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.
Kellyj103
member
Re: 7/4 PGAL Check in
What's Next: my OB out of town this week so I won't see her until 7/12 and get another growth scan if I "make it until then" (her words). That kinda scares me and I wish I hadn't cancelled my appt for this week with another OB. But oh well. I'm trying to be patient and let this baby come when he's ready but I'm terrified of having a huge baby.
Rants/Raves/Symptoms: Baby room is all done and clothes are washed but we still have boxes of stuff to build. We haven't even attempted the pack n play, the swing etc. there is a corner in our living room with baby stuff boxes. I feel so lazy! The nesting never kicked in for me.
I have the worst insomnia so I've been enjoying lots of summer sunrises each morning. Achy hips/crotch too!
GTKY: What is your favorite dessert?
Creme brûlée or funfetti cake for sure!
July16 JULY siggy challenge
What's next? Growth scan Wednesday, appointment Thursday. Maybe going in today or tomorrow for nerve block/ weird foot blisters
Rants/Raves/Symptoms: I'm captain of team cranky today. I kind of hate everyone and everything. I haven't been sleeping and it's making me very pleasant. I also have super itchy blisters on my feet and that kicks ass. Raves- my husband is awesome. He is the exception and I still like him. I'm lucky to have such a kick ass guy
GTKY: A tough one but I would say key lime pie.
What's Next? Appointment Wednesday this week instead of the regular Monday due to the holiday. Hoping that the week and two days between appointments means even more progress ha.
Rants/Raves/Symptoms: Sleep is tough! I know I still won't be sleeping much when baby is here but at least when I do sleep I can sleep in my preferable sleeping positions. Also-
Starting to have Braxton hicks which makes me feel like my body is finally doing something to prepare so I'm glad. 50% effaced a week ago no dilation and hoping this weeks appointment shows more progress. I think this morning I had an acatual contraction but just one that I clearly noticed. Felt like a bad cramp that lasted maybe 30 seconds. Nothing near worth timing.
The next few weeks will be full of anxiety and wondering when it'll happen and that's uneasy for me.
Also, does anyone else have a hard time distinguishing between possible contractions and baby movements? When baby moves now that she's out of room it's a lot of pressure and tightness but there's times I can't decide if that is small contractions or her. I don't worry much because I'm pretty sure the contractions that I need to pay close attention to and time I will know that is what they are... Right? Haha
GTKY: What is your favorite dessert? Hmm love me some ice cream but I'm also a sucker for brownies. That's the extent of my sweet tooth
5 days PP
What's Next: Appointments/ Milestones, Etc.
First pediatrician appt tomorrow!
Rants/Raves/Symptoms:
Rant: Milo didn't poop at all yesterday which made me feel all kinds of stress, I think it's just because my milk hadn't come in but I feel like he's eaten a ton since then so I'm sure he will today. Luckily I have his appt tomorrow first thing because they are closed for the holiday.
My rave:
GTKY: What is your favorite dessert?
Ice cream! And tiramisu! Yum!
@tennisbabymama I have the same issue re contractions/movement. My baby has run out of room but he still thinks he make these big turns. Sometimes it feels like tightness in my abdomen. I'm hoping that whenever I do start getting contractions I'll know for sure what they feel like!
July16 JULY siggy challenge
3 days PP (what?!)
What's Next: Appoinments/ Milestones, Etc.
Was instructed to schedule a pediatrician appointment tomorrow for tomorrow...lol. Since he was born on a holiday weekend, the hospital pediatrician just basically told me to make them see me tomorrow, so we'll see how that goes.
Rants/Raves/Symptoms:
Obviously, giant rave is having my rainbow in my arms. He is the most incredible thing that has ever happened to me and DH and I are completely smitten. Also thankful to have made it through a long and frustrating labor experience and that I really feel pretty good. Although my ankles are swollen now...they never were when I was pregnant!
GTKY: What is your favorite dessert?
Strawberry shortcake or chocolate chip cookies. Also, ice cream, but that's like its own food group.
