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.
AverageAsh
member
Re: GTKY Household Brand Edition
My favorite hair care product is Tigi Catwalk Curls Rock Curl Amplifier.
I'm not super tech savvy and I don't know if this counts but I love satellite radio. It's so nice to have while camping or on off roading adventures.
And I'm a FTM but I love Aden and Anais and will probably splurge on a lot of their stuff.
Me 28 DH 28 Married 2012
TTC #1 since March 2015
Metformin + Femara + Gonal F + Trigger = BFP 6/24/16
EDD 3/3/17
Found out it's a girl! 9/23/16
Name brand Q tips. Don't come at me with bendy, cheap ear stabbers. My ear holes are delicate and like to be pampered.
I'm a Galaxy phone girl. That's the extent of my tech knowledge.
We use J&J and Honest because #balance
BFP#1 1/21/14 ended in loss DNC 3/5/14
BFP#2 7/2014 Baby Girl born 4/15/15
BFP#3 2/10/2016 natural mc 2/27/2016
BFP#4 6/25/2016 Due 3/2/2017
Cleaning product: vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and Dawn dish soap
Makeup/self care item: Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel with hyaluronic acid. oh and coconut oil for rubbing on my belly and boobs as they grow.
Technology product: iPhone
Baby brand: nothing yet! open to any suggestions
Or whatever else you can't live without! does my dog count?
yorkie mama to Oscar
FTM EDD 3.12.17
BFP#1 1/21/14 ended in loss DNC 3/5/14
BFP#2 7/2014 Baby Girl born 4/15/15
BFP#3 2/10/2016 natural mc 2/27/2016
BFP#4 6/25/2016 Due 3/2/2017
Makeup: I'm such a makeup junkie. This is like asking someone to pick a favorite child. Impossible.
Technology product: iPhone
Baby brand: CJ's Butter diaper cream. The scents are to die for.
Makeup/self care item: uhhhhhhhhhh. I guess Ultra Soft Charmin. Always.
Technology product: My cell phone (LG G5). Unfortunately I'm crazy without it.
Baby brand: oooh. Johnsons and Johnsons... honestly we used Up&Up diapers the most with DS and loved them as well.
married to M since 6.13.09
T - 3.3.14
A - 2.24.17
Makeup/self care item: Bare Minerals makeup - will never go back to using anything else
Technology product: I'm an Apple girl
Baby brand: FTM, so no idea
Samantha - 4/5/2017
Makeup/self care item: Bare Minerals here too @RunBooRun . However I switch up my mascara, usually Yves St. Laurent or Benefit
Technology product: Android all the way.
Baby brand: depends on what... aden and anais swaddling blankets are probably my favorite baby item though.
Makeup/self care item: aloette face cream
Technology product: my iPhone
Baby brand: honest co. baby body wash
Makeup/self care: This is a tough one but I can't live without my foundation, I use smashbox. I will second real Q-tip brand cotton swaps!
Technology: My iPhone... But I also love love love the android tv box.
Baby brand: We use a lot of burts bees.
Married: 8/2005.
BFP: 6/22/2016 EDD: 3/4/2017.
Makeup/self care item: Neutrogena Makeup Towel Remover thingys OH! Or, Maybelline Skinny Eyeliner
Technology product: All Apple everything
Baby brand: Ummm, none yet. FTM. Any suggestions?
Married: 8/2005.
BFP: 6/22/2016 EDD: 3/4/2017.
Makeup/self care item: Fresh brand Hesperides perfume, which smells like grapefruit and anything from Soapology in NYC (customizable bath salts). I do Ginger, White Tea, & Peppermint and you can still feel it cooling your skin after you get out of the bath.
Technology product: iPad, Bose noise-cancelling earbuds
Baby brand: Ugh, no idea yet
Or whatever else you can't live without! My soy candles from Milk Studios in New Orleans. I have to have a little bit of Nola in our NYC apt.
[url=http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=UBB&utm_campaign=tickers][img]http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt1d2ae4[/img][/url]
Makeup/self care item: Coconut oil: in my hair, in my coffee, in my skillet, in my dog's toys/food.
