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: ***TGIF check in 9/30*****
Edited to fix a wrong word.
Me: 40 DH: 47
Married: 10/2015
DSD: 17
BFP #1: 6/2/15, ectopic, metho 7/15
BFP #2: 12/4/15, cp 12/7/15
BFP #3: 8/5/16, MMC discovered 9/1, Misoprostol 9/19
BFP #4: 5/10/17, EDD 1/20/2018
Baby boy born January 12, 2018, 6 lbs 3.3 oz, 20.5 in.
If the weather cooperates in New England, I'm going to the JETS game on Sunday as an early bday present from the H. Other than that, spending some QT with him since he's in his days off rotation that falls on the weekends. It's too early to HIO for my O date, but we'll get some practice in anyways
*edited for spelling bc my brain is fried.
Im still fighting a week old migraine that came back last night. Need to see the Dr since this is a particularly awful one, but I'm afraid it will bench us. I'm numb on the right side of my body, which isn't a new thing, but hasn't happened in at Lleast 4-5 years. I keep hoping it will just get better, but instead it's coming and going. DH is pretty unsympathetic which has been annoying.
Other than this, I'm supposed too do orange theory and take my dog to a costume party. Barney is going to be a rabbi, which will double as his outfit for Sunday night Rosh Hashana dinner at My in-laws. I hope everything thinks is as cute and funny as I do!
@NewMommyCoop that sounds so fun, I'd love to see a picture of the final product also.
@szwill86 have fun at the jets game! and have fun practicing bd
Today is my last day at work for 2 weeks, woohoo! we are heading to charleston SC from sunday-thursday and then I'll be testing. I might sneak a test in my suitcase since thursday is 10dpo and im an obsessive tester but i'll try not to. i'll try to check in to see if we have any bfp while i'm gone. I hope so!
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
Ugh my 1st EDD is tomorrow. Im feeling pretty good about everything but I think I will feel better when its passed as I feel like its this negative thing looming over me. I still have another one coming up in March but at least that still is a ways away. Its hard to believe I would have gone through a whole pregnancy already.
At least I have fun plans this weekend. Tonight DH and I are going out to dinner and to a hockey game. Tomorrow my mom and I are going to tour of houses in my hometown -its a yearly tradition for us and we always have fun. Then later DH and I have a birthday party to go too. Still up in the air about whether or not I want to attend. Its with his friends from high school that I do not know as well and I don't know if I feel like being around people and their kids and having people asking us if we are going to have kids tmrw of all days. Sunday is relaxing and watching football.
@newmommycoop- wreath making sounds like a lot of fun - and I would love to see the finished product too.
@chloe97 - Oh Im so sorry your head is not any better and Im sorry DH has been unsympathetic.
@brooklyngirl18 - have fun in Charleston- one of my favorite cities!
@chloe97 I am sorry you are still dealing with migraine and sorry DH is not being sympathetic.
@brooklyngirl18 I hope you have a great vacation. I have not been to the Carolina's yet. I hope to soon.
@TScalei I am sorry for the EDD tomorrow. Hugs.
Me: 40 DH: 47
Married: 10/2015
DSD: 17
BFP #1: 6/2/15, ectopic, metho 7/15
BFP #2: 12/4/15, cp 12/7/15
BFP #3: 8/5/16, MMC discovered 9/1, Misoprostol 9/19
BFP #4: 5/10/17, EDD 1/20/2018
Baby boy born January 12, 2018, 6 lbs 3.3 oz, 20.5 in.
@brooklyngirl18 Charleston is one of my favorite cities, I hope you have a blast!
Sorry about the EDD @TScalei, just take extra good care of yourself tomorrow. I did ok with my first one but my second one was harder, regardless, they're never easy.
AFM, we have a busy weekend which is what I need since I have been a hot mess all week. I've been running around all day with DH getting things ready for my mom's surprise 60th tonight. I am hoping everything works out...and like I said, glad AF came Tuesday instead of today because I am sure I would have been no fun for anyone. Tomorrow we have another surprise 30th for a good friend and then Sunday I am taking my parents to the airport for a trip to Italy.
just realized i am travelling home on oct 6 which is my DD. This whole time I thought I was coming home wednesday the 5th. oct 6 is 10dpo fuckkkkkk me now I'm even more torn if i should test that day or not. will a positive test be some cosmic sign, will a negative send me into a tailspin?! gahhh
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
@TScalei Sorry about the approaching EED; definitely take care of yourself this weekend.
