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.
Rochelle2012
member
Re: ~*~TWW WEDNESDAY~*~
CD/DPO: 24/13
Timing: Good
Testing Plans: Tomorrow morning (if no AF)! I didn't cave this morning surprisingly lol.
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: I'm surprised that I'm not spotting considering AF should be showing up tomorrow or maybe even later today. I feel a bit gassy/crampy this morning too just dreading to go to the bathroom later lol.
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time
Current : Great Big World ft Christina Aguilera - Say Something
All Time: Stevie Nicks - Landslide
CD/DPO: 53/7
Timing: O-1
Testing Plans: Maybe this weekend, not sure yet.
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: Was really crampy yesterday, and of course I'm letting my imagination get the best of me. Ugh.
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time? My current favorites songs are probably "Ain't It Fun" by Paramore and "Compass" by Lady Antebellum. My favorite song of all time, ugh I have a few but the one I liked the longest is "Kiss From A Rose" by Seal.
BFP: 6/4/14 EDD: 2/11/15
CD/DPO: 26/8
Timing: good
Testing Plans: Friday or Saturday
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: I keep going back and forth between "this is it!!" And "not this month" and really I wish I could just stop thinking about it all together
GTKY: ugh, I like all music.... That's a tough question... Favorite of all time, probably "hit me with your best shot" by pat benatar
CD/DPO: 25/4
Timing: -1, O Which is good according to ff
Testing Plans: Next Wednesday
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: Nothing at the moment
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time? Too hard to answer... I like too many songs
ME: 29 DH:29
TTC #1 since September 2013
BFP Aug 27 2014, EDD- May 9 2015 - MMC Oct 16 2014
CD/DPO: 17/5
Timing:-4, -3, -1
Testing Plans: I was going for 14 DPO, but I may do 12, since that's when AF is actually due.
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: It feels like this cycle is a lot calmer than my last two. I haven't had any cramping or spotting yet, so I'm hoping that means I'm getting back to "normal" after my CP.
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time? I love "How Sweet It Is to be Loved By You," all versions. DH and I danced our first dance to the James Taylor version at our wedding.
July TTGP Siggie Challenge: Favorite GP/Reality TV Show
TTC #1
Me (30), DH (30)
6/13/14 - Began O & 7 DPO bloodwork
CD/DPO: 59/10
Timing: high
Testing Plans: Got a very very very fait positive yesterday or it was an evap line. Will test again tomorrow if no AF
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: my temp was a tiny bit lower than yesterday making it 2 days in a row just above my coverline so I think I'm out. I was mouth breathing again, but I'm just not hopeful this cycle.
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time? I couldn't tell you. I'm bad with song names anyway.
CD/DPO: 24/11
Timing: -3, -2, O
Testing Plans: Today, BFN
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: Yesterday evening I had a sudden, horrible stabbing pain in my right boob. It happened twice and then nothing. That has never happened to me before. Of course, today my boobs are less sore, which usually means AF will be here within the next day. We shall see.
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time? I don't think I really have a favorite.
@snooks721 Keep your chin up girl!
@nowsgood GL to your H!
@Lomcmuffin FX for you!
@Gigi0308 FX for you!
@CrazyMonkeyBear We're so close to Friday!!!! You can make it!
@thelostiowan I really like those songs too!
@RinnyBee FX for you!
@firespirit717 GL!!!! FX for that +!
@Pipes134 Sorry for the boob pains
Cycle/Month: 8
CD/DPO: 16/3
Timing: -5, -3, -1, O, +1
Testing Plans: I am not caving this time. Really going to wait for AF. So maybe Mother's Day or a few days after.
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: Really excited, this was my first month temping and it turned out really well. This is also the first month we've had amazingly timing so I'm hoping this is if! If it's not, not sure what I'll do.
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time?
Forever by Kari Jobe
Chart:
https://fertilityfriend.com/home/4eb549
@thelostiowan I love Old Time Rock and Roll! It's actually my dad's favorite and so it makes me think of him. Good choice
@firespirit717 Hope you get a definite positive!
