72 Reasons Why I’ve Been MIA Lately

Behind the scenes peak. So this is my June 2012 photos folder for the blog in Photoshop.

The only food I’ve taken photos of in all of June were these Chicken Pineapple Kebabs. And I’ll confess that Steve assembled them and cooked them. And I just took the photos.

So why haven’t I been cooking?

There’s really only one reason that a food blogger (who really really really really really loves to share fun food ideas and recipes with everyone, as I do!) doesn’t blog about food.

• She’s tired.
• Her taste buds aren’t working right.
• She finds herself in bed for upwards of 12 hours a day.
• Her stomach isn’t functioning normally.
• She can’t bring herself to even look at Pinterest, because there is food everywhere.
• She can’t eat some days and is ravenous other days.

And all these symptoms point to one thing.

First trimester of pregnancy.

Yep.

That’s right.

We are expecting #4 in mid-January. That puts me at about 11 weeks pregnant…which hopefully means only 1-2 more weeks of the “blech” feelings…then we’ll be back to normal, back in the kitchen, back to cooking and back to blogging!

In the meantime, I’m counting on my amazing contributors and some guest posts to get us through this phase!

So maybe that wasn’t really 72 reasons that I’ve been MIA…but it feels like I have 72 reasons!

Now for the FAQ that I know you’re thinking about (and I’ve already been asked quite a few times since sharing with family, church family and friends)…

So you have three boys, are you hoping for a girl?

No gonna lie. Yes.

I would LOVE a little estrogen around my house. I would love some girl drama. And I would love for the boys to have a little sister.

But, at the same time…it would certainly be easier to have another boy, as we’ve got all the clothes, toys, decor and rough and tumble kinda household already going on. So adding a little more testosterone wouldn’t be terrible!

In the end, we are thrilled to be expecting “Cuatro” (as we’ve started calling baby until we find out if it’s a boy or girl) and pray for a healthy baby and delivery!

Is this pregnancy similar to past ones, does it feel different?

Yes and no. It’s amazing how you forget what it feels like and how miserable it can be at times, but it’s all come flooding back now that I’m in the middle of it. I have very similar nausea, cravings and aversions…but the fatigue this time around is kicking my tail. The part about upwards of 12 hours in bed…total truth. I’d say that 5 of 7 days each week, I’m flat on my back for at least 12 hours. Usually 10 at night and 2 hours rest or nap in the middle of the day. This has obviously done a number on my productivity, work and blogging…but it will not last much longer and I’m taking care of myself and baby…which is utmost importance! But, I long for the day when the “light switch” will flip and I’ll get that boost of energy and won’t have to take my nausea medicine any longer! Shouldn’t be too much longer…

Are you planning on having more?

No. My husband and I have always wanted 4 children and we are so blessed by the three we have and Cuatro on the way too. We feel this will be it for our family.

Your third book is coming out in September, are you still gonna travel around and do book signings?

You bet! Big travel months for me will be in September and October to promote the book, and I’ll be all over the place. We are just starting to plan the locations and stops (feel free to make requests below!). Seeing as how I traveled with Tyler when he was 2 and 3 months old for my second book, I’m thrilled that I can travel this time around with Cuatro safely tucked inside. Much, much easier this time around!

So have at it…guesses on boy or girl? Name suggestions? Cities for my book tour? Would love to know your thoughts!!!