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.
JennyColada
member
Re: WTO/TWW - week of August 20
Month/Cycle: 5/4
CD/DPO: 23/5
TWW - Timing: -3, -2, -1
TWW - Testing: trying to decide if I should do 12 DPO or stick with FF recommendation of estimated CD2 (17 DPO).
R/R:
CS/Q: [spoiler]
[/spoiler]
GTKY: what is a bad habit that you have? I bite my nails.
Which is one reason I try to keep them nicely manicured since that helps me avoid it!
For Chart Stalking, Click Here!
Month/Cycle: 2/2
CD/DPO: 12
WTO - WAYDTGKU: BBT and PNV
R/R: Rant: work tomorrow. I am really dreading dealing with dismissal during the eclipse. Rave: no plans today
I'm just going to relax all day! Random thought: curious to see when I O this month. Last month it was CD 14 (1st cycle off BCPs); last time we were TTC is was later like CD 18-20. So I am curious to see if cycle 1 was a random cycle or my new 'normal'
CS/Q:
GTKY: what is a bad habit that you have? Putting off house work - and especially laundry and dishes
@glitzandglitter I can't believe we are having the first day of school on the eclipse day. It's going to be a train wreck.
Joining you this week since we are basically TTC now.
Month/Cycle: 1/0
CD/DPO: n/a
WTO - WAYDTGKU: OPKs, tracking CM, more sex?
R/R: So much fertile CM but super white negative OPKs. No idea what's going on. Since I'm going back to work, that will hopefully cut down on nursing sessions and maybe that will help bring the return of my fertility.
CS/Q: My chart is just negative OPKs, CM, and the one time we've had unprotected sex this month. I wish I had more information!
GTKY: what is a bad habit that you have? I pick at my cuticles and fingernails.
@JennyColada That really is a beautiful temp shift.
@glitzandglitter I'm in exactly the same boat. Last cycle was weird based on what I remember from before, but I don't know if it was just an adjustment cycle or if it's the new normal. Do you have a preference for longer or shorter? I'll be pleased when I feel like I can predict it again, as long as it's not too short.
Month/Cycle: 2/2
CD/DPO: CD 14
WTO - WAYDTGKU: PNV, BBT, CM, sex
TWW - Timing: I think I ovulated yesterday, which would give us -1, -3, -5. If not, we'll have to see, but we'll continue EOD until I'm certain about ovulating.
TWW - Testing: I'm determined not to test unless I make it to CD 26 without AF or a temp drop (assuming I did O on CD 13. If not, I'll revise accordingly). I've gotten a little superstitious about testing early, I swear it just makes AF show up early. It did last month, anyway.
R/R: I did okay with the CM, but not awesome. I only saw something close to egg whites once, and I'm pretty sure it was just leftovers from sex. I think I'm going to have to do a lot more digging in the future. I haven't done much so far because I'd rather not do it at work, and I keep forgetting to wash my hands first.
I'm guessing I O'd yesterday based on my typical cycle, and I think I felt some ovulation pain yesterday, just a few sharps pains on one side? And although I never saw EWCM, I had lots of watery CM until today. But I didn't get a spike today, so I'll just have to see if it keeps going up.
CS/Q: I had a lot of fluctuations in my temps, but I can't figure out what is causing it. I've been a little restless at night, but it doesn't seem that bad. I'm just hoping I can still see a clear shift despite the zigzag pattern.
GTKY: what is a bad habit that you have?
I'm with @glitzandglitter, I'm really bad about putting off things I don't want to do. I know I have more, too, but I'm drawing a blank.
@lalala2004 - it's going to be a cluster for sure. I had hoped they'd cancel school or do an early dismissal but nope. The only thing they did was cancel all outside activities which doesn't help me because we are still dismissing during the eclipse and we will be outside for that so...???
Also, Yay for officially TTC!!
@Secretstapler - I'd probably prefer shorter to longer (as long as it was still in normal range) because I hate WTO. I think I'd hate it less if I had more of an idea when O would be. My chart is really zigzaggy this month too
FX you get CH soon!
