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babyessentialshub
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.
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This Week's Leaders in 2nd Trimester

TTC after 35

New Discussion

Today's IUI#1

mmhopeful member

April 2013 in TTC after 35

We were very happy that all went smoothely this morning. My husand went in for 8 a.m. to give his sample and then came to Church where I was. We left mass and headed there for my 11 o'clock appointment. There were 4 couples there and we both couldn't help but think that good things were in store for everyone. The professionals working today were so wonderful to us both! We test on 4/23/13. So the 2WW begins! Feeling fine. Was told I may or may not have some spotting today and light cramping, but so far, I feel great! Wishing everyone a terrific day and special thanks for all of your well wishes! Smile

************** Siggy Warning************

Married August 2012 -- Me (40 yrs old) My husband (45 yrs. old)

RE referral from ObGYN in late Jan. 2013 -- Testing Confirms Unexplained IF

IUI #"s1 - 3 (Femara + IUI) April - June 2013 - all BFN

Decided to do IVF... Began stimming on September 10th! Egg Retrieval 9/20/13. 19 eggs: 6 to mature to freeze after 6 fertilized with ICSI

3 morula stage embryos transferred on 9/25/13.....Beta #1 on 10/4/13/ = 7.5 Beta #2 on 10/6/13 = negative

IVF#2 - Lupron plan (set to begin on 10/28/13) (Planning on thawing and fertilizing our 6 eggs with ICSI as well as all of the mature eggs they retrieve with this fresh cycle.)

Late October 2013 - ectopic pregnancy - methotrexate injection....benched 3 months

CD1 - 12/5/13...Lupron set to start on 12/26/13; CD1 - 1/2/14....Baseline 1/3/14....begin follistim tonight and continue with lupron. (Got my calendar today! IVF#2 is a go!)

ER = 1/14/14 (11 eggs....9 were mature. 9 fertilized. Of the 6 mature eggs we thawed, only 4 fertilized. At this time, we have 13 eggs fertilized and growing. Waiting for news about a 3-day or 5-day transfer.)

ET = 1/19/14 (5dt).....3 blastocysts transferred! (All nine embryos didn't make it to freeze. =( )

Beta #1 = 1/28/14 (2 weeks after ER) BFP! 209 (9dp5dt) EDD 10/7/14

Beta #2 - 1/30/14 (11 dp5dt) 302

Beta #3 - 2/3/14 (15 dp5dt) 1222

Ultrasound set for 2/17/14......TWINS! Twin A - HR 124 bpm; Twin B - HR 126 bpm

Final Ultrasound with RE 3/10/14 - Twin A - HR 176 bpm; Twin B - HR 177 bpm.

PAIF/SAIF Welcome!

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Re: Today's IUI#1

BeckyP005 member

April 2013

FX for you!!

ME:46 MH:44 DE IVF 2014
Met with RE 4/11. 2 IUI's BFN. DE best option. Switched clinics to do "shared" program. Had to retake all tests and a mamm that put me behind and then on a DE waiting list for 12 months. Picked a donor!! (10/13/13) Got matched. Estimated transfer in December. After 2.5 years of patiently waiting I will finally cycle....can hardly believe it. DE cycle got cancelled. One of her tests came back positive. Waiting for another donor. Donor picked!! (1/18/14)
DE IVF #1 (4/26) BFN DE FET #1 (6/4) BFP! Beta 1=339 Beta 2=852 Beta 3=9957 EDD 2/22/15!!

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mmhopeful member

April 2013

Thank you!

