Taking a break from hiking on a pahoehoe lava flow. I’m about 9 weeks pregnant in this picture and was already struggling with severe morning sickness. However, that didn’t stop me from (slowly) hiking along some fantastic lava flows during my vacation.

First of all, for this week’s “Monday Geology Picture” enjoy this fantastic picture of me sitting on some pahoehoe lava earlier this year, when I visited Réunion Island back in March.

Second of all, let me provide a little explanation about why I have been terribly negligent of this blog over the past few months, despite my best intentions at the beginning of the year. In January I fully intended to read one science book every month (and write a review), post weekly geology pictures, and blog about some geologically-themed aspects of some recent vacations… and maybe even revive the Geology Word of the Week. Instead, I’ve barely posted at all this year!

My excuse is, however, a happy one: I am expecting a baby boy any day now. Why did my pregnancy lead to such a terrible lapse in my blogging? Well, I have had over 8 months of terrible morning sickness so far. I am unfortunately one of those rare women who have morning sickness for the whole pregnancy, and it’s been really debilitating. Even on strong medication, I feel seasick for many hours every day — often all day and all night. I haven’t read a science book in months because reading generally makes me feel more seasick and gives me a headache. Writing is similarly challenging. With an abundance of medication, careful eating, and days off to rest I’ve managed to (mostly) keep up with my day job and home life, but I just haven’t had anything extra in me for blogging. Fortunately, other than the morning sickness my pregnancy has gone well and baby is healthy. He’s full term now, so he could come at any time!

Now that I’m about to start my maternity leave I thought that I should revive this blog. I’ll start with setting up some weekly geology pictures to auto-post over the next few weeks. Then, once I’m settled somewhat with baby, I hope to add some other blogging. I know that I’ll be very busy and sleep deprived, but I think I should be able to carve out a little time for blogging. Also, I think that I’ll feel more like blogging again, since my doctor assures me that as soon as baby is born the seasickness should quickly go away. Maybe, if baby lets me, I’ll even read a science book now and then!

Anyway, thanks for your patience with my absence… and stay tuned for some good content coming soon!