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.
babywillmake3
member
Re: MoM Check In Week of 11/18
Team/type: Di/di Pink x 2!
Updates? We are halfway according to our 38 week EDD, and I am finallyl able to detect some little movements down there. They feel like rolls - no kicks yet. I'm anxious to be able to feel them from the outside. We also started clearing out a room for the nursery and purchased a stroller. Things are starting to feel real!
Next appt: Dec 4
QOTW : what is your favorite food? Hmm.. hard to say. I love food in general, but I'm partial to cheese, strawberries, prime rib, turkey sandwiches, fresh baked cookies or breads and most breakfast foods.
Age: 35 TTC since 2005, MFI & DOR
IVF #1 Sep '11 - canceled poor response
IVF #2 Nov '11 8R/8M/4F 3dt x2 - chemical
IVF #3 April '12 11R/6M/4F 3dt x2 - m/c
FET #1 Aug 2012 3dt x2 - BFN
**new RE**
IVF #4 Jan '13 BFN 11R/6M/6F 5dt x2 - BFN
IVF #5 July '13 16R/10M/10F 5dt x2 + 1 frostie
9dp5dt Beta 1 = 344!! 16dp5dt. Beta 2 = 4822 7wk u/s= 2 heartbeats!
Twin girls! 3/6/14
Team/type: Di/Di, green
Updates? We're feeling these little jellybeans often! So much fun
Next appt: Dec 2nd w/OB, Dec 13 w/ MFM for Anatomy Scan!
QOTW : what is your favorite food? Probably Pizza... One way to get my veggies in!
Team/type mo/di girls
Updates? DH and my kids have been able to feel and SEE the girls moving around a lot
Next appt Dec. 2 for GD test YUCK! and growth scan
QOTW : what is your favorite food? PASTA!! I was Italian in another life!
A- 09/2006 I- 04/2010 N- 04/2012 M & G- 01/2014
Mo/di; find out Dec 4th
Saw my OB this morning and got to see the babies, which is always good. They are measuring great and have two strong heartbeats.
Next appt is Dec. 4th when they will go a growth scan and we should find out the sex.
One of my fav. foods is pot roast and I have one slow cooking for dinner right now. Can't wait!
How far along are you? 24w3d
Team/type: Green/ di/di
Updates? I think the babies must be having a growth spurt in there - I can't stop eating! I need to come up with some new things to eat/snack on as I'm starting to get tired of my usuals.
Next appt: Regular OB appointment tomorrow.
QOTW : what is your favorite food?
Everything?
How far along are you? 36w 3d
Team/type: Di/di Team Blue
Updates? My cold/sinus infection/strep throat is getting better thanks to the antibiotics Also, both boys were breech, but last Friday at our appointment it appears Squirt is now across my belly, just under my ribs, with his feet in his brothers face. They have been incredibly active lately. I think I'll miss feeling that when they're out. Nemo is usually pretty quiet in the evenings, but last night for about 2 hours he was bouncing around and kicking like crazy. Only problem was, it was 11pm. LOL
Next apt: Tuesday, our last before our scheduled C-section on November 27th.
QOTW : what is your favorite food? I love pasta and my mom's homemade German food...Knoephla, Fleishkeuchla, things like that. Yummy! Luckily she passed on the recipes before she passed away.
Team/type di/di Green
Updates? Nursery is complete. We put up our Christmas tree so it's up when babies arrive! SURPRISE PIP:
Next appt: Thursday. Growth u/s, cervical check, probably the Strep B swab
QOTW : what is your favorite food?
How far along are you? 33W today
Team/type Di/Di Purple
Updates? At my 32W appt I was measuring 41W and I feel like it too...lol. I have twice weekly NSTs now and they are going well so far. I'm wondering if they will do a BPP soon or not? I am having trouble walking very far before I get really winded tho and I am a little sad that I cant do as much with my DS3. Thankfully DH is pretty awesome with him.
@tootsscott I'm curious to your feelings of possibly going into labor soon?? I'm only a day after you but I think I'm still far off, unfortunately! lol. Maybe I am missing something tho.
Next appt: NST tomorrow and Friday.
QOTW : what is your favorite food? Hmmmm right now I am craving Ambrosia for some reason. lol. I really like Thanksgiving food too!
How far along are you? 14w5d
Team/type di/di one boy, other TBD (per Materni21 test)
Updates? Had appt today with U/S. Babies are right on track and looking good!