Cycle/Month: 8/10 (5 AL)
CD/DPO: 31/5
Timing: -3, -1, 0, 1
Testing Plans: 10dpo if I make it take long before AF shows up
Rants/Raves: Nothing
GTKY:
Current favorite is either "Control" or "Kingdom Come" both by JJ Heller. I'm obsessed with her music right now, especially her "Deeper" CD.
All time favorite is probably "Lullaby" by Billy Joel. It has a special meaning for my dad and me.
Cycle/Month: 1/1
CD/DPO: I don't even know at this point... I'm temping next cycle
Timing: ??
Testing Plans: maybe this weekend?
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: the past days I've had mild cramps, and everytime I go to the bathroom I expect to see AF, but nothing is there. I'm still 5 days out from when AF is scheduled to arrive...
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time?
Current: Say Something - A Great Big World
All Time: How Great Thou Art - sung by Carrie Underwood
Me (29) DH (29)
Married 5+ years
Cycle/Month: 3/3
CD/DPO: 29/11
Timing: O-5, O-2, O
Testing Plans: See below
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: I'm still here but just hanging on by a thread. I was excited to test this morning but a temp drop plus spotting had me putting it away. I'm trying to remain positive and focus on the fact that spotting started at 11DPO instead of 10DPO. Yay for silver linings?
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time? Current-Talk Dirty To Me, All Time-You & Me by DMB (seeing him this summer for the first time!)
Baby #2 due April 2017
Mornin' Ladies!
Cycle/Month: 2/4 1 loss
CD/DPO: CD18/5DPO
Timing: O, +1
Testing Plans: Trying to hold out until at least 12DPO
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: starting to make up phantom pregnancy symptoms! Luckily I still have the cognition to know its all in my head....for now...
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time? current favorite - anything maggie rose... all time favorite? anything red hot chile peppers
CD/DPO: 22/3
Timing: Good (for once!!). We hit -1 and O...although I would have liked to have hit -2 and +1, but I'll take this timing!
Testing Plans: None right now. Probably around 10DPO (so a week from today).
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: Nothing. I want to eat all of the food. This is normal for my 2WW.
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time? My current favorite is a toss-up between High Ball Stepper (by Jack White) and Digital Witness (by St. Vincent). My all-time favorite is probably Glory Box by Portishead.
CD/DPO: 44/6
Timing: -4, -1, O
Testing Plans: at 13 DPO
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: Temp is still staying up. Pumped to have O'd this cycle YAY! (I had a 71 day anovulatory cycle last time...)
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time? current favorite - don't really have one... all time favorite? SHOOP by Salt n Pepa
BFP 1/5/2016 EDD 9/17/2016
CD/DPO:26/8
Timing: not bad
Testing Plans: hopefully I can hold out to Friday but maybe tomorrow
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: I got my big PMS symptom yesterday: nightmares. But since I've never had a BFP I dont know if that could be a preg symptom for me too. I hope it could be. I'm losing hope for this cycle, which means next time we try again will be September-ish. I'll start temping by then.
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time?
Current favourite (I'm down with the Brit spelling): Baby I by Amy Millan
All-Time Favorite: Janine by Soul Coughing.
TTC since March 2014
BFP#1 09/25/2014 EDD 6/4/2015
Cycle/Month: 5
CD/DPO: 28/12
Timing: Good
Testing Plans: Yesterday was a BFN but see rant from yesterday. Going to try again Friday.
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: Temps were high again today which restored my hope after yesterday. I guess it is time to wait and see. More limbo!