@szwill86 Have fun at the Jets game! I've been to one NFL game (Colts), and it was a great atmosphere.
We have a football filled weekend ahead - HS football tonight. It's homecoming, so it's nice to see a lot of people come back for the evening. We're going to a college game tomorrow to see Indiana play Michigan State. It's an evening game and should be quite chilly - sweatshirt weather is the best way to watch football. I'll be 10 DPO on Sunday, so I may give in and testing, but trying to hold out a big longer!
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
BFP: 10.3.16 | CP: 10.11.16
BFP: 12.14.16 | CP: 12.14.16
BFP: 1.23.17 | EDD 10.6.17 -- DS born 10.7.17
BFP: 9.9.18 | EDD 5.23.19 -- DD born 5.24.19
BFP: 9.1.21 | MC 10.1.21
TTC#1 - 6.3.16
BFP#1 - 7.1.16, (mo-di twins + singleton) due 3.15.17
MC singleton - 7.13.16 - 5w
MMC identical twins - 8.5.16 - 8w+2d
Misoprostol 4x
D&C - 9.12.16
Hysteroscopy - 11.21.16 - Retained tissue filling half of uterus removed, blocked left tube, benched for 2 cycles, on estrogen/progesterone for 30 days
HSG - 2.7.17 - Asherman's Syndrome. Both tubes open.
Hysteroscopy 2.13.17 - Incomplete adhesiolysis for Asherman's, benched & on estrogen/progesterone for 30 days. At least two more surgeries needed...
Hysteroscopy 3.21.17 - Adhesiolysis for Asherman's, benched & on estrogen/progesterone for 30 days.
TTCAL #1: 4.24.17
Hysteroscopy 5.23.17 - Scars reformed. Adhesiolysis. Unsure what to do next...
Fertility acupuncture - started 6.13.17
@NewMommyCoop I have seen some awesome DIY wreaths! Would love to see it! Sounds relaxing
@szwill86 you know the saying- practice makes perfect
I hope the weather cooperates for you!
Hope you feel better @chloe97- migraines are terrible. I've been fortunate to only have one in my lifetime. I hope you can get some relief. Please share pics of Barney!
@brooklyngirl18 have a great trip- FX for a BFP!!
@TScalei I hope getting past your EDD dates brings you healing. It was very bittersweet for me each time.
@Aera11 very busy weekend- hope it all goes smoothly!
@weareturtles and @laeberge3 YAY FOR FOOTBALL SEASON!!
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
Less food prep, groceries this weekend 'cause we go on vacation Wed (NOLA to visit ILs). I had my regular endocrine appt this morning and my hormones have normalized with the decreased PTU (now on 100mg/day), I only have to draw blood every 2 months now!! TSH has rebounded to 0.77 from "undetectable" for months. Hooray!!
Happy weekend all!!
CP 1/25/16 4.5 weeks, developed Graves' disease
i did find time to make homemade pizza dough for tonight and I'm indulging in a TWW pumpkin beer (gasp!).
(Fresh mozzarella makes all the difference)
tomorrow im doing my usual dog park, farmers market routine and playing with new said vacuum to clean mattress and dust and figure it out.
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 promised wreath pictures so here they are:
The first one is mine and the others are the three ladies at the get together.
Me: 40 DH: 47
Married: 10/2015
DSD: 17
BFP #1: 6/2/15, ectopic, metho 7/15
BFP #2: 12/4/15, cp 12/7/15
BFP #3: 8/5/16, MMC discovered 9/1, Misoprostol 9/19
BFP #4: 5/10/17, EDD 1/20/2018
Baby boy born January 12, 2018, 6 lbs 3.3 oz, 20.5 in.
Married 7/13
TTC #1 since 10/13
BFP 2/4/15, MC twin boys at 18w3d 5/15
IUI #1 2/25/16
Me: 40 DH: 47
Married: 10/2015
DSD: 17
BFP #1: 6/2/15, ectopic, metho 7/15
BFP #2: 12/4/15, cp 12/7/15
BFP #3: 8/5/16, MMC discovered 9/1, Misoprostol 9/19
BFP #4: 5/10/17, EDD 1/20/2018
Baby boy born January 12, 2018, 6 lbs 3.3 oz, 20.5 in.
Married 7/13
TTC #1 since 10/13
BFP 2/4/15, MC twin boys at 18w3d 5/15
IUI #1 2/25/16