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, I am so glad to hear you are doing better now! God bless you and may He give you strength and a full recovery soon. You have a very beautiful family! And your boys are very handsome!!!
Hi Olga! So happy you are back! Glad that you are doing better - you def deserved a break from the bloggin! Your boys are the most adorable and I can't believe how different they look! One looks like your husband's side of the family and the younger one looks like his grandpa! So adorable!
Lots of love and prayers for your healing and recovery
Anna
Welcome back! May God Bless your family and heal you completely . Wow the littlest one looks exactly like your dad!!The hair especially......
So happy that your back!! Get well Olichka we missed you so much. Lots of love ❤️
Hello dear olya and welcome back so glad to hear that you are slowly coming back again missed you tons baby girl omg wow your boys got so big don't worry if you took a long absence you needed to think of yourself and your health Nathaniel looks like hubby and Josh looks like your dad take care and continue to feel good g-d bless
I am so excited that you are finally back! I have been checking your blog at least ones a week hoping to see new posts!!! Glad that all is well!!! God bless you and your beautiful family. Stay strong!!! Looking forward to your new recipies( whenever you are ready)
Xoxo
Welcome Back!!!
You have certainly been missed and I am really looking forward to reading and trying your upcoming recipes. Glad to hear you are doing better and wishing you and your family the best of health as you move forward.
P.S. Your sons are just adorable!!
Olechka, Welcome, welcome back!!!!!!! Oh, it is sooooooooooo goooooooood to hear from you!!!!!!!!! When I saw your post, I wanted to leave my comment, but my computer kept acting up. So, I told myself that as soon as I fix the computer, I will come back. Along with other readers, I am so glad that you're doing better! I am so glad that you're starting to feel better and your boys...they have grown so much in such a short time! You made my day! I had tears of happiness when I read that you're finally got over that difficult mountain of being sick. I too been there and I so understand you! It's a very frustrating and very difficult process! I hope that you continue to feel better! Again, thank you for telling us that you're doing better! We love you soooooo very, very much!
Happy and joyful for your blessings! Of course you were missed, and I continued to check this spot in hopes. Continue to put yourself first so you can be strong for your wonderful little family! God surely has a delightful plan for you!
Thank you for the update! So excited to see you back. Your family is very beautiful! Can't wait for more yummy recipes from your kitchen. May God bless you & your family abundantly in everything you do!
oh what can I say: FINALLY you're back!!!
WELCOME BACK
I had a baby when you had and reading your story
1. I feel kind of jealous because I had to return to work in short 9 weeks and there where either you're coming back to work or you're unemployed.
2. I started to appreciate God's gift of having my 4 kids healthy, recovery wasn't easy after all of the babies, but I managed. From day to day I realize how many couples want to have kids and they either can't or it takes too long. All of my pregnancies were surprised and within short period of time after having each child. In other words, I even didn't get to plan when to have another baby, it happened to us every 9 or 10th month of post partum 🙂 🙂 🙂
I am glad you're back because I am missing new recipes from you 🙂
Wow! You have gone through so much! I have been stuck at home for a long time with my two boys as well, due to my seizures, so I at least understand that. My boys have developmental delays, it is so hard some days. Please know you were missed. Blessings to you!
Welcome back beautiful!!! So glad to hear you are doing well! God bless your family and I personally still enjoy using your blog's old recipes. Get well soon! Will pray for you..
So glad to hear you and your boys are doing well. Take all the time you need to recover and enjoy your beautiful family 🙂
God bless you and your family, Olga! Welcome back! I enjoy the recipes and am inspired by all the wisdom in this blog. Nathaniel and Joshua are such an adorable pair--so handsome and grown-up after a year! Thank you for sharing your remarkable life and positive personality with us all. Take good care of yourself, enjoy the rest of summer, and we look forward to the possibility of more posts 🙂