It is really exciting seeing all these rainbow babies now
Status Update: Weeks+Days or age PP
7w+4d old (37+4 adjusted)
What's Next: Appointment / Milestones, Etc.
Immunizations today
Rants/Raves/Symptoms: she's in an open crib! No more incubator. We are working on breastfeeding and bottle feeding
AW pic from the 4th (Murica!)
GTKY: What is your favorite dessert?
strawberries and whipped cream
No new appointments scheduled since last week's stuff. Milestone: survived her first bath!! She was not a fan. Hoping she likes them more when she can actually be in the water!
Finally I think we're here all adjusting to breast feeding!!! We've made three target trips for random needs we've discovered since birth. I bought 30 hangers for items she's received since birth and have to go buy more!!! I love how much she's loved but the clothes are insane!!! She can't possibly wear them all either! My smart cousin got us awesome items that she loved with her kids like gripe water, teething tablets and a few other medical related things. I told her she's my new fave person because when the time comes, I'll appreciate having those items over her 79th pink onesie!!! My recovery has gone pretty well. I think I'm going to attempt a bath today. I heard that helps recovery. Pooh is definitely an issue for me. Not for Layla tho!!!! LOL
Fave dessert? Cake. Definitely cake. Buttercream frosting only. Carrot or red velvet are also amazing!
What's next: nothing really. Just weekly appointments til this little man decides to make his entrance.
R/R/S: I wound up with another E. coli infection. Joy. So antibiotics again. I am so frustrated with the UTI and infections it's ridiculous. Also started swelling pretty consistently this weekend. It would usually only happen towards the end of the day or when I was pushing it too hard. But now it doesn't seem to want to go away. Boo. Rave is that we have started counting down days not months!!
GTKY: that's a tough one! Strawberries and angel food cake with whipped cream or carrot cake probably top the list
Status update: 1month 2d PP
What's next: Just had our 1 month visit today. It was good overall (baby is eating and sleeping well) but we got an ultrasound because baby's belly is distended (it has been all along, may be nothing, but is still potentially a concern). So PGAL brain is back in force, trying to wait for the results of the ultrasound patiently (they didn't tell us anything at the radiology dept, waiting for pediatrician to call).
Rant: Wishing the doc had called today! Also, feeling sad my parents left though it was also stressful to figure out things to do with them while they visited.
Rave: I will give my cats some credit for behaving well around the LO. I was really worried when we first came home but they seem to understand that they need to keep their distance and not make too much fuss right now.
GTKY: Flourless chocolate cake. Or a good butter/sugar crepe.
I had a bit of a meltdown myself yesterday. My reg OB is out this week and she said it was ok for me to cancel my weekly appt for this week since everything is going well. Against my better judgment I cancelled this week's appt. Well of course, I started freaking out yesterday and changed my mind. I ended up seeing the on call dr who was absolutely the kindest and most patient doctor. Everything is fine, dilation the same as last week (bleh). I felt silly freaking out but PGAL brain is real! Even at this point in the game I think we're all going to worry until these little babes are all born.
July16 JULY siggy challenge
Status Update: 37+3
What's Next: Appoinments/ Milestones, Etc: BP check on Friday and regular weekly check in next Monday
Rants/Raves/Symptoms: I've been pretty sick the last few days and spent a few hours getting monitored at L+D yesterday after a high BP reading at my doctors office. LO looked great on the monitor so no concern there, they're just mostly worried about me. At this point it's just a wait and see game since my labs and BP readings show no sign of pre-eclampsia but all my other symptoms do. I was excited to learn that I'm a centimeter dilated and 50% effaced. I never expected any progress at 37 weeks being a FTM so that was cool.
GTKY: What is your favorite dessert? Chocolate...cookies, cake, ice cream, brownies, etc etc etc
Married: October 2014
TTC #1 since September 2015
hoping you all get reassurance soon!
