Hello, let me introduce myself first..
For the first 30 years of my life, everything was smooth and worry-free. I was my parents’ most beloved child, found my true love in college, and happily married him after graduation.
At work, I was my boss’s most valued employee. Whenever I was in charge of a project, colleagues would inevitably say, “Oh, then I’m totally at ease.” I was constantly named “Employee of the Year,” with generous bonuses every year.
Later, I started my own business. Within just three months, I had broken into the market and started making money. By the fifth month, I was earning twice my previous salary. Growth was steady month after month. Right when the business needed more hands, I serendipitously met an amazing partner, and the company reached a whole new level.
Really, it seemed like at every step, whatever I needed, a pair of hands would always place it right in front of me, just in time.
My Two Girls: Ellie & Mia
Meet Ellie, My Firstborn
In 2020, my husband and I decided to have a child. After trying for over a year, we finally got the news in 2021 that a little one was on the way. In 2022, we welcomed our first child, Ellie. She made me a mother.
She is utterly adorable—big eyes, rosy skin, chubby little hands. Every time I look at her, I can’t help but give her a kiss. She is pure joy, and I love her more each day.
But as a first-time mom, I faced unprecedented difficulties. The postpartum tearing wouldn’t heal, and the pain was excruciating. Clogged milk ducts made my breasts hard as rocks. The severe sleep deprivation… And what was even more crushing was that, with zero parenting experience, I was clueless when faced with her unexplained wailing, night terrors, refusal to nurse, constipation, diarrhea, fevers… I desperately searched online, longing for one accurate, truly useful answer!
It was during this time that I thought, once I make it through this “dark” path, I must leave a light on for other new moms.
And Then Came Mia
Ellie had just turned one when I got pregnant again. In 2024, we welcomed our second daughter, Mia.
Completely different from Ellie, Mia is a great eater and sleeper. Although she had her fussy moments in the first two months, starting almost from month three, she became super easygoing. She feeds on schedule, gradually sleeps through the night, loves her solid foods, and adapted quickly when I had to stop breastfeeding due to mastitis.
This made me realize just how vastly different babies can be! It made me even more determined to write about my experiences.
Why I Had to Start This Blog
The Catalyst: A Life Pivoted
After Mia was born, my business also began to decline sharply. I had no choice but to close it and become a full-time mom. My work no longer involves Excel and Word, but instead revolves around changing diapers, washing bottles, making baby food, and managing household chores…
This has been a monumental challenge for me. All my past achievements seem irrelevant now. Managing two young children has brought me a sense of frustration I’ve never known before.
The Daily Reality
They are always fighting over things. When one is in my arms, the other immediately demands to be held too. When I try to cook, Ellie wants me to read her a book. When I attempt to load the washing machine, Mia has a diaper blowout, and I must drop everything to change her…
By the time I finish all that, I see the cup of hot coffee on the table has gone cold again. And it’s not until evening that I remember, “Oh my goodness, the clothes are still in the hamper, unwashed!”
Of course, being a mom is filled with happiness, but that doesn’t negate how hard it is.
My Promise to You
Because I’ve walked this path myself, I won’t just tell you how joyful motherhood is, like many websites do. I want to share my real, unfiltered experiences so every new mom can find a “companion” here.
I want to tell you: you are not alone. What you’re going through, I’ve been there too. Your breakdowns, your helplessness, your moments of losing control—I’ve had them all. You don’t need to feel guilty. This is just a small, necessary stretch of the journey for every mom.
My Hope for This Space
I really want to share my parenting experiences—not just the warm, glowing moments, but to honestly document the pitfalls I’ve stumbled into, the tears I’ve shed, and the “survival wisdom” I’ve scraped together in utter exhaustion.
The Goal: A Mom’s Toolkit
I hope this blog becomes a “mom’s toolkit,” filled not with vague theories, but with:
- Practical Tips: Like how to quickly figure out why a baby is crying, tried-and-true methods for dealing with clogged ducts, or how to efficiently manage the daily grind with twins (or two under two) solo.
- Pitfall Avoidance Guides: Sharing the baby products I regret buying the most, and those “game-changer” parenting hacks. Letting you know which parenting anxieties you can let go of, and which principles are worth holding onto.
- A Community for Moms: I hope my stories connect me with more moms like you. We can cheer each other on in the comments, share our own tricks, turning the storms we face alone into a journey we walk together.
