to see you back!!! I LOVE your blog and have tried a ton of your recipes that have become my family favorites!!!!!! Thank you for all that you do!!! May God bless you and your family and continue to bless you in this blog. You have helped me and I'm sure a lot more ladies to become more confident cooks!! :)) Thanks Again!! :))
Missed your blogging! So glad that things are getting better and brighter a bit for you. Sounds like you surely had a rough time recovering. May God continue to strengthen you and Sergey and give you both good health, wisdom, and energy to raise those handsome little men of yours! Looking forward to more of your clean and healthy recipes! Thanks for sharing glimpses of your past year in the few pics you posted. Them miracles of yours are just plain stunning with their bright smiles and thick hair. 🙂 It sure is a blessing to experience morherfood, but for some it comes with a higher price. Glad you've learned to look at things more positively and grateful for all that you have. Keep up the great job of inspiring others to do the same! Blessings!!!!
I have been so worried about you and the family. Thanks for the update, and God bless you as you recover and enjoy your family. Take care of yourself. We are your friends foremost, and want you to be well. Take your time. Just got this today, but a bright spot in my day for sure. Boys are adorable.
Welcome back dear! Truly happy you are doing much better, thanks God! Your boys are absolutely precious, and your recipes are the best!May God bless you with a full recovery!!!
Olechka, so happy you are doing better. I was so worried about you and I am so excited that you are getting back on your feet. Take good care of yourself! Your sons are adorable, take care of yourself for them. I just sent my daughter to college and she asked me for a recipe book with her favorite recipes as her go away present. Lots of your recipes are there! Thank you and be well.