@glitzandglitter Yes to putting off house work. I am SO bad.
@lalala2004 excited to have you here!! The CM might be caused by an estrogen surge and you just haven't had the LH surge yet. Hopefully soon
@Secretstapler FF treats watery CM and EWCM the same anyway. Hopefully your temps will show the shift! I have no idea what causes zig zag so no help from me there.
Month/Cycle: 8/9
CD/DPO: CD5
WTO - WAYDTGKU: nothing so far! I've been bad about everything this month! I've only temped a few times and I have been forgetting my vitamins and I'm "not allowed" to HIO until after my HSG on Friday.
R/R: It's been a good weekend but I'm kinda dreading this week at work. I have a ton going on and some things I'm behind on...
CS/Q:
GTKY: what is a bad habit that you have?
Like @glitzandglitter I always put off my housework... I also don't floss so not really a bad habit but a good habit I don't have
TTC December 2016
BFP 2/28/17 // CP 3/1/17
MFI Diagnosis: Aug 2017
BFP 11/1/17 // DS born 6/18
TTC January 2019
BFP 3/21/19 // D&C (MMC) 5/8/19
@lalala2004 Welcome to your first official TTC cycle! Are you planning to temp too? (As for the opks, maybe try a different brand if they are completely white. I believe you should still see light lines even when not ovulating...they just become darker--and then finally darker than the control line--when ovulating).
@glitzandglitter I hope you survive the dismissal during the eclipse! That sounds hectic. As far as coming off BC, I found that my first cycle off was the longest one I've had and they've gradually gotten shorter by 2-3 days. (My O was actually later--CD20--my first month off the pill, but now it's usually around CD18-19). I am sure it varies a lot by person...FX for you that you O earlier in the month...I would definitely prefer that!
@Secretstapler FX you O'd! Just keep temping...I bet you see a rise tomorrow.
Month/Cycle: 4/4
CD/DPO: 31/15
WTO - WAYDTGKU:
TWW - Timing: meh
TWW - Testing: I initially said I would not test, but since FF predicted AF on Friday and it hasn't arrived, I caved and tested this morning. BFN
I am still having pre-AF symptoms, so I'm guessing somehow FF is off and my dpo are wrong. I anticipate AF arriving tomorrow.
R/R: Got a great run in this morning!
CS/Q: Does anyone have pre-AF symptoms for more than a week before AF arrives?
GTKY: what is a bad habit that you have?I'm going to agree with @glitzandglitter and @Secretstapler --I have a bad habit of putting off housework.
@JennyColada, your chart looks great! Good timing! Good temp spike! I'm really rooting for you!
@glitzandglitter, I'm so nervous about the eclipse tomorrow! My county decided to delay dismissal for an hour and we're taking the kids out. Good luck tomorrow!
@lalala2004, tomorrow is the first day of school for you?! That's crazy!! Good luck!
@secretstapler, I've had crazy temps like yours. Somehow FF has figured out O. FXd that you O soon.
Month/Cycle: 3/3
CD/DPO: 28/13
TWW - Timing: -2, -4, and -5
TWW - Testing: all the BFNs
R/R: I'm supposed to get AF tomorrow but I don't have my normal spotting. I've tested a couple of times and I keep getting negatives. I'm not sure what my body is doing.
I'm starting a new diet. I've packed my lunches and snacks for the week. I also made dinner that I'm hoping will last a couple nights. I'm proud of myself for starting strong!
CS/Q: not sure what's up with me but here's my chart
GTKY: what is a bad habit that you have? I procrastinate badly!
@lalala2004 - So glad you're officially TTGP! Or at least, whenever you're able to O.
@Secretstapler - As PP said, FF treats watery and EWCM the same, so even if you aren't sure about the EWCM - it should still get the idea.
@MrsMiller8588 - I hope your work week goes okay! And FX for good results from your HSG!
