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.
Re: Roll Call - Intro Posts!
<a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Parenting Tips"><img src="http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt1d74a9" alt=" Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker" border="0" /></a>
When you got your BFP? 13 DPO
What your EDD is? Aug 13
Basic info like age, if you have any other LOs, fun conceptions stories?
The DH and I are both 37. No LO's, just 3 dogs who we love dearly!
No funny conception story... After trying on and off for 7 years we just had our first IUI. I have been very realistic about things, as I have had 1 miscarriage. But feeling optomistic, too!
I got my BFP 11/26 9dpo
My EDD 8/9/15
I'm 28 my DH is 27 this is our 3rd baby we have a 7 yr old daughter and a 3 yr old daughter! Praying for blue!!
I'm 28, DS is 4 in Jan.; DD is 20 months. DS thinks that babies come from "the baby store," so this will be an interesting 9 months.
I've been on boards, including birth boards, but I'm no veteran with gifs.
Edited because I failed.
I got my BFP on 11/30/14.
My EDD is August 5th
This is kind of strange for us to be having another baby. I am 33 and hubby is 32. I have a 14 year old son an 8 year old daughter as well as a 12 year old stepson. This will be kind of like starting all over for us which is exciting but nerve wracking as well.
I have just joined the bump and I am hoping to get some good insight on how much has changed with pregnancy as I feel I am starting all over!
EDD: 8/8/15
LO's: boy, and two girls
I am 30
I am new to the Bump
What your EDD is? August 5
Basic info like age, if you have any other LOs, fun conceptions stories? My age is 20 and DH is 22. This will be our first child.
Did you just join the Bump or are you a gif-pro? I looked around for a while and just joined when we found out we where pregnant.
EDD: think maybe 8/4/15 but unsure as I haven't been charting.
Basic info, other LO's etc: my fiancé and I have been together for 4 years and our LO will be 8 months on 12/7 so we weren't really trying nor preventing but we are thrilled. Healthy And happy 9 months to all of us.
Bump info: I'm not new to the bump. Joined the April '14 board when I got the BFP with my current LO. I mostly lurk there though.
What your EDD is? I'm due August 14
Basic info like age, if you have any other LOs, fun conceptions stories?
I just turned 30, husband is 28, DD1 is 6, DD 2 is 23 months.
Did you just join the Bump or are you a gif-pro? I've been a member for years, but never been someone to post.
Edd- August 3 but according to my ovulation it's August 15 for me.
I have a 10 year old boy, a 13 year old girl and a 15 year old son.
I am 33 and my husband is 37. This is my fourth child but his first! Good luck husband lol.
When you got your BFP? Yesterday (17DPO)
And just for fun, here's some penguins:
August '15 January Siggy Challenge: Favorite Mean Girls
Nancy Downs - The Craft
8 DPO (December 1)
What your EDD is?
August 15, 2015!
Basic info like age, if you have any other LOs, fun conceptions stories?
I'm a kindergarten teacher and DH is an Air Force Raven and deputy for the sheriff's department. We have two wonderful little boys and are hoping for our girl (but will be happy no matter what!)
I'm really excited about this pregnancy because the first day of my LMP was our 7th anniversary, we conceived in my birth month and the baby will be due in DH's birth month! I like when coincidences happen like that!
I can't wait to get to know all of you better! Here's hoping for lots of sticky dust and a happy 9 months together!
Did you just join the Bump or are you a gif-pro?
I used the bump with my other boys but not in APP form...
Real quick info I have three boys ages 15, 7, and 10 months. My dh and I started young (accidentally) and are still going strong. I am 31 years old and I am a part time legal document preparer for my husbands clients. I just do work from home. I also go to college online went back to obtain bachelors degree in American government. I am completley excited to be pregnant and this will most likely be our last. Hoping for an uneventfull lovely pregnany. Congrats ladies!!!!
Got our BFP ON Dec 2nd
This is my 5th baby and our First one together with DH. I'm a personal trainer and DH works for the Governent. I'm 37 and DH is 42. I'm a bit scared being 37 but I'm staying positive:)
EDD is August 2
BFP December 3
YAY!!! Congrats to you, too! I can't believe this is happening again so soon. @ when are YA due? I'm hoping to get active on here again, it's just so hard!
