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: General Rants
I cried and cried b/c it was just so incredibly insensitive. Then I got really angry. I am still somewhere in the in-between of the two now.
Sometimes people really suck.
If I upset anyone else please accept my apology as well. Some of you might not remember me or are probably new since I posted regularly here (mostly 2015) and might be thinking who is this lurker driving by saying insensitive things - and as someone who has had two losses myself I would never want to hurt someone currently in the depths of grief. I know that each persons grief is personal and what is helpful or harmful isn't universal - and again I am sorry if what I said was harmful to any of you ladies.
BFP1 12/24/14 - EDD 09/07/15 (D/C 8w1d)
BFP2 6/12/15 - EDD 2/22/16 (D/C 10w3d)
———
Diagnoses and Treatments
PCOS (myo-inositol, excercize)
Indeterminant levels of APS IgM antibodies (baby aspirin)
Sub-septate uterus (hysteroscopic septoplasty 12/18/15)
———
BFP3 05/02/16 EDD 01/09/17 DS born 01/05/17
BFP4 01/28/19 EDD 10/?/19 🤞🙏
It's completely normal to have those feelings of self blame and to feel like you failed in some way and it's not at all silly. Yes, if you stop to ask yourself if you think that person X who just went through a loss should blame herself, your response is an emphatic no. And even when you can pass it through your logical side and you can recognize that the logic of self-blame doesn't hold up, feelings are feelings and they're not logical or based in fact. Feeling that way is not at all silly.
Married: June 2011
TTC since Feb 2016
BFP#1: 7/7/16 MMC: 8/16/16
BFP#2: 5/8/17 - CP
BFP#3: 6/27/17 EDD: 3/10/18
This just reminded me that I have heard some weird things regarding my other losses. My dad died when I was 3 months old. I really struggled when I was growing up, with that very sentiment: how can I be so sad about someone I don't remember? I have gotten mixed comments about it over the years. Some people think it must be easier because I didn't know him, others think it would be harder to never have known him. But I guess that's what I don't get: why people feel they have the right to quantify someone's grief. Having lost my stepdad, the only "dad I knew", to cancer 7yrs ago, I can tell you they are both hard, they're just both different. Both my miscarriages were different, too, but both horribly sad and difficult. And I still get sad about all of these losses; grief doesn't just go away.
Anyways, I know that was slightly off topic and "dear diary" but basically, I know grief is a tough topic but I wish people could just say those things: I'm sorry for your loss, is there anything I can do to help? Instead of trying to tell you why you shouldn't be so sad or it could be worse or some other bullshit like that :'(
I could seriously talk about this stuff all day. I just hate how people make light of something that is so gut wrenching and raw for you. I am already dreading different social events we have this fall and the holidays to come. After two losses I just don't think I can deal with "when are you guys going to have a baby" or " you don't have that much time left." I just hate how I haven't done anything wrong and I almost feel shameful going to these events. I know I just have to get even tougher and withstand possible nosy questions but it just sucks.
ttc July 2015 ~ bfp Nov 2015 (cp)
bfp Dec 2015 ~ (tfmr 17wk, March 2016, genetic disease)
ttcal May 2016
editied- DH to DS, DH needing a sibling would be impossible lol
Married 10/12
DS 11/14
Ectopic 2/16
PCOS/Ovulation Dysfunction 11/16
IUI x 3- BFN
Laparoscopy 3/17 Endo and tubal damage
IVF- 4/17- 40 eggs retrieved, 10 blasts, 7 pgs tested embryos
FET- 6/17- BFP!
Due Feb 15, 2017
I wish everyone who wanted to be pregnant could get pregnant and keep their babies easily, and everyone who didn't want to could 100% avoid it.
BFP 01.03.2016 / MMC 6w5d D&C 02.2016 // BFP 05.06.16 / natural MC 05.12.16
Benched 06.2016-08.2016 / TTC again 09.2016! On a diet. Cranky.
BFP 10.02.2016 / NT scan at 12w looked normal / Anatomy scan at 20w everything ok
Team blue! / EDD June 11th 2017
DAVID ROGER was born on May 23rd at 37 weeks.
Architect, Peruvian living in Chile. I love art, opera and good chocolate.
Started PhD studies in Architecture on 2017.
Fur mom of a rescued miniature poodle called Luke Skywalker.
so I see someone I know who hAd her baby right before our loss... She knows everything that has been going on but hasn't said anything directly to me about it. Just a casual acquaintance so that doesn't really bother me- but anyway, she's showing pictures from his most recent photo shoot and going on and on ( in a group) about him starting to do this and that. Others comment about how cute he is. She sAys that they are just so blessed - and blessed to have a such a cute healthy baby.
for a second I stop breathing- does this imply that others who didn't have a baby are not blessed? Not meant to be blessed at this time? Of course I said nothing it just really hurt me.
