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.
Xstatic3333
member
Re: Symptoms Thread-W/O 6/13/16
I'm probably about 5 +6; pay no attention to the ticker. I'll make it more accurate after my next ultrasound.
2. Any fun new symptoms this week?
MS began on Friday. I'm not throwing up yet, but have felt nauseous for most of the day every day. As weird as it sounds, however, I am grateful for this since I had a spotting scare last Thursday. So far I can eat my normal foods and go about my business as long as I take it easy. The symptoms do seem to get worse if I push myself too hard.
3. Rants, raves, or questions?
Just staying the course for now!
2. Any fun new symptoms this week? Morning sickness has reared its ugly little head. I started feeling a little off at the end of last week and this morning it was full force. Thankfully, I did get some relief and was able to eat and get everyone ready.
3. Rants, raves, or questions? Not yet.
2. I have just been so nauseous all day every day. It seems to be tapering off a little but it is just miserable. I never had this with my DD until 10 weeks and only when I ate certain things. Constant nausea sucks.
3. I am super bummed we won't be able to go on roller coasters this year, either for summer or for Halloween! We love to make one big trip to Cedar Point a year.
2. Any fun new symptoms this week? My boobs have gotten very heavy and tender and my sense of smell seems to have heightened. DH was making a turkey sandwich yesterday and I almost vomited at the smell of the mayo.
3. Rants, raves, or questions? I really wanted a beer yesterday. I could almost taste it...man, this is going to be a long summer.
Big Bro 7/14/13
Little Bro 2/6/17
I will be 6 weeks tomorrow.
Any fun new symptoms this week?
I have been having cramping and now some difficulty with constipation. Using the washroom more frequently and being extra tired are also on the list right now. I still have a super sense of smell and all foods taste different than they used to. (Cravings/aversions all over the place)
Rants, raves, or questions?
Not much at the moment.
Edit
6+1
Nausea has officially set in, it usually comes in the late afternoon and is the worst right around bed time. I've just been going to sleep to avoid it.
I'm with @BumpasaurusRex on this one. Summer is here, I live in craft-brew central, and all I want is a beer. BOO.
2. Any fun new symptoms this week? Well, they're all fun and new. I am experiencing pretty aggressive nausea surrounding mealtimes. If I go too long without eating, I get nauseous. If I eat too much, I get nauseous. If I eat the wrong thing, I get nauseous. So that's fun. I'm also really tired, and my boobs are killing me. But I keep saying that I've never been so happy to feel like shit. That's my mantra for getting through these early, stressful weeks.
3. Rants, raves, or questions? Is anyone else having trouble waking up in the morning? I actually pretty much feel fine after I get up, but the actual waking up is awful. I usually wake up pretty happily and easily, but even though I'm getting enough sleep, waking up is really uncomfortable. My eyes feel so heavy and my body just takes longer to get moving. That's not fun at 6am.
________________________________________________________
Started TTC #1 November 2015
BFP 6/10/2016 - EDD 2/22/2017
2. I get super nauseous every time I lay down. I usually have a consistent level of uneasiness during the day but as soon as I lay flat - bam! It's making sleeping fun. I have to prop myself up with pillows, but that ends up killing my back. Doing this without my trusty Robaxacet has been super awesome.
3. I second everyone else about the beer thing. ETA: and oh my goodness do I want a bath! A hot, steamy, jetted bath, with bubbles and a bottle of wine and I want to sit there for an hour and watch Buffy on Netflix.
2. Any fun new symptoms this week?
Boobs are getting increasingly sore. Still incredibly thirsty. I don't feel super hungry but could finish a HUGE meal when I do eat. I also feel this bubble like feeling on my left side. Hoping that's either the corpus luteum or little babe growing there.
3. Rants, raves, or questions?
Rave & Rant--I've been really confident so far that everything is going great on there. Today for whatever reason I'm worrying that lack of nausea=not good. I know that's stupid, I'm just trying to tell myself that it will come. I'm just so excited for baby!
Married 6.22.13
Hoping for a Herd Linky
12/15--IF testing
3/16--Dx Unexplained IF
Clomid + Ovidrel + IUI + Progesterone cycle
Cancelled due to cysts. Started 3 weeks of BCP.
4/16--Cute Ute! Clomid+Ovidrel+IUI+Progesterone TI.
Cancelled-no response
5/16--Hemmorhagic cyst and other cyst discovered.
No medicated cycle. MRI scheduled to rule out
septate uterus.
6/16--Septum discovered. Consultation for surgery.
Surprise BFP 6/8/16--EDD 2/13/17
Kole David--1.7.17--Tiny but Mighty, born at 34+5 after HELLP syndrome
Chart Stalk Me
2. Any fun new symptoms this week?
My boobs are a little sore. I have the WORST congestion and stuffy noise- no cold involved. But no MS which makes me feel a little nervous. Oh, and there are definitely more burps then usual- gross!