The Bigger Vision
My previous career taught me to analyze data, solve problems, and optimize processes. Now, I’m applying all those skills to this new “position” of Mom. I want to prove that a mom’s value is absolutely not confined to the home. The mindset, resilience, and creativity we built in our careers can shine just as brightly—perhaps even brighter—in this more complex, long-term “project” of raising humans, and can even be transformed into a force that helps others.
My hope is simple: that every mom who opens this blog can let out a sigh of relief and say, “So it’s not just me.” Then, she can find a bit of practical info, a dose of comforting solidarity, and return to her sweet, chaotic mom-life with a little more confidence and a little less weight on her shoulders.
This road? Let’s walk it together.
Re: ***ELFSTER GIFT REVEAL***
My Elfster was tlcW0714. She gave me the Healing Grace Willow Tree Angel. The card that comes with it says "May quiet strength bring you grace" I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!
My Elfster was TheGregory's07 and she sent me this lovely scarf:
and a very sweet card. I love it!
My elfster was KristysRedBarn. She sent me a beautiful necklace (which I have been wearing every day!) that says "strength" and "grace". The back says "TTCAL".
She also sent me a book that has been passed from Peetie to mlmtgg to her and now to me. It's called "The Precious Present" and it's the perfect book for TTCAL.
Thanks, Kristy! You're the best!
I loved my Elfster gifts from MCH77!
She sent me a scrumptious bath bomb called "Sex Bomb" from Lush, a beautiful "Kept forever in the heart" Willow Tree ornament that I plan to put up on my Christmas tree this year, "What I Know Now" a book of letters from extraordinary women to their younger selves, and a couple chocolate cupcakes that are not pictured because I devoured them the day they arrived
.
Receiving this package and the sweet card MCH77 wrote, totally made my day and I'm so grateful. Thank you!
m/c 6/10
My Elfster was Rockelle. She sent me this gorgeous necklace and card. I love the necklace and have worn it daily since receiving it. The card had just a wonderful message. Thank you so much Rockelle!!!
Noah's Blog TFAS Chart
BFP 12-16-08...blighted ovum at 8 wks
BFP 4-26-10....ectopic at 6 wks
BFP 4-4-11... Our little Noah arrived 11-15-11!
TFAS Sept 2012
Made so many amazing bump friends along the way... Congrats to my bump besties and IRL friends..sbuxsweetie (Colin is here, and is going to be a big brother!),kellbranc (Luca is growing so fast) and lots of prayers and baby dust to willamina (HUGS) So blessed to have met these ladies!!!
My Elfster was Jillcanda and she sent me some Rose Spray that I put on my pillows each night before I go to bed, some Oracle Cards that are Fairies that I have also used nightly as well as some Nurturing Tea. This gift has gotten me back in the routine of taking some time for myself each night to relax and reflect. Again, thank you very much Jill!
On a side note my Elfster gift has not been received as of yesterday and I sent my person a message. I sent it on 8/20 but due to customs it is taking some time-ugh!
Sorry about the picture size-I messed that up!
I'm in the same boat as Shy287...mine was sent even before 8/20, but she still hasn't received it.
I hope it gets there soon!
My Elfster, Kellbelle618 sent me the Angel of Hope, which is the perfect piece that was missing from my mantle. It is beautiful....
{{HUGS}} Kellbelle618...your card was so thoughtful, and the Angel of Hope couldn't have come at a better time for me. Thank you so much!
I'm at work so I can't get actual pictures, but found one online. My elfster was L-Orange8 and she sent me the snow globe above, and a memorial necklace with the February birthstone and LO engraved on the back. I LOVE them. I also received a small elephant necklace from a friend for the six month anniversary of my loss and I wear both charms together. The globe sits on a hutch in my kitchen.
BFP #2 EDD September 30, 2012 ~ natural m/c 5w4d
broken hearted, changed forever
Me too. I was really excited to see all the presents! And now I kind of want to go buy some of this stuff for myself...
This! I was out of town when the planning was taking place, but I'd love to do it with y'all next time!
Ok, I have a quick second at work here, so we'll try it.
My elfster was Zed58 and I got these lovely coasters and magnet, along with a sweet card. I love setting them around the house - they are so heafty and pretty! The heavy stone is definitely a reminder of strength! Thanks so much!!