@dukestar5 - If I'm conscious about noticing what's going on, I note I can have pre-AF symptoms for 5-6 days before she comes. It's more obvious the day or two days before-hand, but I get a little more irritable up to a week before AF usually comes. *hugs*
Month/Cycle: 1/1
CD/DPO: 27/14
TWW - Timing: -4, -3, +1
TWW - Testing: Nada
R/R: Tired
CS/Q: Just WFAF at this point
GTKY: What is a bad habit that you have? I chew on the sides of my fingers/around my nails. Not my nails themselves, because I hate how that makes them feel, though.
Me: 30 | DH: 34 | DSS: 14 | DS: 4
PG #2, EDD 10/12/2023
@glitzandglitter Enjoy the relaxation! The first time I went of BCP I had a looooong cycle and then they gradually got a little more normal, this past time it went right to normal (for me, 30 days) and stayed there
@lalala2004 yay TTC! BF can make cycles wonky for sure and that first one is all about data gathering! CM is always a good sign though
@Secretstapler FX you O'd yesterday, but yeah keep dancing the BD! CM can be different for everyone, so if you pay attention to it across cycles it should get easier to spot
@MrsMiller8588 Good luck with the HSG!
@dukestar5 Sorry about the BFN. If AF is late, that is a good sign though. I usually get PMS just a few days before AF shows up (moodiness and some boob pain) but I don't get cramps until I'm actually bleeding.
@JNCPro3130 Sorry for the BFNs! Again, until AF shows up, you're still in the running. Good for you on meal prep!
@izza2 Why not testing?
Month/Cycle: 3/3
CD/DPO: CD2
WTO - WAYDTGKU: PNV, OPK, HIO
TWW - Timing:
TWW - Testing:
R/R: *****TW***** It's been a rough weekend. I tested Thursday (12dpo), and got a squinter with an FRER. Friday morning, got a darker pink line on a FRER and a First Signal, and was obviously pretty excited, though cautious because I thought they should be a bit darker. Saturday, day AF was due, took another FRER and got a squinter again, which I knew was a bad sign. Negative digital. DH was still optimistic yesterday morning when I hadn't gotten AF, but that came to an end late yesterday afternoon. So that's one reason why early testing can be a bummer. A part of me wishes I hadn't tested and maybe I'd just be thinking I was a day late.
CS/Q:
GTKY: what is a bad habit that you have? I pull apart my split ends
TTC December 2016
BFP 2/28/17 // CP 3/1/17
MFI Diagnosis: Aug 2017
BFP 11/1/17 // DS born 6/18
TTC January 2019
BFP 3/21/19 // D&C (MMC) 5/8/19
I won't be testing because I started spotting today. It ebbed off this afternoon, but I'm assuming AF will be here full force tomorrow morning.
Me: 30 | DH: 34 | DSS: 14 | DS: 4
PG #2, EDD 10/12/2023
@JennyColada your chart looks GREAT! Good luck!
@lifesabeach85 So sorry. What a bummer. Hugs from afar.
@JNCPro3130 looks like maybe O could be at CD17 rather than 15? And yay for meal prepping!
@Secretstapler Mine always look like that.. but it still seems to be able to figure it out. I think you're still waiting...
Month/Cycle: 4/4
CD/DPO: 16/3
WTO - WAYDTGKU:
TWW - Timing: O-2, O-1,O,O+1(x2)
TWW - Testing: Waiting until 9/1 (13DPO) because seeing BFN's bums me out too much. Also, I'm skeptical of O being CD13 and not CD15, which would make 9/1 11DPO.
R/R: Rave about beach vacation with DH (and no kids!!) that we just returned from - somehow O came early this month, and was timed during our trip.
CS/Q: Looks like O was CD13 rather than CD23 like last month. Anyone have this much variation? Reasons why? It seems crazy. All I can think is that I was crazy stressed the last two months and this month much more relaxed. I'm up for chart stalks - currently confused about why it's putting O prior to positive OPK. I used digi's this month (CBA) because I was too confused by the internet cheapies last month.
https://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/314865
GTKY: what is a bad habit that you have? Sweets are my downfall...