Next appt: Dec 6th for cervical length check and then the 13th for anatomy scan!! Can't wait to find out the gender of the other baby!
QOTW : what is your favorite food? anything breakfast related! eggs, pancakes. french toast, bacon, homefries...yum!!
PS. how do I add a new timeline with this pregnancy? It's been a while!
Excited for our newest additions in April/May 2014!!
My sweet boy!! So in love with him.. Owen 03/27/2012
Our twins born and died on August 2, 2010 (at 22w5d) due to Premature birth. They were only in our arms for a little while, but they will be in our hearts forever.
18w on Wednesday.
Team/type
Di/di/ Purple
Updates?
BP up. New med killing nausea yay! Very tired. Can't seem to get any energy bc I'm not into eating yet.
Next appt
Wednesday w MFM/anatomy scan. Cancelled OB GTT appt today since MFM said they will treat me as GD even though I'm not.
QOTW : what is your favorite food?
I'm not a fan of food. So probably a good salad. Right now- nothing. I'd rather have an IV for nutrition.
Team/type: team blue! Di/di
Updates? Just waiting for my scheduled csection on Thursday!!! If I don't go into labor before that. These little guys don't wanna leave my belly!
Next appt: had my last appt last week!
QOTW : what is your favorite food?
I have alot of favorite foods! Mostly raspberries, watermelon, cheese, Mexican food!! And cold stone ice cream of course
Team/type: green di/di
and
QOTW : I absolutely LOVE a good baked lasagna! And bread, lots of bread. Berries and chocolate are a divine combination - and I love a really rich strawberry ice cream with hot fudge - mmm!!!
@calicarly77
How far along are you?
24 weeks 1 day.... measuring 38 weeks.... yikes!
Team/type
Team Purple
Updates?
We had 3 appointments today. I had the GD test and failed the 1 hour but they did say my levels were only slightly elevated which kind of surprised. I got back on Monday for the 3 hour test. We met with perinatologist and not much has changed. My cervix is still in the okay range, the babies are still measuring big, and they still have too much fluid. Then we got to tour the birthing center and NICU. The birthing center was pretty much what I expected but the NICU really impressed me! Then we met with OBGYN who asked what my work plans were. It was something I was going to ask him. They are going to allow me to keep working for the time being. (Two weeks ago they weren't going to!) My OBGYN knows that as soon as I walk out the door, it is all unpaid. I am a 4 year old kindergarten teacher without an aide. The only break I get is my lunch.... otherwise I am with my students all day long. Therefore, he wrote me a note saying I need another break and can only work 8 hours. I think the break alone will be a big help!
Next appt.
Monday November 25th for the 3 hour GD test and then Friday November 29th with the perinatologist.
QOTW : what is your favorite food?
Anything with cheese.... pizza, grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, cheese fries, etc.!
Check out my blog: http://blondheimtwins.blogspot.com/
Dx: PCOS and MFI
3 IUIs, 4 IVFs = BFFN
3rd RE: IVF #5/FET = BFP
14dp5dt=1170 16dp5dt=2573
1st u/s=TWINS!
It's a Boy and a Girl!
Born at 34w3d!
Team/type: not sure yet, tech today guessed boy and girl but it was really too early to know for sure
Updates? Appt today. Babies doing well. They're di/di. One had heartbeat of 157, other was 164. Both measuring on track.
Next appt: Dec 16
QOTW : what is your favorite food? Right now, cheese pizza, but it changes a lot haha
Team/type blue/didi
Updates? No new updates so far. I'm secretly wishing I will go into labor around 36 weeks, I want to make sure I'm out of the hospital by Christmas. 37w exactly for me will be christmas day and I really do not want to have two babies on Christmas (talk about an expensive holiday).
QOTW : what is your favorite food? Anything I don't have to cook right now. If DH cooks its my favorite meal that day
Team/type: Pink / di/di
Updates? Scheduled my C-section today. December 4. I'll be 37w3d.
Next appt: With my OB tomorrow and my MFM on Thursday.
QOTW : what is your favorite food? Probably pizza. Pepperoni thin crust.
Team/type: di/di, team unknown
Updates? I just got released from my RE today! Woohoo! I still have my SCH but it still hasn't bled and the RE wasn't too worried about it, so I'm not going to worry about it!
