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!
What your EDD is? Aug 30th!
We dated as kids in middle school. We've now been together for 4 years after college and have talked about having a baby since the beginning. This miracle surprised us the first of the year!! It's going to be the best year yet!
Did you just join the Bump or are you a gif-pro? Just joined!
EDD= Aug 12
Was delaying posting anything yet until I was further along, PGAL mind. This is my fourth preg but will be my 3rd take home baby, God willing. This is my second child with my Husband. (oldest son was from previous marriage). We were high school sweethearts and have remained friends through it all. Our littlest one just turned 9 months old. Wasn't expecting getting pregnant again so soon. But feel very blessed and praying for a healthy pregnancy.
I've been a member of the bump for a while. Mostly lurk but try to contribute if I have any helpful information to offer.
EDD: August 17th
No crazy conceptions stories. my husbands grandmother predicted our pregnancy though. apparently she sees mice every time one of her children or grandchildren conceives. don't really buy into it, but supposedly she is never wrong.
I'm 27 and my husband is 29. this is our first and we are super excited.
I joined the bump after my BFP and have been observing quietly.
EDD is August 7 th
My DH and I have been married 11 years this July. And have been trying most of that time. After 2- etopic pregnancies, 1-miscarriage, and IVF, We are 11 wks. I am sick off and on but it is worth it to see my love talk to my belly.
- Well, I got it about a week ago when I finally became 7 weeks, but I'm still waiting on my boyfriend to get it. He's already a father and isn't ecstatic about getting to unwed girls pregnant. But I'm so ready to be a mom and really excited because I honestly crave babies.
What your EDD is?
- August 29th
Basic info like age, if you have any other LOs, fun conceptions stories?
- I'm 20 and my boyfriend is 29. We have been together for a year now and have always discussed having a family. We decided in our third month of dating to already try to conceive, but life happens and we had to wait. So messing with my birth control made me fertile I guess and in November my period decided to only be two days long. I thought that was strange haha. Two weeks later I took a test and it was negative. I was so upset because I had gotten excited for nothing. And then my next period never came, so I was really confused. Finally I went to the doctor and took an actual pregnancy test and it was positive! Now I know I can conceive. The hard is over and the adventure has started.
Did you just join the Bump or are you a gif-pro?
- Yes. I thought it was a cool app.
I got my BFP about 18dpo. I didn't even realize I could be pregnant until I noticed my period was several days late.
My EDD is August 13th.
I'm 26. The hubs and I have been married just over 2 years. This is our first LO and we're thrilled!
I just joined the Bump.
BFP: December 9, 2014
EDD: August 13, 2015
I'm a first time mom. Both my husband and I are 33, and we've been married about four and a half years. My husband is a first generation Canadian, while my family has been in Canada since before it was Canada.
Just joined but have been lurking for about a year.
Looking forward to getting to know you over the next seven months!
BFP: 9dpo...the day my period was due. Squinter for sure.
EDD: August 5
Been married 2 years, husband and I are both 31, this will be our first baby!
Just joined.
What your EDD is? August 3, 2015
Basic info like age, if you have any other LOs, fun conceptions stories? Just turned 30 in November and I have two angels in Heaven.
Did you just join the Bump or are you a gif-pro? Just joined the Bump.
What your EDD is? August 29th
Basic info like age, if you have any other LOs, fun conceptions stories? I'm 22, and in an amazing relationship with my DH, who is 28. I found out I was pregnant Christmas Eve. I wrapped a pacifier and placed it in the bottom of his stocking, his reaction was amazing! We believe we conceived on Thanksgiving day, right before we left for our family dinners I might add (lol). We are so excited for what the future has in store for us!
Did you just join the Bump or are you a gif-pro? Just joined! Loving all the fun facts and stories from other mothers-to-be!
What your EDD is? August 21
41 married 4years DD will be 16 this year. We started trying in september, using OPT
Just joined
Make no assumptions
Take nothing personally
Be impeccable with your word
Do your best
EDD -- August 14th, but with my history we are looking at a mid-July birthday if things work out like they did with #2.
Basic info -- I have two other kiddos (info in sig) who were conceived as soon as we tried. Thought we were done until two years ago when we decided to have one more and... nothing. Was just about to schedule a snip for dh when I got my BFP, since I figured we were broken but still blessed with our two! So the spacing between #2 & #3 will be bigger than originally intended which my OCD mind is still wrapping itself around, but it looks like all systems are go.
Newb or Pro? -- prob one of the oldest members on Aug '15 (longevity posting, not age) but I wandered away around 2011 after #2 started getting older & life got in the way. It's been forever since I giffed (is that a word? Pretty sure I just made it one), but I was def a knot, nest, & bump pro "back in my day."
edit bc like I said, it's been awhile
What your EDD is? August 9 2015
My name is Ramona and I am 25 years old. This is our first pregnancy. I'm married and ttc for 3 years before our little miracle happened. Pcos survivor and used metformin for a year to regulate symptoms. We were a month away from trying clomid.