I don't have time to download my pics right now, because I had a doctor's appt this am and getting ready to go to work. But, my elfster sent me a wind chime to remind me of Ella's presence. I hung it outside on the porch. I LOVE it! It makes me feel good everytime it chimes...it was the perfect gift. She also sent me a remembrance hallmark ornament and some cocktail weiner napkins(because I have 2 mini dachshunds)! My Elfster is awesome. Who is my Elfster? I think I have an idea who it may be. Thank you so much!
My elfster was BabyTrippin
Her gift was so perfectly beautiful! Just what I needed. It was so nice, one picture alone couldn't do it.
The bracelet says "Fall down seven stand up eight" and I love it!!! Thank you so much!!
Aurora Rose born sleeping at 35w on 4-21-10
BFP#2 {Almond} - 2.1.11 EDD 10.12.11 C/P 2.11.11
The gifts are beautiful. I am glad that those who participate, enjoyed it. Just a word of caution here, you don't want to have this type of thing too often or you can burn people out of Elfster. Summer is the perfect time b/c you don't have to deal with the holiday stress. You guys might want to think about organizing one each season... Fall Winter Summer Spring....
Aurora Rose born sleeping at 35w on 4-21-10
BFP#2 {Almond} - 2.1.11 EDD 10.12.11 C/P 2.11.11
This is the picture from the site that my elfster lrachelle80 got my gift from, the only difference is it has an aug. stone since that was when Ryan Jane was supposed to be born. It is perfect, I have worn it numerous times since receiving it. It is more perfect then the necklace I bought myself, when I lost my sweet angel.
Leneae10 had me! She gave me a beautiful wall hanging that says "Life is a balance of holding on and letting go". I put it up next to our last u/s pic of the LO we lost in April.
I got to go shopping for Mocha Girl!!!
Great idea!
My Elfster was arath1v2. She sent me a beautiful bracelet that I wear everyday. You can't really tell from the picture, but it says "strength" in the middle. The card and quotes made me smile too.
ETA: I can't get the picture to post
I'm working on it...
Dx: MFI- 3% morph
IUIs: Gonal-F + Ovidrel + b2b IUI= BFNs
IVF with ICSI= BFP! EDD 11/25/11
3/18- Beta #1 452! 3/20- Beta #2 1,026!! 3/27- First u/s- TWINS!
Our twin boys arrived at 36w5d due to IUGR and a growth discordance
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Dx: MFI- 3% morph
IUIs: Gonal-F + Ovidrel + b2b IUI= BFNs
IVF with ICSI= BFP! EDD 11/25/11
3/18- Beta #1 452! 3/20- Beta #2 1,026!! 3/27- First u/s- TWINS!
Our twin boys arrived at 36w5d due to IUGR and a growth discordance
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
I am not sure who my elfster was but she sent me a beautiful bracelet. My camera wouldnt upload so I took the pic from the etsy shop. I just wanted to say thanks and it is really way more beautiful & delicate in person(the pic doesnt do it justice). I like wearing it when I go out on weekends. Thank You So Much!!!
I thought that maybe it didn't say my name since it came right from the seller to you. That was me! I'm glad you like it
Dx: MFI- 3% morph
IUIs: Gonal-F + Ovidrel + b2b IUI= BFNs
IVF with ICSI= BFP! EDD 11/25/11
3/18- Beta #1 452! 3/20- Beta #2 1,026!! 3/27- First u/s- TWINS!
Our twin boys arrived at 36w5d due to IUGR and a growth discordance
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
My elfster was DoingItRight and she sent me the "Thinking of You" Willow Tree Angel. It looks darling up with my other angel. The sea shell was such a nice little touch that she had no clue about. My grandpa always used to tell me that when you listened to a sea shell you heard "I love you." He's been gone a little over a year now and I miss him so much. I know he helped her pick that out for me!
My camera just isn't doing it justice so I nabbed the Amazon image:
My Never Updated Chart
Bonus buddies with Cashewsmommy!
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My Never Updated Chart
Bonus buddies with Cashewsmommy!
Join Swagbucks! Earn free Amazon cards!
So glad you liked it! Does the bracelet fit? I was worried it may be too big.
For the stones, the red one is a garnet which is for grace, the bluish one is agate which is for strength and the clear is to represent a diamond - Caleb's birthstone.
"I'm not telling you it's gonna be easy. I'm telling you it's gonna be worth it." -Art Williams
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
YES!!! Thank You Colleen!!!
