After a Long Absence, Hello Again

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.