3. Rants, raves, or questions?
Rave & Rant-- I'm so excited to be pregnant but just like a few ladies above me, my symptoms don't feel super obvious and I still am not fully convinced there's a baby in there! Ha;)
This will be baby #1 for me (33) and husband (37)
<a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Getting Pregnant"><img src="http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt1d220f" alt=" Pregnancy Ticker" border="0" /></a>
2. Any fun new symptoms this week? the puking has begun
3. Rants, raves, or questions? is it friday yet?
1. How far along are you? 6 +7
2. Any fun new symptoms this week? Vomiting. Have been nauseous but now full on sick. Moody and have just been wanting to be alone and not around anyone. Happy to be pregnant though. Just not happy about these symptoms.
3. Rants, raves, or questions? Not really just ready to not be sick
I'm just nauseous all the time. My doctor called in some meds for me and they have been helping about 70% of the time if I get enough sleep. Otherwise I pee a lot. And my boobs hurt. And I always want pizza or fish sticks with tartar sauce.
Rants/raves: I'm already showing. I might have to tell work sooner rather than later. I miss wine.
2. Nothing noticeable yet. Mostly the fatigue and a little bit of food aversion but nothing I would probably even notice if I didn't have the pee stick to prove it.
3. I mentioned this in the Monday bitch fest thread, but I am frustrated with my doctors office. I called Monday at 8:30 am and again today at 1:00 pm and have yet to get a call to schedule my first ob appointment. I am seriously considering switching if I don't hear back tomorrow because I think it's ridiculous it takes that long for them just to schedule an appointment. Imagine if this were an emergency. With my first, it was only a few hours and they called me back.
2) morning sickness started today with dry heaving in the shower -- nauseous all day eatting fixes it for a minute then nausea and bloating from eatting starts again
3) I want WINE!! visited my family back home in California over the weekend and thats what they were drinking had to tell them I'm on an unprocessed diet and not drinking right now (hard to lie to them but semi the truth as I'm trying to eat healthier with the pregnancy)
2. Any fun new symptoms this week? MS,but no puking just feeling sick. But I think today I'm narrowing it down to dairy as what is setting it off. which sucks since I'm craving milkshakes. A cold has hit me over the weekend. and bloating.
3. Rants, raves, or questions?
My rant. I want a smoke. so freaking bad. but I have been smoke free for 4 days now. But I still want a darn smoke.
<a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Getting Pregnant"><img src="http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt1d220f" alt=" Pregnancy Ticker" border="0" /></a>
2. Any fun new symptoms this week? I have menstrual-like cramping every night. I also have constipation that makes it worse. I only feel nauseated when I think about eating certain foods, but I have been able to eat and keep everything down. Other times I cannot inhale my food fast enough. I have tender breasts, but no worse than my pre-period soreness.
3. Rants, raves, or questions? I can't sleep because my cramps are so bad at night and I'm having a hard time making it through the day with my eyes open
Married 10/14/2011
TTC since 11/2011
DX: unexplained infertility
1st IUI 12/23/15 Clomid + Ovidrel - Beta 1/8/16 BFN
2nd IUI 1/22/16 Clomid + Ovidrel - Beta 2/8/16 BFN
3rd IUI 2/27/16 Clomid + Ovidrel - Beta 3/15/16 BFN
4th IUI 3/27/16 Clomid + Ovidrel - Beta 4/11/16 BFN
5th IUI 4/26/16 Clomid + Ovidrel - Beta 5/11/16 BFN
*****TRIGGER*****
6th and final IUI 5/27/16 Clomid + Ovidrel - BFP!!!
1st Beta on 6/8/16 @ 12piui: 22; 2nd Beta 6/10/16 84.4; 3rd Beta 6/13/16 300; 4th Beta 6/16/16 1168; 5th and final beta 6/20/16 4188
1st U/S 6/23/16 - Two babies! One measuring 6w1d with a visible heartbeat!!! The other is measuring small and isn't likely to make it
2nd U/S 7/5/16 - Baby #2 didn't make it
3rd US 7/15/16 - Baby #1 right on schedule! FHR 168!!! Discharged from RE!!!!
2. Cramps (period like), sore bigger boobs, and nursing is uncomfortable like when my milk first came in. Oh and the afternoon fatigue is real... Like that old Tom and Jerry cartoon with Tom using toothpicks to keep his eyes open - yes I just dated myself...
3. Last pregnancy I was so nauseous by now - no puking - just disgustingly nauseous. Don't want to bring that symptom back but am nervous that it's not there....
5w1d
2. Any fun new symptoms this week?
Well, my ladies are just so sore I can't sleep on them. I don't know if I would call that fun...
3. Rants, raves, or questions?
Missing Diet Coke so much today! Thinking about treating myself to Sbux for my caffeine today for being off it for 1 whole week (and then some) lol
1. How far along are you?
5 weeks today.
2. Any fun new symptoms this week?
Just really sore breasts, but they have been that way for a while. No MS for me yet hit I'm sure it is coming soon. I started spotting yesterday and it has continued to today. Trying not to freak yet, just going to watch for a while and see if it gets any worse.
3. Rants, raves, or questions?
Just dying for my first appt in July. It feels so far away!