Technology product: apple TV
Baby brand: FTM. no idea.
Cleaning product - Lysol kitchen cleaner, i love that orange bottle, and windex!! my granite counters don't shine without it lol
Makeup/self care item - Clinique BB cream, no need for concealer/powder, quick and easy remedy!
Technology product- my iphone, don't know what i'd do without it...and netflix lol
Baby brand - Carters for clothes, plum/earth's best for pouches, stride rite for shoes
Or whatever else you can't live without! I also am in love with my swiffer- wet and dry, with all hard wood/tile, it's my life saver, and my cordless vacuum!
Happily Wed DH in May 2010
June 2012: DD#1 born after countless fertility cycles, our 4 year old miracle
TTC #2: current cycle: 225iu Menopur for 4 weeks, Ovidrel Trigger= BFP! Beta #1; 333, Beta #2 713! 1st u/s showed TWINS (7/18)
[url=http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=UBB&utm_campaign=tickers][img]http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt1d2ae4[/img][/url]
BFP#1 1/21/14 ended in loss DNC 3/5/14
BFP#2 7/2014 Baby Girl born 4/15/15
BFP#3 2/10/2016 natural mc 2/27/2016
BFP#4 6/25/2016 Due 3/2/2017
Make-up/ Self care: hmm I don't wear make-up but I would say I can't live without essential oils (for aroma, immunity and dealing with every ailment my kids manage to have).
Technology: Netflix! We love gaming systems and ipads but I mostly care about watching Netflix.
Baby brand: I am a sucker for all baby clothes so I love H&M, Carter's, the Gap, and Joe Fresh. We have less selection in Canada but I do not remember the places I have loved in the States.
Make-up/ Self care: MAC, Smashbox
Technology: We're an Apple family, iPhones, iPads, iMacs, Macbooks, etc.
Baby brand: We live in the Carter's/Osh Kosh store. Just can't beat the deals between the $10 rewards for every $100 spent and we always get a 20% off coupon. The store constantly has at least 40% off of everything. There's no reason whatsoever to buy Carter's/Osh Kosh clothes at places like Target.
I like the Honest bath wash, it smells great and I can get it at costco!
Make-up/ Self care: men's gillette razors.. women's razors are awful.. why do men get better razors when we are the ones shaving 75% of our body!?!
Technology: I am purposefully technologically ignorant, but I love our Cannon camera
Baby brand: I bounce around on most things but for those mommas looking for suggestions I will say that I have only ever used coconut oil on my 1 year old's bum and he has never had a diaper rash. Obviously every baby is different but my $6 tub lasted me until he was 9 months before I had to buy another one
**and side note, absolutely no judging on you ladies with cleaners! you better believe when I can afford it in a few years, hiring a cleaning lady is the first thing on my list!
Makeup/self care item- Tarte make up is the best - I love their foundation. You can find it at stores like Ulta. I also like Aveda hair products
Technology product- I'm totally team Droid...I have an Ipad that was a gift and I hate it, I hate apple with a passion
Baby brand- don't know yet, this is my first but can't wait to learn about everything baby
BFP#1 1/21/14 ended in loss DNC 3/5/14
BFP#2 7/2014 Baby Girl born 4/15/15
BFP#3 2/10/2016 natural mc 2/27/2016
BFP#4 6/25/2016 Due 3/2/2017
Makeup/self care item: Mythic oil by Loreal...makes my dry frizzy hair so soft!
Technology product: Apple TV for sure....it gives DH and I 95% of our entertainment in the evenings.
Baby brand: To be determined, I guess!
Tell us your favorite:
Cleaning product: Norwex mop, method cleaners
Makeup/self care item: I am a cover girl gal usually. Nothing fancy here.
Technology product: Netflix and chill
Baby brand: I have a theory on diapers... Huggies fit short chubby babies. Pampers fit long skinny babies. So we always have gone with pampers. Babyganics for sunscreen and hand sanitizer. JJ naturals for shampoo.
married to M since 6.13.09
T - 3.3.14
A - 2.24.17
Tell us your favorite:
Cleaning product: Chlorox or Lysol wipes
Makeup/self care item: Bare Minerals
Technology product: I cannot live without my Kindle
Baby brand: Boudreaux's Butt Paste just because it's fun to say. That J&J Bedtime Lotion was awesome after bathtime with the lavender scent; it was so relaxing for me and DD.