ttc July 2015 ~ bfp Nov 2015 (cp)
bfp Dec 2015 ~ (tfmr 17wk, March 2016, genetic disease)
ttcal May 2016
BFP #2: 4.14.16 CP: 4.17.16
BFP #3: 6.10.2016 CP: 6.17.16
RE appt: 6.27.2016- saline sono all clear
Progenity: + carrier Tay-Sachs, Gaucher's, hemachromatosis. DH: carrier Alpha 1 anti-trypsin
PCOS, hypothyroid, MTHFR, hx of LEEP in 2006
Clomid + TI Cycle #1: 50mg Trigger 8.24.2016- BFN
Clomid 75mg + IUI#1 9.25.2016- BFP #4 10/6
Beta #1 15 Beta #2 38 Beta #3- 71 beta #4 171 Beta # 5- 21 Natural MC 10/21
HSG- clear
IVF Jan 2017
Egg Retrieval 1.22.17: 32 eggs retrieved,29 mature, 24 fertilized, 14 to blastocyst for biopsy
PGS results: 4 PGS normal 2 XX, 2 XY
FET: 3.13.2017 for 2 PGS embryos
Beta#1: 3.24.2017......... 78; Beta # 2 241; Beta #3 4198
Baby BOY due 11.29.2017
So my hubby and I were trying for 2 years and about a few weeks ago his brother had announced that him and his wife were pregnant and they were only trying for a few months. A week later I found out I was pregnant and then felt bad that I didn't celebrate their announcement more (i hugged them then went outside and cried). 2 weeks later we found out my baby way ectopic and the tube had ruptured so I had emergency surgery. I haven't seen either my brother in law or sister in law since and I'm not looking forward to seeing them because I know she gets to have her baby and I don't. It sounds so aweful because I do like seeing them but I just can't right now.
ttc July 2015 ~ bfp Nov 2015 (cp)
bfp Dec 2015 ~ (tfmr 17wk, March 2016, genetic disease)
ttcal May 2016
ttc July 2015 ~ bfp Nov 2015 (cp)
bfp Dec 2015 ~ (tfmr 17wk, March 2016, genetic disease)
ttcal May 2016
Married: June 2011
TTC since Feb 2016
BFP#1: 7/7/16 MMC: 8/16/16
BFP#2: 5/8/17 - CP
BFP#3: 6/27/17 EDD: 3/10/18
TW: Loss
okay, here's the deal. I had intestinal surgery about five years ago that included a sigmoid resection, where they make an incision below your bikini line, take out some of your intestines, cut some off, sew it back together, put it back in and then sew me up. (Also had rectopexy but that's another story and not super relevant).
Since then I've always had pain at the incision spot but mostly in this one spot where it feels like there's a stitch right under the skin. It hurts more when my stomach/intestines are distended (GI problems) and when tight clothes/jeans rub on it. I imagine it causing more problems when/if I'm lucky enough to have a big pregnant belly.
It took a while to get in to see my surgeon, and the funny part is that he says he used dissolving stitches so he has no idea what it is but is willing to investigate with local anaesthetic. The "surgery" falls right at the end of my TWW/when AF is due if I ovulate when I "normally" do.
So anyways, I just mentioned to my mom that if I am lucky enough to get pregnant this cycle that I should know before the procedure and will obviously discuss with the surgeon but would likely postpone it. She made me feel like I was being silly because they won't be going that deep that it would affect the uterus and that it's not a big deal or it's irrelevant.
And maybe I'm being overly cautious but if I'm newly pregnant and then do the procedure and end in loss again, I know I'd kick myself for having the procedure and think "what if?". I feel like physical stress/trauma to the body isn't ideal. I don't know, would any of you want someone injecting you with anesthetic,cutting into your lower abdomen and digging around days after finding out you're pregnant?
I texted her, trying to explain my point because I felt like she wasn't hearing me and saying again that I'd obviously be talking to my surgeon, and she comes back with: "No. I agree With you. I wouldn't want anything bad to happen. Try not to stress so much. Everything will work out"
GRRRRRR! I wasn't STRESSING about it, I was simply having a plan in place! SHE was the one stressing me out :'( And no, she can't assure me that "everything will work out".
I know that was really long so thank you if you read it. I'm just annoyed.
if it was just an office thing with local numbing I'd be fine with it, but if he has to do anything more extensive I wouldn't. But definitely go with your comfort and it's not at all urgent.
BFP #2: 4.14.16 CP: 4.17.16
BFP #3: 6.10.2016 CP: 6.17.16
RE appt: 6.27.2016- saline sono all clear
Progenity: + carrier Tay-Sachs, Gaucher's, hemachromatosis. DH: carrier Alpha 1 anti-trypsin
PCOS, hypothyroid, MTHFR, hx of LEEP in 2006
Clomid + TI Cycle #1: 50mg Trigger 8.24.2016- BFN
Clomid 75mg + IUI#1 9.25.2016- BFP #4 10/6
Beta #1 15 Beta #2 38 Beta #3- 71 beta #4 171 Beta # 5- 21 Natural MC 10/21
HSG- clear
IVF Jan 2017
Egg Retrieval 1.22.17: 32 eggs retrieved,29 mature, 24 fertilized, 14 to blastocyst for biopsy
PGS results: 4 PGS normal 2 XX, 2 XY
FET: 3.13.2017 for 2 PGS embryos
Beta#1: 3.24.2017......... 78; Beta # 2 241; Beta #3 4198
Baby BOY due 11.29.2017
I think the idea of it also ties into my last loss. I did take a pregnancy test the morning of my bladder hydrodistension where they do put you under and give you fentanyl and dilaudid and whatnot. It was negative but was positive two weeks later (I didn't test in between; I was pretty laid up after that and hadn't been temping at that point and was having a wonky cycle so didn't really know at all where I was in my cycle etc etc), and, as you all know, I went on to lose it. So, taking chances with medical procedures does not sound like something I want to do and if she thinks I'm just "stressing" then so be it. It's my body.