1. How far along are you?
6 weeks, 3 days
2. Any fun new symptoms this week?
Still so thirsty all the time, and gassy. My boobs officially started getting vein-y last night
3. Rants, raves, or questions?
Same as @SawyerRichardson , just can't wait for my first appointment on June 27th!
ME: 25, DH: 27
TTC #1 since 09/2015
Miscarriage @ 10 wks 02/28/2016
BFP 05/28/2016!
1. How far along are you? 6 weeks and 6 days along!
2. Any fun new symptoms this week? Well, the nausea and ALL DAY SICKNESS... I mean, "morning sickness" has reared its ugly head starting exactly on 6 weeks. I basically spend the entire day contemplating where the safest place to vomit will be and what foods won't be too horrific in reverse. I've also had the most ugly crying aka total meltdown moments... Ya know, over my phone battery being on 2% (while I was laying right next to my charger... I was just afraid it was going to die and that my husband didn't care) or the fact that I saw a bug crawling on my shirt and I didn't like that.
3. Rants, raves, or questions? Is it worth it to call my doctor about the all day sickness? I've tried ginger ale, crackers, bagels, vegetables, sorbet, mints, milk/calcium, laying in bed for an hour before getting up, afternoon naps, etc. I literally feel like a newborn--I wake up, eat, spit up, go to the bathroom, and back to sleep. Are we supposed to suffer this much or has anyone found any relief that's not food based? This is my first pregnancy so I'm new to all of this and it's hard to hide these symptoms from suspecting friends and family members until after our first ultrasound in two weeks!! We have tons of weddings, baptisms, birthday parties, and family events this summer that we are traveling all over the place and I'd love any form of relief or suggestions!
2. Any fun new symptoms this week? Just lots of fatigue and headaches
3. Rants, raves, or questions? Just wanna get through 1st tri and have my 1st ultrasound! Anxious!
First BFP: 12/16/13
EDD: 08/23/14
Baby BOY born: 08/29/14
hopeful it keeps up but if not hopeful I can slide through with just nausea and no throwing up like last time. Even if it lasts the whole pregnancy I'll be happy. I'm a bad throw uper...lots of blown vessels that would out me.
I'm ready for this symptom to go away.
For the past few days I have been getting nausea at night. Last night it hit harder than usual, but wasn't really a surprise. Fell asleep nauseated and woke up feeling queasy still and was really bummed. HG with my first 2 and was praying it wouldn't hit this time.
Also, my ladies are constantly achey. I no longer need to randomly feel myself up to check- I'm good.
2. Everything is new this week! Symptoms I had without realizing what they all meant? Nipples be SORE. Oh man. I thought husband just got too crazy on our anniversary vacation two weeks ago, but no. Looks like they are pregnancy sore. Light headedness and headaches a few days now.
3. Rants - I need my muscle relaxers and ibuprofen for chronic leg pain. WHYYYYYY. Raves - No more litterbox for this lady!! Questions - Will Jon Snow defeat Ramsay Bolton in the next episode or will it be another cliffhanger?!?
Mama to Mason (7) and Asher the Crasher (3).
Married to Topher (10 years). 32 years young in Oklahoma.
1. How far along are you? 6w 5d
2. Any fun new symptoms this week? The nausea. No puking yet, just waves of feeling like I might, accompanied by dizziness and some clamminess. I've been feeling dizzy pretty much this whole time (I have always been a fainter), but the nausea is new today. I'm wondering if it has to do with the Rhogam I got yesterday.
3. Rants, raves, or questions? QUESTION for ladies who have had Rhogam: Did you suddenly feel new symptoms after the shot? It could be coincidence, since nausea is hardly an unusual symptom.
Told a very close friend this morning over breakfast. I was nervous to tell her, because I know she started ttc last year, and she hasn't said anything about it in over a year. She was wonderful and supportive, but I still feel a little bad, because I know she really wants this too.
TTC #1: 3/2016
Me 39 - DH 44
BFP 5/27/16 EDD 1/30/17
DD born 2/3/17
Married 10/14/2011
TTC since 11/2011
DX: unexplained infertility
1st IUI 12/23/15 Clomid + Ovidrel - Beta 1/8/16 BFN
2nd IUI 1/22/16 Clomid + Ovidrel - Beta 2/8/16 BFN
3rd IUI 2/27/16 Clomid + Ovidrel - Beta 3/15/16 BFN
4th IUI 3/27/16 Clomid + Ovidrel - Beta 4/11/16 BFN
5th IUI 4/26/16 Clomid + Ovidrel - Beta 5/11/16 BFN
*****TRIGGER*****
6th and final IUI 5/27/16 Clomid + Ovidrel - BFP!!!
1st Beta on 6/8/16 @ 12piui: 22; 2nd Beta 6/10/16 84.4; 3rd Beta 6/13/16 300; 4th Beta 6/16/16 1168; 5th and final beta 6/20/16 4188
1st U/S 6/23/16 - Two babies! One measuring 6w1d with a visible heartbeat!!! The other is measuring small and isn't likely to make it
2nd U/S 7/5/16 - Baby #2 didn't make it
3rd US 7/15/16 - Baby #1 right on schedule! FHR 168!!! Discharged from RE!!!!