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time? Current favorite is "Am I Wrong" and all time favorite is "A Whole New World" from Aladdin:)
TTC 10/2013
RE Help from 10/2014-10/2016 (11 failed IUIs, a corrective surgery, and a donor embryo cycle)
9/2016-transferred two donor embies
BFP 9/29/26 EDD June 11
Cycle/Month: 2/3
CD/DPO: 28/8
Timing: Good
Testing Plans: Heading to the dollar store for cheapy tests today. I'll probably test on Friday morning (10 DPO)
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: OK, so either the cold I had last week is lingering (most likely) or my slightly and constantly stuffy nose is my 1st pg symptom. I had a stuff nose my entire pregnancy w/ DD. When I was first pg I thought I was getting a cold, but it never came. I can remember being in the hospital shortly after giving birth and realizing that for the 1st time in 9 months I didn't require a box of tissues next to me at all times.
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time?
This is tough - I love music so much it's hard to narrow down! Current: Here Comes the Night Time by Arcade Fire (I'm still really into their latest album)
All time: Flowers in the Window by Travis (every time I hear it, it takes me back to when DH & I were dating)
Edit: typo
BFP 1/5/2016 EDD 9/17/2016
CD/DPO: 28/7
Timing: Good
Testing Plans: Probably Monday, I wanted to wait till Tuesday, so I will most likely cave and test Sunday!
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: Just on my third straight day of cramping. I am Knocked-up or gearing up to have a pretty TERRIBLE period. I feel like it is the later.
GTKY: What is your current favorite song/what's your favorite song of all time? I am really digging that neon trees song sleeping with a friend... my favorite of all time is hard but I always go with Whitney Huston Want to Dance with Somebody for karaoke!
BFP 1/5/2016 EDD 9/17/2016
CD/DPO: 27/10
Timing: -4 -3 -2 -1 +1
Testing Plans: daily since 8 DPO
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc:
+ FRER, very light wondfo and negative digital last night. I googled the lot number on the wondfos and there were a few links to people not having very dark lines but still getting a +FRER. So, I'm just waiting!
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time?
Hard questions because I'm so sentimental when it comes to songs. There's a hymn at church that makes me feel close to my grandmothers who have passed. It's called On Eagles Wings
BFP #1: 4/2/12 -- DD born 12/15/12. BFP #2: 4/1/14 -- CP. BFP #3: 4/28/14 -- EDD 1/10/15
Jan 15 NOV siggy challenge:
CD/DPO: 32/12
Timing: good according to FF
Testing Plans: none at the moment
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: I'm especially crabby today. I have the worst cramps from hell today and they won't go away! I have a feeling AF is on her way. That bitch! Also I didn't sleep well last night.
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time? Too hard to answer I love a lot of music.
Eta: hit send too early
CD/DPO: 65/15
Timing: Meh
Testing Plans: BFN today. I'm out.
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: My temp dropped today, negative test, and a little spotting. This makes months 10 and 11 a bust. I only have one more month before I hit a year, and I'll be lucky to ovulate before that month is over.
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time?
CD/DPO: 15/6
Timing: None..
Testing Plans: none
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: seems everything is pointing that I did O on CD 9!?! Makes me sad because I had been O-ing on CD 15 (today) and DH lands at 11:54. Long shot but still a shot! Perk is that if FF/my body aren't drunk and this is right, I can HIO the entire time he's home because it will put my FW completely in his time home giving us a full FW to try! (First time ever) We're gonna HIO anyway just in case.
GTKY: What is your current favorite song/what's your favorite song of all time?
I will be headed back to WTO tomorrow
FX for everyone else here!
Cycle/Month: 1/1
CD/DPO: 29/6
Timing: -3 could have been WAY better
Testing Plans: next Thursday, 14 dpo
Rants/Raves/Chart Stalks/Etc: none yet!
GTKY: What is your current favourite song/what's your favourite song of all time?
This is impossible to answer, we are MAJOR music junkies in this house!
Edit: Words
Thank you ladies!!
My temp was still nice and high this morning. I'm so paranoid that I've already gone to the bathroom 3 times since this morning to check for AF or spotting, I haven't POAS since my first trying cycle so I'm definitely excited/anxious for tomorrow morning, unless of course AF makes an appearance before then.