More Big Exciting News!

I’ve hinted a few times over the past several months about some big news I wanted to share. It’s been hard to keep it a secret, since it’s been a major contributing factor to my difficulty with keeping up on blog stuff, but I wanted to wait until the time was right to spill the beans. That time has finally come, so here’s my big announcement:

We’ve got a little cupcake on the way!

😀 😀 😀 😀 😀

BABY TALK

I’m currently 25 weeks along (a little over halfway through), and everything is progressing well. We decided to find out the sex of the baby this time, partially to make it easier to prepare the Little Mister, who is one and a half. I’m happy to announce that this little cupcake is a GIRL! 😀 Our little lady is already showing lots of personality. She kicks every time her big brother cries and whenever we sing him to sleep at night. Plus, LOOK AT HER PRECIOUS LITTLE HANDS AND FEET! I’m so glad the OB got a picture of them. ^.^

Things feel much more organized with this pregnancy than they did last time. We’ve already scheduled a C-section for January 3rd, at my OB’s suggestion. Otherwise, he highly suspects a repeat performance of my first delivery (10 days overdue with 30 hrs of induction and no progression, ending in a C-section). And I’m inclined to agree. However, we’re all willing to try for a natural birth again if things are looking more promising as I near my due date. Who knows, maybe the Little Miss will surprise us!

WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR THE BLOG?

To be honest, I’m not quite sure yet. I know I definitely want to keep blogging, but I also know that I won’t be able to keep up with my usual schedule, at least at first. I usually cook and take pictures on Mondays, edit pictures and draft my post on Tuesdays, and finalize my post on Wednesdays. I also like to work at least two weeks ahead. Since that pace will be difficult to maintain, I’ve come up with a 3-phase plan for next year after baby comes:

• • Phase 1: A 3-Month Hiatus. January-March 2019 will be for rest, recuperation, and figuring out my new normal with two little kiddos. I’m toying with the idea of republishing some of my favorite recipes from years past, partially to keep things from going totally silent around here but also because I just want to see those recipes get a little extra love. What do you guys think? Would you be cool with a Throwback Thursday vibe around here for a few months next year? If not, I can look into some other ideas (like guest posts or scheduling some stuff ahead of time).
  • Phase 2: Bonus Recipes for Past Menus. I’ll ease back into blogging in April-June by posting recipes every other week. However, I don’t like the idea of taking 2 months to finish a 4-recipe menu, so I’m thinking of using this time to make bonus recipes for past menus. And they would all be voted on by you guys! What do you think? Would you want to see Harry Potter pumpkin pasties, Hobbit hole cookies, Winnie the Pooh honey pot cupcakes, and other such like? Let me know!
  • Phase 3: Back on Track. At least I hope so? What the blog looks like in the last half of 2019 will depend a lot on what life is like with 2 littles. Plus, I’ll still have my cookbook to promote and other side projects going on. For example, I’m currently finishing up the first draft of a fiction novel. Once it’s edited, I’d like to submit it to my publisher for consideration. If they decide to pick it up, I’ll have some hardcore book editing ahead of me, which will leave less time for blogging. Still, I don’t want to get ahead of myself. By July of next year, I’ll have a much better idea of what’s on my plate, so for now I’m just planning on restarting my usual 1 recipe/week schedule by then. If summer rolls around and it’s looking like I’ll need to reevaluate my plan, I’ll let you guys know.

THE BIG QUESTIONS

But let’s get back on the subject of babies, because I have a super important question to ask you guys! At least, I think it’s important. 😉 You may recall that we made the Little Mister a Middle Earth nursery when he was born, and right now I don’t know what to do for the Little Miss. I love the idea of doing a Narnia-themed room this time. But here’s the thing: my son has never actually used his room as a bedroom. He always slept in our room (first in a Pack ‘N Play, then our bed, then his own mattress on the floor). His nursery has mostly been for diaper changes and late night nursing. We got so much beautiful Middle Earth decor as gifts from people—some of them handmade—it seems like such a shame that they never got much use. Since he loves to climb on things and take stuff apart, we’re keeping his room fairly plain for now, though we could reintroduce Middle Earth stuff as he ages. Either that, or we can put it all in the new nursery. So here’s my question:

Let me know what you think, and I’ll see you back here on Thursday for our next recipe! 🙂