Next appt: Monday 12/02 with the obgyn. I'm not even sure if I'll get another u/s at that point? Hope so. It's crazy to see how big they grow in such a short time!
QOTW : what is your favorite food? I like all food (usually) but now, not so much. I've lost 10 lbs so far and am just trying to keep things down at this point. I usually love Chipotle, Mongolian BBQ, any sort of Mexican food, and pizza/beer/wings is my trifecta of happiness.
How far along are you? 26w4d
Team/type: Pink x2 mo/di
Updates? We had our first MFM appt today checking for TTTS...good news...no signs of TTTS! Yay! The only issue was Baby A had a Prominent (large) Stomach due to a piece of tissue blocking fluid. So she may need surgery when she's born. But the MFM will be doing a follow up in 4 weeks.
Next appt: I have a midwife appt a week from today.
QOTW : what is your favorite food?
Lately I've been reaching out to lemon flavored things...and pretty much any Italian food either spaghetti or pizza...Olive Garden is my favorite restaurant right now! Yum!
Also, out of curiosity, what hospital are you delivering in, if you don't mind sharing? From your general location I'm curious if it's the same one my niece was born in.
Team/type purple di/di
Updates? Not really- I feel them move sometimes
Next appt next Monday I see the ri again then the a/s w my OB on 12/5
QOTW : what is your favorite food? I'm a carb junkie. I love pastas and fresh baked goods. Also my dads beef stew.
Me:29 DH:29 TTC since 1/11 Dx: unexplained IF/early DOR/immune issues
8/30IVF#1 Antagonist protocol- ER 9/11-8R, 7M, 5F.
IVF#2 Antagonist protocol plus baby aspirin- ER 12/5-16R, 12M, 8F!
ET 12/10 5dt! 1 fully expanded blast & 1 early blast. No frosties. BFN
3/13 hysteroscopy & polypectomy, Consulted w Dr. Kwak-Kim.
ER 7/19 14R, 11M, 9F(4 natural fert, 5 with ICSI)
ET 5dt 7/24 2 fully expanded blasts. SURPRISE 3 FROSTIES!!!
Beta #1 8/2 335!!!! Beta #2 829!!! 1st u/s 8/14 showed TWINS!!!!!
3/21/14-L&W born at 37w via csection
Here Comes the Sun Blog
PAIF/SAIF welcome!
Team/type: team blue/ mono-di
QOTW : what is your favorite food? ummm... i love it all. mostly chicken and cheese, sweets like cookies, cake, etc... not really a veggie person.
Nope, no bed rest! I stopped working around 33 weeks to avoid going into labor early but other than that just going about life as usual and anxiously waiting for them to come!! Good luck on keeping yours in there till then too!!
Team Pink! Modi Girls.
Our MFM Dr ruled out TTTS today! Woohoo! Baby B is in the 56th percentile and is taking exactly the amount of nutrients she is supposed to. She's perfect. There is a discordance with baby A who has a disrupted cord flow but at her fluid scan today there was no change. So no news is good news right? She is in the 18th percentile and we pray for her every second.
The MFM doctor said next weeks growth scan is going to be crucial. If baby A drops around 10th percentile with the disrupted cord flow then all three of us need to be hospitalized right away. She'll have growth scans twice a day and these girls could come very early.
We're staying positive and taking it day by day. We love our hospital and are confident in our team. We're making everyday count. They are both very active and I'm finally reaching the point in this pregnancy where I cannot stop eating!
QOTW. Favorite food: fruits. any and all!
Next appointment is Tuesday the 26th. Big day. Pray for us!
Team/type: Di/Di, Blue
Updates? We just had another growth scan & Baby A is 2lbs 7oz & Baby B is 2lbs 12oz! Both are doing and looking great!
Next appt: This Friday with OB
QOTW : what is your favorite food? Boneless Buffalo Wings yum!
Oh yes, when it comes loving cheese I'm definitely a true Wisconsinite!!
I don't mind sharing at all! I will be delivering at the Aspirus hospital in Wausau.
Check out my blog: http://blondheimtwins.blogspot.com/
QOTW: what is your favorite food? Pizza...or burritos...or cheese enchiladas. Or sushi. Or Samoas...
Cervix was 3.8 (great!)
Blood clots at cervix (no problem)
I have an accessory lobe (placental). Again don't seem concerned.
That's all I know. I missed my OB appt this wk, going to reschedule tomorrow.