************** Siggy Warning************

Married August 2012 -- Me (40 yrs old) My husband (45 yrs. old)
RE referral from ObGYN in late Jan. 2013 -- Testing Confirms Unexplained IF
IUI #"s1 - 3 (Femara + IUI) April - June 2013 - all BFN
  Decided to do IVF... Began stimming on September 10th! Egg Retrieval 9/20/13. 19 eggs: 6 to mature to freeze after 6 fertilized with ICSI
3 morula stage embryos transferred on 9/25/13.....Beta #1 on 10/4/13/ = 7.5  Beta #2 on 10/6/13 =  negative
  IVF#2 - Lupron plan (set to begin on 10/28/13) (Planning on thawing and fertilizing our 6 eggs with ICSI as well as all of the mature eggs they retrieve with this fresh cycle.)
Late October 2013 - ectopic pregnancy - methotrexate injection....benched 3 months
CD1 - 12/5/13...Lupron set to start on 12/26/13; CD1 - 1/2/14....Baseline 1/3/14....begin follistim tonight and continue with lupron. (Got my calendar today! IVF#2 is a go!)
ER = 1/14/14 (11 eggs....9 were mature. 9 fertilized. Of the 6 mature eggs we thawed, only 4 fertilized. At this time, we have 13 eggs fertilized and growing. Waiting for news about a 3-day or 5-day transfer.)
ET = 1/19/14 (5dt).....3 blastocysts transferred! (All nine embryos didn't make it to freeze. =( )
Beta #1 = 1/28/14 (2 weeks after ER) BFP! 209 (9dp5dt) EDD 10/7/14
Beta #2 - 1/30/14 (11 dp5dt) 302
Beta #3 - 2/3/14 (15 dp5dt) 1222
Ultrasound set for 2/17/14......TWINS!    Twin A - HR 124 bpm; Twin B - HR 126 bpm
Final Ultrasound with RE 3/10/14 - Twin A - HR 176 bpm; Twin B - HR 177 bpm.
PAIF/SAIF Welcome!

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MsJazzy73 member

April 2013

Here's hoping the 2WW flies by, only to be followed by a BFP!!!!

*******SIGGY WARNING/Chlidren mentioned***********

ME: 41 ----- DH: 43
MARRIED: 5/3/14
DS,17 DD,16 DD,12 DS,10
TR: 4-2-12
TTC our 1st love child! No luck so far!

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mmhopeful member

April 2013

We're hoping!

************** Siggy Warning************

Married August 2012 -- Me (40 yrs old) My husband (45 yrs. old)
RE referral from ObGYN in late Jan. 2013 -- Testing Confirms Unexplained IF
IUI #"s1 - 3 (Femara + IUI) April - June 2013 - all BFN
  Decided to do IVF... Began stimming on September 10th! Egg Retrieval 9/20/13. 19 eggs: 6 to mature to freeze after 6 fertilized with ICSI
3 morula stage embryos transferred on 9/25/13.....Beta #1 on 10/4/13/ = 7.5  Beta #2 on 10/6/13 =  negative
  IVF#2 - Lupron plan (set to begin on 10/28/13) (Planning on thawing and fertilizing our 6 eggs with ICSI as well as all of the mature eggs they retrieve with this fresh cycle.)
Late October 2013 - ectopic pregnancy - methotrexate injection....benched 3 months
CD1 - 12/5/13...Lupron set to start on 12/26/13; CD1 - 1/2/14....Baseline 1/3/14....begin follistim tonight and continue with lupron. (Got my calendar today! IVF#2 is a go!)
ER = 1/14/14 (11 eggs....9 were mature. 9 fertilized. Of the 6 mature eggs we thawed, only 4 fertilized. At this time, we have 13 eggs fertilized and growing. Waiting for news about a 3-day or 5-day transfer.)
ET = 1/19/14 (5dt).....3 blastocysts transferred! (All nine embryos didn't make it to freeze. =( )
Beta #1 = 1/28/14 (2 weeks after ER) BFP! 209 (9dp5dt) EDD 10/7/14
Beta #2 - 1/30/14 (11 dp5dt) 302
Beta #3 - 2/3/14 (15 dp5dt) 1222
Ultrasound set for 2/17/14......TWINS!    Twin A - HR 124 bpm; Twin B - HR 126 bpm
Final Ultrasound with RE 3/10/14 - Twin A - HR 176 bpm; Twin B - HR 177 bpm.
PAIF/SAIF Welcome!

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jbelle member

April 2013

Glad to hear the IUI went smoothly. FX for you!

AMA & SAIF. TTC #1 since Oct. 2010. DX: Unexplained. BFP on break after 32 months trying and 2 med cycles. Baby girl born at 40w0d!

jbelle
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dannie2011 member

April 2013

FX for you! Hope it is a fast 2ww.

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mmhopeful member

April 2013

Thanks everyone! Having company over tonight from out of state, so it'll be good to put the focus of our family on other people. Great way to end our weekend.