Squeeee, I am so excited for today!!! Everything looks awesome!! CashewsMommy had me and she sent me the most lovely dragonfly pin with an excellent story about dragonflies and she made me a cookbook/scrapbook with all of my recipes from my own blog, it's like I have my own cookbook! The color of the book matches my bridesmaid dresses even--I love it all
bfp 01/23/10 m/c 12w1d 03/14/10 EDD 09/24/10
bfp 07/20/10 m/c 5w1d 07/25/10
bfp 11/19/10 Born 07/24/11 via C/S
My Forever Sister From Another Mister~CashewsMommy!!
Oh no!! I love it. You're right, the symbolizism is perfect and makes me love it even more now! I rigged it up to where it is hanging from in my car around the rearview mirror. DH even loves it!
I had a friend in the car this weekend and she couldn't stop talking about it and how lovely it is.
I hope you don't mind i'm not using it as a necklace.
Aurora Rose born sleeping at 35w on 4-21-10
BFP#2 {Almond} - 2.1.11 EDD 10.12.11 C/P 2.11.11
Ohhh!! I got lucky on that one!!
I can't remember if i put this in the card or not, but when i was making it i was thinking about how you could pass it on to your children when they grow up - sort of a family cookbook type to get them started.
And um, DH mentioned making another one so I can always have a copy of your recipes. We tried a bunch of them when I was making the book and he loved them all!!
Aurora Rose born sleeping at 35w on 4-21-10
BFP#2 {Almond} - 2.1.11 EDD 10.12.11 C/P 2.11.11
I wont be able to uplaod mine til later tonight!! But my Elfster was Ikissedthecook! She got me a beautiful necklace that says "strength & grace" I love it!! I've worn it every day since I got it! Thank you so much!! =]
*So proud and so lucky to be the mommy of two beautiful little girls
and one handsome little man*
RJ~5.17.2005~born @ 37w due to IUGR~4lbs 15ozs
Al~4.5.2008~born big and healthy @ 38w~7lbs 9.5ozs
Lil man~5.20.2011~born big and healthy @ 39w (after one he!! of a pregnancy)~8lbs 1oz
Hopefulelise was my elfster. She gave me this beautiful elephant bracelet with the quote "Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are sealed with scars. -Kahlil Gibran" I love it and I've worn it a great deal since I've gotten it. I can't get a great picture of it because I have a cheap camera but it's really pretty. Thanks Elise!
Edit: I made the picture big so you can see the elephant better.
My camera is broken
so I don't have a picture, but my elfster was Sunflower730, Amye. She sent me an angel of healing from the Willow Tree collection. It was THE perfect gift. I came home after a hard day to find the box at my front door. Exactly what I needed to remind me of my healing journey. I also have the angel of hope and freedom. So fitting to join my collection!
Her card, however, is what made me cry. On the front it said, Believe. And inside it read:
Faith means not needing to see where you are going to know you'll get there safely. Even though you can't see what lies ahead, please know you already have what you need to come out of this an even stronger person than you already are. (sniff, sniff)
I've got the card pasted into my TTCAL journal, and read this passage every day.
Thanks, Amye.
BFP #1: 07/10/2009, Missed m/c, D&C 08/12/2009
BFP #2: 01/31/2010, Identical Twins died in utero due to TTTS, D&E 05/19/2010
BFP #3: 09/16/2010, natural m/c 9/21/2010
PCOS & Bocornuate Uterus Dx 1.4.2011
BFP #4: 01/11/2011
I'm glad you like it, Katie. It was so hard buying something, but I'm so glad you are taking the time to take care of yourself! I went back and bought a set of cards for myself, and draw them every morning to see what they have to say about my day...Scary how true they are every time.
BFP #1: 07/10/2009, Missed m/c, D&C 08/12/2009
BFP #2: 01/31/2010, Identical Twins died in utero due to TTTS, D&E 05/19/2010
BFP #3: 09/16/2010, natural m/c 9/21/2010
PCOS & Bocornuate Uterus Dx 1.4.2011
BFP #4: 01/11/2011
Your so welcome sweetie! I am so glad you love the angel. I am usually horrible on pickin gout the right gift. Ask my hubby I sat in the store for an hour going over each angel because I didn't know which one would be the perfect one.
The card made me cry, so I knew someone who lost twins as I did would appreciate it.