What your EDD is?
4th August
I'm 25 and have a little boy who is 2 and a half.
Did you just join the Bump or are you a gif-pro?
Joined a few weeks ago
I got my first BFP on 1/5/15
due date is 9/1/15
3rd baby and most likely my last
I'm 34 years old and DH is 37. We have 2 LOs, DS is 4.5 and DD is 1.5. This will be our 3rd August baby
lol, only fun story is that my little sister backtracked our DD for DS and found out he was conceived at a my parents' yearly Cochon De Lait when we traveled back home for a visit.
My name is Maggie. My husband's name is Damien.
I am due august 8th. This will be child number 2 for us. First child is a girl and we named her Marlee.
We are both active Duty Army and have been going on 5 years now.
This baby will have dual citizenship in Germany since he/she will be born here. =]
Question- Does any one know how to get those tracker things on the bottom of my posts?? Thanks
I'm looking forward to spring! MI winters are hard with a toddler!
EDD - 08/08/2015
Hi! My name is Toi, I'm 24 years old and pregnant with my third child. This is the first for me and my fiance. I have two boys ages 9 and 7 and we're excited for our new addition! I joined The Bump this month so I'm a newb
Just joined the bump this month. First baby
I got my BFP on 12/26 ( I didn't want to get too excited right away)
My EDD is Aug 26.
This is my first LO I'm pretty excited now that I've told all of the important people in my life. I'm 21 years old my boyfriend is 27 and he's really excited to be a papa.
bFP was on 12/23/2014.
EDD is 8/27/15
This was a surprise for us as we were told that we would need help with conceiving no 2. I have a DD who is 3 1/2. I was active with the bump in the July 11 board and breastfeeding and food allergy boards in the past. Different username since I can't access the other. Hopefully will be pretty active here.
Edd: 8/9
Basic info: I am 32 dh 33. We have 4 children... had them early. 3 girls ages 14, 12, and 10. DS just turned 9.
I had an Iud that decided to stop working a few years early... so here we are, quite the gap! Haven't told my kids yet... kinda nervous about that. Literally scared to tell my mom... lol. Funny I'm a grown woman who makes a great living yet I'm scared to tell my mom!
But I really am very excited... now that I'm past the confusion that is.
What your EDD is? 8/4
Basic info like age, if you have any other LOs, fun conceptions stories?
I would venture to say I am not the typical Bumpie. I am 41 and got pregnant on accident with a much younger man and he is, uh, not on board yet. But this is my first pregnancy and I am not going to let him steal my joy! I have a lot of great support and I take care of myself. I actually did mc a year and a half ago but I have no children. I will be 13 weeks on Tuesday so I feel pretty good that I will go to term with this one! My CVS is on Monday. Cant wait to find out what I am having!
Did you just join the Bump or are you a gif-pro? I have no idea what a gif-pro is but I joined TB a few weeks ago. Mostly a lurker, but I am becoming more involved. Good luck to all the ladies for a healthy and happy pregnancy!
When you got your BFP? December 5th at 1730
What your EDD is? August 14th
Basic info like age, if you have any other LOs, fun conceptions stories? I'm 25, DH is 29. This is our first. We struggled with infertility for 2.5 years for this miracle baby. Where were actually given a 1-5% chance of ever conceiving even with IVF again. 3 weeks later with no medical intervention I became pregnant!
Did you just join the Bump or are you a gif-pro? I just joined.
We got our BFP on Dec 18th and EDD is Aug 30th. We couldn't be more excited!
My husband and I are both 33 and have been married for 2 years. We started trying in September on our 2 year anniversary vacation in Mexico and it only took about 3 months so we were pretty relieved. This is a first for both of us.
Looking forward to gaining lots of info on these boards! I was on theknot.com while planning our wedding and learned so much.
Laura
Time to introduce myself-- I realize I may be getting on the bandwagon a little late, but today is the first day I have felt like myself in a looong time, and wanted to take advantage and do some things I've been meaning to for a while! Been battling bad nausea and fatigue for weeks and weeks, but feel GREAT today and hoping it's a sign of good things to come as the 1st trimester comes to a close
BFP was 12-23-14. My cycles have always been irregular, so being late didn't set off any trigger to test for me-- tested after the first week of nausea made me realize something was up!
EDD is Aug 10 2015
I am 28, DH is 34. This will be our first child. We were not trying, not preventing-- but the BFP still came as a big surprise because I have PCOS too and always thought it would be a long and difficult process to conceive... But we feel so so excited and blessed to be starting our family
Don't know when I got my BFP, I tested 5 days after my period was supposed to come and there it was! I am due August 16th. I'm 11 weeks today, and like others the exhaustion and nausea were killing me.
Me and DH are both 24, been married 2 years. I work as a nurse and he a respiratory therapist. We live in Canada.
I just joined the bump but I was on the knot while planning my wedding. And I am definitely gif pro. Hilarious.
I found out I was prego with my 3rd (