************** Siggy Warning************

Married August 2012 -- Me (40 yrs old) My husband (45 yrs. old)
RE referral from ObGYN in late Jan. 2013 -- Testing Confirms Unexplained IF
IUI #"s1 - 3 (Femara + IUI) April - June 2013 - all BFN
  Decided to do IVF... Began stimming on September 10th! Egg Retrieval 9/20/13. 19 eggs: 6 to mature to freeze after 6 fertilized with ICSI
3 morula stage embryos transferred on 9/25/13.....Beta #1 on 10/4/13/ = 7.5  Beta #2 on 10/6/13 =  negative
  IVF#2 - Lupron plan (set to begin on 10/28/13) (Planning on thawing and fertilizing our 6 eggs with ICSI as well as all of the mature eggs they retrieve with this fresh cycle.)
Late October 2013 - ectopic pregnancy - methotrexate injection....benched 3 months
CD1 - 12/5/13...Lupron set to start on 12/26/13; CD1 - 1/2/14....Baseline 1/3/14....begin follistim tonight and continue with lupron. (Got my calendar today! IVF#2 is a go!)
ER = 1/14/14 (11 eggs....9 were mature. 9 fertilized. Of the 6 mature eggs we thawed, only 4 fertilized. At this time, we have 13 eggs fertilized and growing. Waiting for news about a 3-day or 5-day transfer.)
ET = 1/19/14 (5dt).....3 blastocysts transferred! (All nine embryos didn't make it to freeze. =( )
Beta #1 = 1/28/14 (2 weeks after ER) BFP! 209 (9dp5dt) EDD 10/7/14
Beta #2 - 1/30/14 (11 dp5dt) 302
Beta #3 - 2/3/14 (15 dp5dt) 1222
Ultrasound set for 2/17/14......TWINS!    Twin A - HR 124 bpm; Twin B - HR 126 bpm
Final Ultrasound with RE 3/10/14 - Twin A - HR 176 bpm; Twin B - HR 177 bpm.
PAIF/SAIF Welcome!

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CheezeFace member

April 2013

Congratulations! Hoping the next couple of weeks fly by

~Married 11/08~
~TTC since 01/09~
~SA & B/W - 06/09 - Normal~
~Encouraged by OB to "just keep trying" 06/09 - 06/10 (oh, the wasted time)~
~HSG - 08/10 - Clear/Normal~
~Lapo - 01/11 - Normal~
~Clomid 50mg, Trigger shot, Prometrium - 01/11, 02/11, 03/11~
~BFN - 02/11~
~IUI #1 03/15/11~
BFP 3/28/2011
Diagnosed with GD at 28 weeks. Controlled through diet and exercise. No insulin.
Diagnosed with Cholestasis of pregnancy @ 36 weeks.
Delivered via C-section @ 36 weeks on 11/9/11.

TTC#2 for a few months naturally (ha!)
~IUI#1, Clomid, Trigger, 10/13 - BFN
~IUI#2, Femera, Ovidrel, 11/13

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happywifemomofone member

April 2013

Glad all went well!! Hope that your 2ww flies by!!

TTC since 10/09 Me-43 DH-44 RE and testing 10/10-11/10, Recommending IVF 1/11 New RE AMA and DOR-DH low motility IVF #1.1 cancelled 3/11 due to poor response IVF #1.2 May 2011, one perfect 8-cell embryo, 3dt-BFN, IVF #2.1 Converted to IUI d/t poor response. New RE 9/2011. IVF 2.2 completed using HGH,EPP,DHEA, Q-10 and accupuncture. Transferred one 8-cell, grade one embryo on 10/19. BFP 10/31/11 Chemical pregancy on 11/2/11. Started stims for IVF #3, our final try, on 12-2-11. ET on 12/18. Transferred 3 Grade A embryos-BFFN Planning DE IVF, late March/early April- Donors ER expected to be 4/2-4/4. PAIF/SAIF welcome
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HeathernSteven member

April 2013

FX crossed good luck!

My Ovulation Chart

Me: 41 DH: 46. We are TTC our 1st, started July '11,
3 cycles clomid with Ob,
1 cycle Tamoxifen with Ob,
Diagnosed PCOS 11/5/12
clomid, trigger & timed bd 12/12 BFN
1st clomid IUI 1/4/13 BFN.
2nd clomid IUI 2/13 cancelled didn't respond to clomid.
3/15/13 scheduled laparoscopy & on bcp.
May 10 IUI from injectibles - BFN
May 22 done with interventions it will either happen or it won't.
February 2014 No longer actively trying, but not preventing.
SURPISE BFP 4/2/2015!!!!!!!!!!
Miscarriage 4/23/15

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Jacque Sills member

April 2013

Many blessings for you.....best of luck for a quick TWW. Keep us posted!

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