Blogging tips

Curveballs and Crossroads

You all have been so patient with me this summer (I thank you!). First, I skeeted up to Texas for five weeks with nary a Hello between guest blogger's posts, and now that we're back in Brazil, I've been doing good to show up once a week.

I hate it when that happens. For whatever reason, or multiple reasons, sometimes the blog takes a hit - meaning, it takes a serious backstage to Life. That's as it should be, right? Still, I feel like I've got some 'splainin to do...

A few days after we arrived for our vacation in Texas we learned we are expecting Kiddo #3. I know you're probably thinking, "Wasn't she just pregnant?" Um, yeah, it feels like it. Our baby is 15 months old, now, but still - Tracy Anderson was
just starting to make some headway with my Second-baby-after-35 body.

While I'm on it, I have a question to any mothers of many out there...By the third kiddo or so, did you look pregnant, like, immediately? I'm now 12 weeks, and I swear - I wake up three months pregnant, but by bedtime, I'm five! Gravity and fluids are
not kind.

Anyway, we had considered having a third child. This was just a
leeeetle sooner than we planned. BUT, the way I look at it is A) a blessing and B) If we had waited, we would've decided two is plenty. This baby is meant to be.

However, I can't say it hasn't thrown me for a loop in terms of how and when I'll segue this blog into a business. A while back, I mentioned I planned to go back to school for Interior Design, but the truth is there are few options for me since I live overseas. The online degree programs are few and far between, but the real issue is: Do I really need to get yet another degree when I really just want to enrich people's lives and homes with beautiful décor? It takes talent and skill, but not necessarily formal education to do what I want to do.

I answer my own question with: It just might have to wait. It's tough. I compare myself and this blog against others who post beautifully crafted and well-planned posts every day, and who are quickly turning their blogs into bigger and better things. Most of them are in the career-first stage of their lives. I don't know too many women with three children under the age of five (my situation when this baby is born) who are at the top of their game professionally AND personally. I know there are some amazing souls who do it all. For me, though, something has to give. There's no question that I'll hold onto my dreams while I give my family 100%.

In the meantime, I'll keep plugging away, blogging as often as I can about projects I have going on, and things that inspire my creativity. ...And I still have that card up my sleeve about a spin-off, food blog. You know....in all my spare time ;)

all my best,
alison

21 comments:

anita said...

Such great news!
Take care of yourself, love on your babies, and hold hands with your hubby.
The rest will fall into place.
You are still young and there is plenty of time for a big career. Do what you can -- we'll be here.

Susie Riley said...

Happy Baby, Alison! You are likely right: the waiting would have meant NO baby #3. It's a blessing!

christine {bijouandboheme} said...

Ah congratulations...this post literally brought a tear to my eye for more reasons that I can speak of...a new baby is such a blessing and everything else will work itself into place:) So so happy for you.

Much to My Delight said...

Congratulations on your unexpected blessing! I'm of the mindset that you (we) should never have to apologize for posting less often because you are right, there are other things in life that must come first. For you right now, it's your family and no one would ever expect you to apologize for that! But that's the great thing about blogging; you can adjust it to fit around the other things in your life. Sorry this just turned into a short story. Anyhoo...Congrats!!

The Townhouselady said...

WOW! Congratulations!

Krista said...

Congratulations Alison! I think it's very noble admitting that now just isn't the right time for your family to tackle a new career. I totally hear ya & I don't even have children yet.....but hope to soon. Sometimes it's difficult to realize that certain dreams have to take a back seat in order to make others a reality. Your kids are lucky to have a mom who gets it!

Kerry said...

Congrats on #3! :) Just like that sweet little babe was meant to be - everything else will fall into place for you! Wishing you all the best!

mintagehome said...

How exciting!!! I can relate to the blog on the back burner. I'm struggling this summer to come up with ideas, the kids are home and they need me. I came to the conclusion that I can't compare my blog to others, with beautiful interiors and witty comments everyday. My blog is a diary of the things that make me happy. I think you have a lot of talent, school is not necessary. I never went to design school, and worked in the trade for years before we started our family. Best of luck to you and your growing family!

Bri@Meyouandawiener said...

Congratulations! I don't know how some of yall do it. I can barely handle my one!!

Kirsten said...

So happy for you! I'm with you, it's not easy to do it all. Very well written post. What wonderful news! I do love them babies, even with all the work, they bring so much joy! Your post struck a chord with me. Thanks for sharing, you brightened my day!

Megan said...

Hello,
I came across your blog and was very interested in your home design articles. I just had a couple of questions, so if you could e-mail me back that would be great! Thank you for your time.

My Interior Life said...

Alison, congratulations! We make plans and God laughs, right? You will do what you were meant to do in good time. I feel the same way about my blog. I've actually been a little whiny and moody about how my blog hasn't experienced the highs some others have, but then I remind myself of why I started in the first place - just to have fun. Great post. I can totally relate. Best wishes to you on number 3!

Anonymous said...

I've been reading your blog for almost a year. I have about 3 design blogs that I go to every day, and yours is one of them. I didn't realize how important leaving a comment was, until I linked over to your "Coming Clean" post.

So, now I'm coming clean. First, congratulations on #3!!! So exciting for your family. Second, I will always follow your blog, no matter how many/few posts there are. I think you're a genius. And I especially love the he said/she said posts. All the best!!!

Carissa @ the Fabulous Design File said...

Ack! I somehow missed this post! CONGRATULATIONS to you!!! I'm super excited for you... I've been pining away for a third baby, but my husband has crossed over into that "two is enough" zone. I know what you mean about seeing all of these other blogs "take off"... I'm always amazed by the well put together content on other blogs and kind of wish mine was like that. But, I'm just not in that phase right now. Your blog, on the other hand, is fabulous exactly as it is... don't feel like you have to change it one bit!

alison@MyLittleHappyPlace said...

Wow, Anon - THANK YOU! (You're not my Mom, right?) ;)

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Hey you! I missed this too! Congrats on # three! I had 4 under 5...but loved it! Keep your priorities and all will work out beautifully.

Bailey@peppermintbliss said...

WHA!?!? Congratulations you naughty lovebirds :)

MFAMB said...

shit! clearly i am behind on blog reading!
holy butthole!
number 3....that is amazing news! you are in a class i cannot even begin to imagine.
congrats!!!!
xoxox

Alcira Molina-Ali said...

Congratulations on this happy news!
Where there's a will there's a way, as they say.
No doubt between the third baby and your very real design dreams, you will enrich your life three and four and five times over.
Many blessings and good health to you, and best if luck with it all,
Cheers, Alcira

Nerochronicles.com

LindsB said...

OMG, CONGRATS!!! So happy for you and your family!! Cant wait your mini- me #3 now!

Lindsey E. said...

I just realized I never posted a comment to this! I'm elated for #3...sometimes the unplanned for those of us Type A's is the best surprise and gift in life. You're going to be a wonderful mother of 3, and I am thrilled for you and the mister!! All my love to you cats all the way in Brazil. Maybe this 3rd will having you moving back to Texas SOON. Love ya!

Post a Comment