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: Introduction
We have no other children at all and our only issue while TTC was the fact that I don't ovulate regularly
We got our BFP on November 26th because I couldn't wait until my bloodwork appointment on the Monday, so I decided to POAS and it was positive within seconds. I cried (of course). Went in Monday to confirm with blood work and had an HCG count of 133 (13 dpo), then returned for a second count 2 days later had a result of HCG 322 (15 dpo).
Congrats to all the other Momma's to be, this is such an exciting time
I'm Jen - newly pregnant with #1 with the help of Fertility Treatments - extremely lucky to be pregnant with Severe Endo through IUI. Quite nervous still as I've had a loss previously but all the extra blood work and ultrasounds you get with an RE helps a lot! Canadian...have 4 furbabies including our 9 month old Mini Aussie Shepherd puppy Finnigan.
Things started to feel real when I was assigned my Midwife yesterday...and chose the hospital the birth will take place at!
Hope you are all feeling good about this pregnancy and look forward to a Happy & Healthy 9 months!
DX: Endometriosis - Stage 4, DOR, RPL
03.2016 - Natural BFP - MC 5w4d
04.2016 - Natural BFP - Chemical
10.2016 - IUI w/ Injections #1 = IUI Cancelled (cyst/no mature follicle)
11.2016 - IUI w/ Injections #2 = BFP, EDD 08.2017 - It's a BOY!
TTC #2 06.2019
08.2019 - IUI w/ Injections #1 = Chemical
09.2019 - IUI w/ Injections #2 = BFN
10.2019 - IUI w/ Injections #3 = BFN
01.2020 - IUI w/ Injections #4 = BFN
08.2020 - Natural BFP - MC 9w5d
11.2020 - IVF Retrieval - 3AB & 4BB
05.2021 - FET #1 = BFP, EDD 02.2022 - It's a BOY!
I am hoping for a healthy pregnancy for all of us!!
I have a 2 year old - I was part of the April 2014 group!
My due date is August 5. Excited to be back - although I'm nervous!! Thanks ladies.
Has been nice to read all the intros and look forward to getting to know you all better.
I have an almost 3 year old (was part of march 2014) and am now 5 weeks with number 2.
My first was born at 33/3 due to PPROM at 32/1 and a short cervix.
The next 8 months are going to be a scary road for us as we try to avoid another preemie.
I live in Alberta, Canada
I'm 33 YO special education teacher from SW Iowa. I was previously married and have two children (DS - Aug '10 & DD - Feb '13) from said marriage. I was on the bump fairly regularly the first go round (created a new acct this time around) and joined the Facebook spinoff group from the second and still love those girls today! I hope we'll get one going soon for this group as well!
I got married in August to one of my best friends (and co-workers). He is an amazing father to DS and DD and I feel very blessed. We decided to give having a baby a shot and recently found out that DH has low morphology. We were scheduled for our IUI consult when I found out we were expecting (we were told it wouldn't happen without IUI because of his results and my PCOS).
I got my BFP crazy early at 8DPO with a very faint internet cheapie. I tested the next morning with a digital to confirm. I honestly didn't think we'd get pregnant, let alone this cycle as I O'd late (I chart and use OPKs).
It hasn't really sunk in, but I'm excited nonetheless! I look forward to getting to know you ladies and can't wait to see these bellies and babies!
Oh! EDD is 8/17.
Two beautiful babies from a previous marriage.
DS: 8.6.10 DD: 2.19.13
DH: 29 ME: 33
DH: Low Morphology
ME: PCOS
Surprise BFP five days before our IUI consult!
Overjoyed and thankful.
***TW in Siggy***
Me: 34 / DH: 33
Married: Nov 2011
TTC #1: Jan 2013, BFP Sept 2013, DD: June 2014
TTC #2: Aug 2016, BFP Nov 2016, DS: August 2017
Two beautiful babies from a previous marriage.
DS: 8.6.10 DD: 2.19.13
DH: 29 ME: 33
DH: Low Morphology
ME: PCOS
Surprise BFP five days before our IUI consult!
Overjoyed and thankful.
Two beautiful babies from a previous marriage.
DS: 8.6.10 DD: 2.19.13
DH: 29 ME: 33
DH: Low Morphology
ME: PCOS
Surprise BFP five days before our IUI consult!
Overjoyed and thankful.
Two beautiful babies from a previous marriage.
DS: 8.6.10 DD: 2.19.13
DH: 29 ME: 33
DH: Low Morphology
ME: PCOS
Surprise BFP five days before our IUI consult!
Overjoyed and thankful.
Two beautiful babies from a previous marriage.
DS: 8.6.10 DD: 2.19.13
DH: 29 ME: 33
DH: Low Morphology
ME: PCOS
Surprise BFP five days before our IUI consult!
Overjoyed and thankful.
***TW in Siggy***
Me: 34 / DH: 33
Married: Nov 2011
TTC #1: Jan 2013, BFP Sept 2013, DD: June 2014
TTC #2: Aug 2016, BFP Nov 2016, DS: August 2017
Two beautiful babies from a previous marriage.