Status update: 8 days PP
What's next: Pediatrician appointment #2 tomorrow
R/R: Rave is that I never dreamt I could feel so in love and happy. When I heard his first cry, I was hysterically crying. I realized I had never let myself believe I would actually get to have him and I could cry easily just thinking about it. Rant is that despite the past week of heroic efforts (including almost 15hours spent with LCs) it is not going to be possible for me to breastfeed. I make milk, but cannot transfer it anatomically. I am so sad but at the same time, ready to move on because I have been feeling like such a failure. Little guy goes back to the ped tomorrow and hopefully his weight is okay. He's still down 1lb from birth so Fx.
GTKY: Favorite Dessert? I don't think I could sooner pick a favorite star in the sky. But I love the question. I'll answer if I can figure it out.
Sidebar- We have had (are having) quite the journey together. (((Hugs))) all around. We are so close ladies!
Married: October 2014
TTC #1 since September 2015
Congratulations!!
Status Update: Weeks+Days or age PP
39+3/40+3 (I still say them moving my date was wrong)
What's Next: Appoinments/ Milestones, Etc.
Hopefully having a baby soon! NST and check in the morning (Thursday) and he keeps pushing to induce on Friday. If we haven't gone "on our own" by then.
Rants/Raves/Symptoms:
Tuesday we had a membrane sweep (I wasn't informed this was going to happen, but glad regardless). Been contracting ever since (if the duration would pick up, we might get somewhere quicker!). But the sweep/contractions caused me to lose my mp, and the contractions seem more intense. Hopefully things continue quickly, I so want to see his face!
GTKY: What is your favorite dessert?
Like @BostonBaby1, I don't think I could pick a favorite, I love so many!
July16 JULY siggy challenge
So close for the rest of you ladies! You'll be holding your LOs soon!
I'm doing alright. The tech I had at the clinic today was actually one that misdiagnosed me and led to some serious scary (and unnecessary) conversations so I'm a little frazzled. I'm back at the doctor tomorrow so I'm sure that'll help get my head screwed back on right. She wouldn't even attempt to show me his face because it wasn't a necessary measurement. Douche! She also recorded his legs at 25th percentile which is shorter than they were last time. I think she sucks
I was so afraid of how I would feel if my baby was born on the day of my loss last year, but it ended up being so redeeming and reminded me what a true answer to prayer my son is. I still grieve the LO I lost last year and the ones before that, but the birth of this baby was the most beautiful moment of my entire life.
So so much joy for all of our rainbows, can't even handle it!
First of all CONGRATS Momma's!!! Can't wait to welcome our Rainbow baby into this world!! Your posts make me so incredibly excited!
Status Update: Weeks+Days 37+1
I will edit tomorrow on what they say!
What's Next: Appoinments/ Milestones, Etc. Tomorrow is our next appt and we will be scheduling my C-section. They mentioned for sure 39 weeks but its possible they will do it next week. They will check her fluid levels again as they went up from her last appointment 23 to 25. She is still in breech position and I doubt she will be flipping
Rants/Raves/Symptoms: Itchy feet! The swelling has gotten worse! Hip and pelvic pain I feel like is increasing making it harder to sleep. Its hard to get around period, my legs can barely support my weight anymore. (I've gained almost 60lbs). Going to see about taking off work earlier than expected.
GTKY: What is your favorite dessert? ALL!!! I love all desserts! Give me everything!!!!!
Me: 31 & Husband: 40
Married: November 2014
be here soon!! Good luck and can't wait for the pictures @Weville
I am totally going to try that!!! SHE FLIPPED!!! I can't believe it!!! Her fluid is still high but they said that may have helped her flip!! So now I am back to my original due date of July 27th. They do not plan to take her at 39 weeks unless she decides to flip back. Praying she doesn't. They will not let me go past my due date and will induce me on the 27th or maybe just a few days before!
Edited because I was so excited she flipped I forgot to mention I have no dilation as of yet but am 50% effaced.
PS - Thinking of you! Keep us posted!
Me: 31 & Husband: 40
Married: November 2014