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: INTRODUCTIONS/EDD
I got my BFP on 11/1 and my EDD is 7/12. I am a FTM and very excited/nervous for this new adventure. My first OB appointment is scheduled for November 23- right before we fly home for thanksgiving. My husband and I live very far from any family, and while they are very involved in our lives from afar, we are really leaning on our friends for support during this pregnancy. I am a complete newbie to the bump community and really enjoyed reading all your posts over the last couple days. Very excited to share the highs and lows of this journey with you all.
Best wishes to all the mommies out there!!! July 2017 here we come!
William Alexander born 18 September, 2015
Harper Grace born 9 June, 2017
Colton Miles born 9 June, 2017
Bowen James due 19 June, 2019
If you don't mind me asking what does your ds have? DD has down syndrome and had open heart surgery right before Christmas(at 6 months) to fix her 2 holes. Other than that she has been pretty healthy but has some delays especially in speech.
Anyway, this is my second pregnancy. My son will be 14 months on 11/14. I was part of the 9/15 bump group. I just got my BFP an hour ago. Lol
According to LMP, my EDD is 7/8/17, but I ovulated late, so we'll see what my midwife says in a few weeks.
Married: 06-2024
TTC #1: Since November 2015
Restarted TTC "count" Oct. 2016
due to previous issues.
***TW***
BFP: 11/4/2016
BFP: 07/17/2024
TW: Losses mentioned.
Hi Ladies! Today I got my BFP at 11 dpo and I am hoping and praying I can stick around. I lost twins at 12 weeks in August of this year and this was our second cycle trying to conceive after the miscarriage. I have two daughters ages 3.5 and 2, and I also had two losses before the birth of my eldest daughter. The odds are not exactly in my favor but all my testing has come back normal. MY EDD is July 21st.
4 losses- MC in 2006, MMC in February 2012 at 12 weeks and MMC (twins) August 2016 at 12 weeks. Pregnant again- 11/7/16. Another loss on December 28, 2016.
BFP April 23, 2017. Our triple rainbow baby! EDD: January 2, 2018. It's a boy!
Hi everyone! It still feels a little surreal, but I guess I go here now! I will be a first time mom and I’m both excited and terrified.
BFP: Sunday (Nov. 6)
EDD (based on LMP): July 17
I have my first appointment on November 22!
@abjm0325 - Hey testing buddy! Welcome
Married: 06-2024
TTC #1: Since November 2015
Restarted TTC "count" Oct. 2016
due to previous issues.
***TW***
BFP: 11/4/2016
BFP: 07/17/2024
Married: Oct 2015
Baby G born June 2017
TTC#2: July 2018
BFP #2: 2/6/19 MC 3/14/19
BFP#3 from IUI #2: 6/30/20 EDD 3/9/21
PAIF/PgAL
my happy boy
BFP #1: 5/16
MMC at 8 weeks: 6/16
BFP #2: 10/16
Sweet baby boy arrived 7/7/17!
My husband and I are both 28, this is our second. First is currently 17mos. Have been trying since April - very excited to get the BFP Nov 3!
Implantation was Oct 30 (I was so disappointed, sure it was AF.)
EDD: July 14.
I'm really hoping the little one holds in there cuz I'm MOH for my sister's wedding July 8!!
1 on earth, 2 in heaven watching over us.
1 on earth, 2 in heaven watching over us.
Married: 06-2024
TTC #1: Since November 2015
Restarted TTC "count" Oct. 2016
due to previous issues.
***TW***
BFP: 11/4/2016
BFP: 07/17/2024
Congrats and a H&H pregnancy
Married: 06-2024
TTC #1: Since November 2015
Restarted TTC "count" Oct. 2016
due to previous issues.
***TW***
BFP: 11/4/2016
BFP: 07/17/2024
I am looking forward to getting to know you ladies!
Our Angel: EDD: 05/11/17. MC at 6 weeks
Baby #2- EDD: 07/18/17
BFP #1: 5/16
MMC at 8 weeks: 6/16
BFP #2: 10/16
Sweet baby boy arrived 7/7/17!
Our Angel: EDD: 05/11/17. MC at 6 weeks
Baby #2- EDD: 07/18/17
I got my BFP 11/3/16. Based on my last known period, I calculated being about 7 weeks, so I joined June 2017. Fast forward to this morning, and my first OB appointment... I am only measuring about 5 weeks and 3 days. The OB said I likely ovulated late, and am scheduled another ultrasound in 2 weeks. I just wanted to introduce myself here as I may be moving to this board and meeting all of you lovely ladies!
BFP #1: 5/16
MMC at 8 weeks: 6/16
BFP #2: 10/16
Sweet baby boy arrived 7/7/17!
I am 32, DH is 33. I have DD who is 2.5 and is really excited to be a big sister! I got my BFP on Nov. 1 and was confirmed by a urine test at the doctors last Thursday. My EDD is July 13. I just got back from my 10K across the Bay girls running weekend trip and thought I would pop in to say hello and that I am very excited to be on this journey with you all!
My Ovulation Chart: http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/CallMeMrsChaos/
Our Angel: EDD: 05/11/17. MC at 6 weeks
Baby #2- EDD: 07/18/17
ME: 28 DH: 32
Dating: 12/18/2010
Married: 12/7/2014
TTC #1 6/15/2016
BFP 10/29/16 ~ EDD 7/7/16
<a href="http://lilypie.com/"><img src="http://lmtf.lilypie.com/7SOUm8.png" width="400" height="80" border="0" alt="Lilypie Maternity tickers" /></a>
question: is there a Facebook group for bump mommies 2017 yet?