DS: 8.6.10 DD: 2.19.13
DH: 29 ME: 33
DH: Low Morphology
ME: PCOS
Surprise BFP five days before our IUI consult!
Overjoyed and thankful.
My edd is 16 August. Got my bfp 5/12. My first turns 2 on 6 August. So it's going to be a busy month! First doctors appointment is 5 Jan. Can't wait!
It let me do it this time, but it didnt work well. It wont let me auto fill the name, and the second time I edited it it took the tag away. Just an FYI
Married: 7/21/12
BFP: 12/4/16 Due 8/8/17 -- Its a boy! Born 8/14/17
BFP: 5/19/19 and MC on 5/27/19
BFP: 6/24/19, MC on 7/24/19
BFP: 10/24, no heartbeat on 11/27, D&C 12/2
Officially diagnosed with Secondary infertility and recurrent miscarriage
IVF started Feb 2020
retrieval and PGT testing: 18 retrieved, 17 mature, 16 fertilized, 9 to blast, 8 PGT normal.
Transfer #1: June 14, 2020
I'm very early just over 4 weeks. EDD 8/14/17
Hoping this is our rainbow baby
My name is Cassy. I'm 25 and live in Eau Claire, WI, with my boyfriend, and our pomsky. This is a first for me! My pregnancy was unplanned, and to be completely honest, I was in kind of a state of shock when I got my BFP. I was on BC, so I must admit that this really wasn't on my radar; however, now that everything has sunk in, I am elated. Is it weird to say that I'm pretty sure I already love him/her? Based on my last menstrual period, (I believe) my EDD is August 1.
I'm really happy to be part of a community of women who are going through the same things as me! Of course my boyfriend is very supportive and does his best to hear me out, but he can't possibly know all the things I'm feeling and be able to relate. Excited for this journey with you all!
Pregnant with Baby #3
CP#1: March 2011
BFP: June 2011; DD born Feb 2012!
CP#2: February 2013
BFP: March 2013; DS born Nov 2013!
Baby #3 due: August 15, 2017
According to my LMP, I should be about 4 weeks pregnant. I called my OB to schedule my appointment but I have to **impatiently** wait 4 more weeks.
EDD is 8/14/17. So excited to be here with you and to get to know you all!
***TW in Siggy***
Me: 34 / DH: 33
Married: Nov 2011
TTC #1: Jan 2013, BFP Sept 2013, DD: June 2014
TTC #2: Aug 2016, BFP Nov 2016, DS: August 2017
I am Jessica I live in al. I got my BFP December 19. I am not 100% sure about due date, but I think between 10-19. Last year I had a miscarriage with my first the Saturday before my first appointment so I am trying not to stress, but it's hard to not be nervous. Dr. says I am fine but you never know these things. My first appointment for this pregnancy is Jan. 10 this wait is going to suck, but hopefully I can keep my nerves to a min.
This is our first, and I've been lurking for a while as we experienced loss back in April that has me gun shy. Based on LMP, my due July 25th. However when I went in for a quick check on Wednesday the Dr said I was a week behind, so that puts my due date at Aug 1. I'll know for sure next Thursday during my date scan. I feel horribly behind on the July board, and you ladies are lovely, so I'm thinking I'll stay here regardless if that's ok.
Looking forward to getting know everyone better next 9 months!.
TTC 9/2016 BFP 12/9/16 EDD 8/21/17 NMC 1/8/16 at 7w6d
TTC 2/2017 BFP 3/6/17 EDD 11/17/17 DS born 11/25/17 via ECS
TTC 12/2018 BFP 6/2/19 EDD 2/12/20 NMC / BO at 7 weeks, low progesterone
TTC 7/2019 BFP 8/21/19 EDD 4/22/20 CP at 5 weeks
TTC 8/19 IUI #1 w/ Clomid + Ovidrel + progesterone BFN, IUI 2 and 3 w/ Letrozole + Ovidrel + progesterone,
IUI 4 Follistim + Ovidrel + progesterone BFP 1/9/20 EDD 9/18/20
AMA, ITP in pregnancy, vWD type II - low Factor VIII, unexplained RPL and secondary infertility
I will be a 3rd time mommy come August but this is my first time on a forum. I got by bfp super early at 7dpo on 11/ 17 and my EDD is 8/3/17 ☺ DS1 is 3.5 and DS2 is 2. DH and I couldn't be happier about our newest addition and I can't wait to get to know y'all. We are stationed overseas and this seems to be a great way to get into a "community". Both of my boys were super easy pregnancies but so far I can't stop falling asleep at all hours of the day and I have constant nausea without actually throwing up.
***TW in Siggy***
Me: 34 / DH: 33
Married: Nov 2011
TTC #1: Jan 2013, BFP Sept 2013, DD: June 2014
TTC #2: Aug 2016, BFP Nov 2016, DS: August 2017