**ETA FF link**
Looks like a lot of us have had some bad luck this cycle. Let's get some good news on this board! Someone get KU immediately!!!
@izza2 sorry about AF!
@Guillerma I feel ya on the BFNs (yet another reason why waiting to test can be good). I'm glad you're making yourself a priority! Good luck with the half marathon training! Looks like y'all had some fun on that trip...
As for me, AF showed up yesterday. I'm on to cycle 4. I'm like @guillerma. I've decided to make some changes to my health. I've been holding off on increasing my exercise because "what if Im pregnant". 3 months later and I'm not pregnant and my weight/health isn't where I want it to be. If I were pregnant, this isn't the healthiest start, so this month I'm going back to eating high protein/low carb. I'm also training for a 5k that's at the end of September. I need something other than TTC to focus on! I'm making these changes for me and not for TTC purposes!
@glitzandglitter I hope the dismissal during the eclipse went well!
@lalala2004 Good luck! I have that happen from time to time, too. Lots of fertile CM, but the sticks all come up negative. I kind of wonder if my ovulation is quick and I just miss the window for testing.
@Secretstapler Best of luck to you! I totally understand not wanting to check at work. I'm the same way, to be honest.
@MrsMiller8588 Good luck with the HSG tomorrow! I hope it gives you good results!
@dukestar5 I'm sorry about the BFN! Did AF end up showing her face?
@JNCPro3130 What sort of new diet are you doing? I try to do meal prepping, but it doesn't always work out.
@izza2 I chew the nail bed, too. I can't help it. It's an anxiety thing.
@lifesabeach85 I'm sorry for your BFN! That had to be hard on you and your DH
@Guillerma I'm glad you guys had a good vacation! FX that this is your month!
GTKY: what is a bad habit that you have? Like a lot of you guys, I bite my nails and the nail bed. It's an anxiety thing for me. I've done it for as long as I can remember, but I manage to pause it by painting them. I'm slowly breaking the habit, I think. I hope. They still end up my my mouth when I'm stressed, but I haven't bitten them in over a month.
Diminished ovarian reserve
BFP: 4/14/2020 EDD: 12/20/2020
I've also signed up for a 5k at the end of September, so I'm looking forward to that! I hate running but that race was so much fun. I'm hoping it motivates me to consistently run.
For Chart Stalking, Click Here!
@dreamscapes_. AF did arrive unfortunately. Now in WTO again, but benched this cycle due to MH's work schedule.
@JNCPro3130. How do you like the paleo diet so far? Are you seeing a difference? What do you eat in terms of snacks? Or are you so satisfied by the additional protein that you find you don't really need them? ANd yay for the 5k! I love finding a race to motivate me to wake up and run.
DH got his SA results back this week and they were not good. He has an appointment next week with a urologist and we will go from there. I think I have a pretty good idea about how serious the situation is but DH is DEFINITELY in denial. I am too, but not to the same extent. I'm hoping that his appointment next week will help us both understand the situation. He hasn't done a repeat SA yet so I guess there's still a chance it was a fluke.
My HSG today went great. I didn't think it was any more painful or uncomfortable than a pap. My tubes are clear and everything looks good on my end. I briefly talked to my Dr and we are waiting until we get some answers from the urologist, but if his count doesn't improve it sounds like our only choice might be IVF.
So so many decisions are up in the air right now. DH and I need to talk finances and options and have a lot of hard conversations I don't think I'm ready for. I actually haven't broken the news to him that his current count would require IVF. I probably won't this weekend because we will be spending it with friends and family.
I dont know how much I will be posting over here and might stick with the TTGP MFI thread for now, just wanted to let everyone know what was going on before I disappear
I will be lurking and hope to see lots of BFPs soon!
TTC December 2016
BFP 2/28/17 // CP 3/1/17
MFI Diagnosis: Aug 2017
BFP 11/1/17 // DS born 6/18
TTC January 2019
BFP 3/21/19 // D&C (MMC) 5/8/19
Diminished ovarian reserve
BFP: 4/14/2020 EDD: 12/20/2020