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.
stever
member
Re: Dudes, this board is slow.
My Blog
What are their ages? Cody is 2, Max is almost 4 weeks
Who is your H/partner? Jay
How long have you been together? Friends for 17 years, a couple for 13 years, married for 5 years
What's your job? Manufacturing/cost accountant
What do you wish was your job? Baker in my own bakery
What's a little known fact about you? I still have a baby tooth and was born without wisdom teeth.
Who are your kids? - What are their ages?
I have a 25 yo StepDaughter who finished her Masters at UGA last May and looks like she will be getting engaged to her BF after he takes his Bar Exam.
I have an 18 yo SS that still lives with us. He is my trial and I will always worry about him. He blew his SATS and may not get into the college he wants...and Community Colleges are going to create some...anyway some positive thoughts for his retake.
Finally, I have an almost 5 year old DD. She was born 4 months before my 38th birthday. She is funny, smart (a really great memory), very energetic and moving into a bit sassy.
Who is your H/partner?
My DH is a wonderful guy 90% of the time. When we met, he had just made E8 in the USAF. He ended up making Chief right after we had DD. We spent 3 years in Germany before he finally retired from the Air Force after 28 years (we did not like where they were sending us next).
He is now the Interim Director for one of our County's major departments and once they hire a replacement, will be going back to the head of HR. We are really happy he did not go into military contracting after he retired.
How long have you been together?
We met in 2005 and married in 2006.
What's your job?
Before I married military and was taken away from it all, I was a lobbyist and PAC Coordinator for a Major Military Association. I specialized in Health Care. I was only able to work after marriage for a year before we had to move. I got a job at an HBCU for about 2 months until my dream job of being a Patient Advocate came about (I miss that job).
But then we moved to FL, then I got preggers and then we moved to Germany. Until DD is in school full time, it is not financially viable for me to work. I literally would be working to pay her before and after PreSchool care.
What do you wish was your job?
I would love to go back to my Patient Advocacy job. It was emotionally hard, but also so rewarding when I was able to get my clients their help. I wouldn't mind going back to my Assoc either. But DH refuses to live in the DC area....
What's a little known fact about you?
I testified before Congress.
It's very slow, geesh!
Who are your kids?
5.75 yr old son
How long have you been together?
Married 8.5 years
What's your job?
Academic Support Coordinator
What do you wish was your job?
Academic Support Coordinator 3 days per week during the academic year and alternating 3 days/2 days per week during the summer.
What's a little known fact about you?
Not sure
One child, LO.
What are their ages?
He is four.
Who is your H/partner?
DH is a career soldier, so that means we move. A lot.
How long have you been together?
Together 8 years, married 7.
What's your job?
SAHM.
What do you wish was your job?
Non-profit stand-up trainer.
What's a little known fact about you?
When I was eleven years old, I wanted to be a Presbyterian minister when I grew-up.
~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.
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Rad.
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So GTKY anyone?
Who are your kids? I have 7 furry ones 3 cats, 2 dogs and 2 horses
What are their ages?Cats 1yr, 9yrs, 10 yrs, dogs: Jack Russell will be 13, Golden 3, Horses: Judy is 27, BH is 25 have had them since they were young.
Who is your H/partner? Nick
How long have you been together? Jan will be 8 yrs, married 3 next July
What's your job? I have 2. 1st career: I am a licensed veterinary technician, 2 career: Elementary teacher. I usually work at the vets now in the summers.
What do you wish was your job? The 2 I have!!!
What's a little known fact about you? I am left handed, hubby and I met online!!!
Who are your kids? Hurricane Jude, Rocco the Wonder Pooch & Logan the Grump Pup
What are their ages?The human child is 2.5, Roc is about 4 & Logan is 15.
Who is your H/partner?Grand Master J.
How long have you been together? Dating since 2007 & Married since 2008
What's your job? I'm a secretary.
What do you wish was your job? Drummer on tour with a Christian rock band.
What's a little known fact about you? I love jury duty. I've served like 3 or 4 times & I'd serve again in a heartbeat.
What are their ages? DS1 will be 5 on Monday, DS2 will be 1 week old tomorrow.
Who is your H/partner?How long have you been together? DH and I have been together 16 years in June, married 8 years in October.
What's your job? Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
What do you wish was your job? I love my job and what I do. I have a flex schedule so I'm off on Mondays. I just wish it was closer to my home. My commute is 45-60 one way.
What's a little known fact about you? I love yoga and wish I could take a class everyday.
Who are your kids? Evelyn Della
What are their ages? Born 11/15, she's just over 4 months
Who is your H/partner? DH is Todd
How long have you been together? We've been together for just over 5 years, our 2 year anniversary is in May.
What's your job? Purchasing Manager
What do you wish was your job? I really enjoy my job and the company I work for
What's a little known fact about you? I love going to the dentist. Love it! I would go everyday if Insurance would pay for it. I love how clean my teeth feel afterward. That being said, I've never had any major dental work aside from braces and wisdom teeth that have been bad experiences.