I got pregnant during an abcsess tooth and had surgery during ovulation and was on pain killers and antibiotics during my TWW. I was so scared when I found out I was in fact pregnant that cycle and went on to find out I had a MMC at 9 weeks (baby only measured 5). My doctor said its more likely it was random and had nothing to do with the tooth abcsess but it still plays on my mind. And it will definitely change my actions in the future. Anyway just sharing to say I totally understand your concerns!
oh and also I put off planning trips and stuff each month- thinking I could be that month. its so annoying and it consumes everytning. People who haven't struggled don't understand
ttc July 2015 ~ bfp Nov 2015 (cp)
bfp Dec 2015 ~ (tfmr 17wk, March 2016, genetic disease)
ttcal May 2016
I was on an infertility site buying cards for others going through this journey and I saw this and it gives me the tiniest bit of hope.
I am just over here trying to get DH to understand why I'm declining a dinner invitation from one of his female co-workers who is out on maternity leave with her newborn and also has two year old twin boys (we lost twin boys). He's telling me she keeps asking so he feels like we really should accept...unmmmmm nope.
Married 7/13
TTC #1 since 10/13
BFP 2/4/15, MC twin boys at 18w3d 5/15
IUI #1 2/25/16
edit- *TW- loss mentioned in sigi*
This really stupid ad.
I am so blessed to have the love of my life, my DH, est. November 2008.
BFP#1 Nov 2014, Missed MC at 11w, D&C on 01/06/2015
BFP#2 Sept 2015, Missed MC at 6w, Methotrexate injection 3/25/16, released from Doc 5/17/16
BFP#3 Oct 2016, Chemical
ttc July 2015 ~ bfp Nov 2015 (cp)
bfp Dec 2015 ~ (tfmr 17wk, March 2016, genetic disease)
ttcal May 2016
Anyway, I just can't. I can't talk to her. I can't look at her without glaring. She's often chatting with her work BFF ( who is due in September) and my work BFF and I literally walk by them and don't say a thing. I feel like an asshole. Unfortunately my work BFF has no sympathy for me. She's 45 and never married and resigned that even though she wanted them, she will not have kids. She thinks I'm stupid for being triggered by pregnant ladies because she's not and at least I still have a chance.
Going to the bathroom and seeing this girl can turn me into a crying mess. Even though I'm not sure I'm ready, I feel pressured to get pregnant just so I'm not triggered everyday at work. I honestly don't know what to do. I can't avoid her. I need to go to the kitchen and bathroom we share and so I see her at least twice a week.
Anyone have any words of wisdom to share to get through this situation?
One of m colleagues announced her pregnancy (at 5 weeks) the day I got back from my d&c and I have purposely scheduled my morning to avoid her ever since. I used to feel bad, but then she made some hurtful comments and I no longer give a shit if she's offended. She has no room to judge me because she's never been through what I have and only a petty, immature person would judge a grieving mother for protecting themselves. And we don't have time for those people in our lives.
BFP #2: 4.14.16 CP: 4.17.16
BFP #3: 6.10.2016 CP: 6.17.16
RE appt: 6.27.2016- saline sono all clear
Progenity: + carrier Tay-Sachs, Gaucher's, hemachromatosis. DH: carrier Alpha 1 anti-trypsin
PCOS, hypothyroid, MTHFR, hx of LEEP in 2006
Clomid + TI Cycle #1: 50mg Trigger 8.24.2016- BFN
Clomid 75mg + IUI#1 9.25.2016- BFP #4 10/6
Beta #1 15 Beta #2 38 Beta #3- 71 beta #4 171 Beta # 5- 21 Natural MC 10/21
HSG- clear
IVF Jan 2017
Egg Retrieval 1.22.17: 32 eggs retrieved,29 mature, 24 fertilized, 14 to blastocyst for biopsy
PGS results: 4 PGS normal 2 XX, 2 XY
FET: 3.13.2017 for 2 PGS embryos
Beta#1: 3.24.2017......... 78; Beta # 2 241; Beta #3 4198
Baby BOY due 11.29.2017
My issue is that I don't know how to avoid her. She seemed to balloon up overnight and of course is constantly in the bathroom. I put my head down and pass her like strangers, but I now feel like a social pariah at work. I'm not the most outgoing person in the work, but I like to maintain some workplace friendliness. I feel the need to change my hours to avoid seeing her on the walk in and out. I'm drinking 3 cups of RRLT a day so I can't avoid the kitchen and lord knows I gotta pee.