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.
If you do like it, what would you suggest for a middle name. I was thinking something along the lines of Pearl or Mae? Suggestions? 
Re: Novalee
I thought this at first too...but come on...that's not THAT popular of a movie. Definitely not popular enough that it will withstand the test of time...
Ummm....what?
How is this even pronounced? Like, novelly? Or no valley?
I've never seen or heard of this name before, but it seems completely made up. No me gusta.
It's different... I think it sounds like two names Nova Lee.
I like Nova Lee *Lastname*
but I really don't like Novalee
I'm not familar with that movie, but I was reminded of a Chevy Nova. I think a fair amount of people (particularly car-lovers) would make that association.
[ syll. no-va-lee, nov-al-ee ] The girl name Novalee is pronounced NahVEYLiy- ?. Novalee is of English origin. It is used mainly in English and German.
Nope, not a made up name
Married since 06/19/2004|Anna born 11/19/2006|Charles born 11/1/11
Double undergrad graduation May 2011| Me: Psychology, DH: Communication| A long journey!
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I immediately thought of Where the Heart Is. But I'm not talking about the movie, which was cute, but not quite up to the caliber of the novel of the same name that it was adapted from. The book was well-reviewed, an Oprah book club pick, and won at least two awards that I know of. So, even if the movie doesn't endure, the book just might.).
It's also worth noting that the name Novalee was specifically chosen by the author to reflect the protagonist's circumstances--that of a poor, Southern white girl with little future. I think you'll find that most people feel it perfectly suited that character and will associate it with someone of similar class, whether they've seen the movie, read the book, or neither.
I guess I can understand the appeal--it's unusual, has the ever-popular -ee ending and sound, has the uber-trendy V prominently placed in its middle . . . but, honestly, ask yourself how you want your child to be perceived--personally, poor white trash is not the future I hope for my children and while certainly your daughter can easily transcend her name, she shouldn't have to. Her name should be chosen with her in mind.
I agree 100%
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Poor southern white trash was just the picture I had in mind for my future children... surely most people with any sense would make THAT association....
I agree, the movie isn't THAT popular, but like StrangeBird said-the book was extremely popular because it made Oprah's list. That's the only time I've ever heard the name, so that's what I'll always associate it with.
It's starting to seem like you don't really want our honesty--clearly, you'd rather argue with anyone who disagrees with your exalted opinion of the name.
If you're dead-set on Novalee, use it. Why even bother asking us?
definitely not arguing, I asked for opinions. I just thought it was funny that someone took it as far as saying my child would always be looked at as white trash and would have to "overcome" her name. I thought my sarcasm was obvious.....guess not
I understood your sarcasm, but I think StrangeBird is right on. People who have heard the name Novalee before will have most likely heard it from Where the Heart Is. It's an association that your child WILL have to overcome. People are judged based on their names all the time. I think choosing a solid, respectable name is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child.
When we reference the "perception" of a name on this board, quite often we're not referring to who you daughter is or how she'll be raised. Obviously if your daughter is clean, bright, and well-educated then she'll be well-received when she introduces herself, even with a bad name. But what about when your daughter isn't present to represent herself?
Employers reviewing resumes and applications are just one example of a moment when your daughter's name will be used to make a snap-judgment about her. If that employer's first instinct is to assume Novalee is a trashy name, your daughter is already working at a disadvantage if and when she gets interviewed. That is what I meant when I implied your daughter would have to overcome her name.
And while your sarcasm was blatantly apparent, I took the time to write out a detailed response to your question with an honest opinion--implying I have no sense (whether with sarcasm or not) wasn't exactly the nicest way to respond.
I wasn't saying or implying that you had no sense. I was sarcastically saying that anyone with sense would of course make that association...as in through out her life, or in the future. Meaning that I guess I forgot the power of Oprah and her influence on everything...including names apparently... I wasn't trying to be rude, I guess I just have a different sense or humor. Honestly, thank you for taking the time to respond, that was thoughtful. I will be more choosy of my wording next time.
I don't like it, but don't mind Nova Lee/Leigh. You, and she, will have to repeat the name for people.
I love Pearl.
I have always thought your little girls are absolutely adorable!
i thought of this movie too.
dislike.
Sounds completely made up and very cutesy.
What about Natalie? Sounds similar. And is a great name
This is almost exactly what I was going to post.
I think you should take the advice of Novalee's friend, Moses:
Moses: "You know, a name's important. Have you picked out a name
for your baby yet"?
Novalee: "Well, I was thinkin' about 'Wendi' with an 'I'."
Moses: Oh, don't you dare. Give that baby a name that means somethin', a good, sturdy name.
Darn...'Wendi" with an "I" was my second choice... Maybe I'll go with my 3rd choice and name her Americus...
Thanks for your opinions/thoughts ladies! Much appreciated. We just tossed around this name last night and I thought I'd ask. It's quite obvious where the board stands
By no means did I have my heart set on using it. DH liked it, but his # 1 choice changes weekly at this point. We are no where near narrowing down our rather long list. Right now we are just praying that this pregnancy sticks! Thanks again!
How novel! Not really though. It is a very bad name.
If I heard the name I would sarcastically wonder what she had against nonfiction. And what made her so like a novel as opposed to poemy or biography-y.
http://oi62.tinypic.com/2w73hq9.jpg
This.
Agreed! That's the only place I've ever heard it.
ETA: I totally agree with Strangebird, as well. Even if people have never heard of the book or movie, that vibe is going to come across to most people, which is why the author chose that name.
the book was fairly popular...
but I have never liked the name
On the Baby Names board? Never!
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This, exactly.
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