SURPRISE! BFP: 12/2014 - EDD: 8/13/15
We made plans and God laughed
DS: BFP: 9/30/12 - EDD: 6/9/13
Radley Quinn was fashionably late via induction on 6/17/13
It is very nice to meet all of you and I look forward to our journey together! This forum has already been a huge help to me.
Keeping fingers crossed I'll be here until August!
Can't wait to chat with all of you!
I received my BFP today at 8 DPO. It's VERY faint, but there. I'm nervous because in May I had a CP and in Aug 2013 I had a MC at 8-9 weeks.
EDD Aug 21st
I am 26 and my DH is 30. This will hopefully be our rainbow baby.
I joined The Bump in 2010 and have been posting on TTGP here and there since then.
I also have much older children and we are the same age. My oldest is soon to be 15 and youngest is currently 8. Good luck to you!
EDD - August 10
Basics - I'm 27, DH is 28 and this will be out 3rd. DS #1 is 7 and DS #2 is 2. Hoping for DD this time around but as long as baby is healthy, we'll be happy
Yesterday at 4wks 6days
What your EDD is?
August 9th
Basic info like age, if you have any other LOs, fun conceptions stories?
I'm 30 H 32. It's our first child. We've been trying for a year.
Did you just join the Bump or are you a gif-pro?
Just join. I'm a total newbie.
I'm super excited and can't wait to see what's going to happen in the weeks to come.
EDD: 8/19
I'm 25, DH Is 26... We had a mc in sept of this year and so this is our rainbow baby!
I had downloaded the bump app when I was pregnant last time but quickly deleted it once I had the mc because it broke my heart to see it.
What your EDD is? Aug 29 2015
Basic info like age, if you have any other LOs, fun conceptions stories? I'm 26 and Hubby is 28 we have a blended family 9yo, 2 6yo, and Our new addition. I was on the patch when we got this surprise but we are blessed and excited....This will we our only child together :-)
BFP: 1dpo (11/28/14)
EDD: 8/6/15
My name's Tianna and I never wanted kids until 40 and now I'm 43. I've had 3 miscarriages and now I'm taking progesterone in hopes my little one will implant!! So I'm crossing my fingers. My partner us 53 and has two grown daughters so I'd like a boy but either is awesome as I have names for both and am so excited! I live in Dallas and work at UTSWMC.
I've been on the bump for three years but just downloaded the app!
What your EDD is? August 3rd, 2015
Basic info like age, if you have any other LOs, fun conceptions stories? Me and my boyfriend are both 18. Both of our first child. Very excited!! Okay but here's the thing. I had my last period October 31st. It was normal, had cramps and everything. But maybe a couple days or a week after, I started getting symptoms like sore breasts, fatigue, fast weight gain and extreme hunger. I just thought my period was coming. But when the symptoms just got stronger and my period never showed up, I assumed I was pregnant. I took a test and it came out negative. So I waited a couple more days since my period still hadn't came, and took another test and it came positive. After that I took 2 more tests, digital ones, and they both came out positive and even told me I was 4-5 weeks! So I'm pregnant and very happy
Did you just join the Bump or are you a gif-pro? just joined
December 1, 2014- 13dpt (so maybe 11 or 12dpo).
What your EDD is?
Per my RE 8/13/14- based off my lmp.
Basic info like age, if you have any other LOs, fun conceptions stories?
I'm 30 and DH is 32. This will be our first baby. We have two fur babies that I brought along with me. Lol! We started trying about 2 years ago. This is my third time being pregnant this year, and trusting God this is our rainbow baby.
Did you just join the Bump or are you a gif-pro?
I joined the bump and posted a couple times. Before I learned the rules. Lol
I got my BFP three days ago!
EDD: August 6
Basic info: I'm 27, DH is 27 and DS will be 2 on January 3rd. We weren't expecting to get pregnant just yet, but here we are and we couldn't be more excited! I had no symptoms other than being incredibly emotional and then AF just never came to visit! I'm thrilled about DS becoming a big brother
I haven't been on the bump since I was preggers with DS and I know nothing about gifs