Or whatever else you can't live without! Target's diapers are the shizzle.
And I admittedly have a cleaning lady do a deep clean every other week. Once I had my son and went back to work I was drowning. She literally saved my life!! And my son from having to bathe in a not-so-pristine bathtub!
Makeup/self care item: Benefit concealer, Better then Sex mascara and bare minerals face powder. Also love coconut oil with a drop of lavender essential oil. Spa-day every day.
Technology product- iPad. Thank you for giving me sanity on long car rides apple. I am forever grateful.
Baby brand -
Bath- Honest products. Smell so darn good and don't bother his skin at all. Yes, I selfishly use it as well.
Sun- Babyganice spf 50. Gentle on the skin but really provides the coverage!
Feeding- HappyBabys clear pouches and creamies. Plum "mighty 4" pouches and teething wafers. Annie's cheddar bunnies for snacks!
Diapers- Pampers baby dry, Wipes- seventh generation wipes
diaper rash- burts bees dusting powder to dry up followed by a generous application of good ol Vaseline!
Clothes- Carters and Old Navy.
Makeup/self care item: I don't wear a lot of makeup.. My favorite self care item is my dove body wash!
Technology product: iphone or what about Netflix? Does that count? Haha.
Baby brand: I can't live with any wipes other than Huggies. They're the most durable and clean so much more than just baby bums!
Makeup/self care item-- hair care and body wash is hands down dove. I have super thick naturally curly hair and it is the only stuff that doesn't make my hair get mad. Make up is honestly whatever is cheapest lol.
Technology product- I work for a cellphone company in Canada and am a Samsung lover hands down. I've used them all and Samsung does everything I need.
Baby brand -- nothing yet!
Makeup/self care item : neutrogena oil free face lotion.
Technology product: Roku for my Netflix
Baby brand : pampers all the way!! Tried others and they're just not the same. I also love targets up & up wipes... Cucumber melon. Smells like a bath and body works scent. So yummy and awesome when changing a smelly diaper.
Also Dr Bronners liquid and bar soap.
For or sanitizing we like lemon or lemongrass EO. (Doterra)
We we are an apple family also.
baby products... Carters/Oshkosh, Aden and Anais, Charlie banana, Joe Fresh (Canada)
so I take about a cup of coconut oil and add 1/4 cup of bentonite clay, 1/4 cup of corn starch and 1 tbsp of baking soda. I only use the baking soda in the summer and don't usually like to include it but it works very well.
Then in I add about 20 drops of EO's
I compared it to regular deodorant in June because I ran out of mine... My homemade stuff works better.
Makeup/self care item Mary Kay
Technology product I just recently switched from an Android to an Iphone and I have absolutely no clue how I ever survived without it!
Baby brand @AverageAsh #balance is so legit. we're all about Pampers diapers and wipes. We experimented with all the different brands of diaps and wipes and Pampers are the only ones that dont give the little man a rash. We have graduated to dove soap and tresseme shampoo, lol As far as baby gear though, we are a Graco family.
March 2017 August Siggy Challenge- Summer Fails
Married to DH since May 2009
FET#1 Transfer: 6/30/16
7/7/16 BFP
Initial Beta 396!
Beta 2- 1007
Beta 3- 2952
Official Due Date 3/18/17!
Cleaning product
I love norwex cloths. I use them on all my surfaces - kitchen, bedroom, living room, you name it.
Makeup/self care item
I love Fresh (brand) Lotus Youth Face Lotion. It is the only facial lotion that does not make me break out. I will pay whatever amount for it. While I am listing faves - I also love living proof shampoo and conditioner. It smell so amazing.
Technology product
I can't live without apple tv! Give me all the netflix.
Baby brand
FTM here - I am going to save everyone else's reponses though!