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.
olivemomma
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Re: Calling all Game of Thrones Fans!
My favorite characters are Tyrion and Olenna Tyrell. Smaller characters I really enjoy are Bron and Podrik. I think the finale of season 6, The Winds of Winter is really the best GOT has to offer with the Battle of the Bastards being a close 2nd. Overall, season 6 just rocked. If I could be part of any house it would have to be the Targaryens. Basically I just want to ride a dragon.
Season 8 predictions:
1. Tyrion is a Targaryen: this prediction was kind of debunked last season when one of the dragons went over to the dark side. But I’m sticking with it because there have just been too many hints to ignore. Aegon conquered Westeros with 3 dragons, all of whom had a Targaryen rider. It only made sense until recently that the 3 dragons would also all have a Targaryen rider. The big 3 characters of the show are Daenerys, Jon, and Tyrion, and they have all been brought together to fight for the same side despite their contrasting beginnings. Jon we know is a Targaryen. But Tyrion is the only other character to touch one of the dragons throughout the series, he says He dreamed of dragons growing up and used to cry at the thought of them being gone from the world, his father constantly mentioned “you are no son of mine,” and according the books the Mad King wanted Joanna Lannister and was with her roughly 9 months before Tyrion’s birth. Plus, Tyrion, Jon, and Daenerys’ mothers all died in childbirth - an otherwise random connection. I’m not sure the show will get there but I feel sure it’s what JR Martin intended.
2. The prince (or princess) that was promised: I think this is key to the ending of the show. The easy answer I guess would be Jon or Daenerys. But I think it’s their child who is the one That ends up on the Iron Throne with Tyrion servings as his hand and in his place until He comes of age. I think Daenerys will die in childbirth and Jon will either refuse the throne or die as well.
3. Jamie will kill Cersei - he’s been called the Kingslayer since episode 1 for a reason.
4. The hound will kill the mountain.
5. Sansa will rule Winterfell
6. There will be no dragons at the end
7. Bran will become the next Knight King (and this will be the closing shot of the entire series)
okay, those are my big ones and they are probably all wrong! Thoughts??
My prediction is the Arya will kill Cersei while wearing Jamie's face.
Best jaw dropping moments? so many, I read the first 3 books after season 5, so it was interesting to see where they differed. but the moment that really got to me was seeing Hodor's origin and the loss of Summer, man I just cried. My DH was so excited at the last moment of S7, he really likes the white walker story line.
Greatest episode(s) to date?
Which house would you belong to and/or fight for? I think one of those buzzfeed articles/quizzes put me in house Stark, but I'd never survive in the cold. I'd like to be in house Martell where it's warm and there's lots of wine. Well I just went and took it again and this time it says Targaryen.
Anything basically that has made seasons 1-7 so great. I love the story telling this big, complex story and all of these characters and really I just find it entertaining.
I also really love the community and conversation around the show. I posted in the randoms thread I read an article back before season 7 about this being the last of the monoculture where people actually watch in real time and have conversations about it the next day.
I've enoyed the "Binge Mode" podcast on the show. Each episode of the podcast is and episode recap and they go deep into theories, "history," pull from Martin's other related works, etc. I listened to it all before season 7 started and I'm looking forward to their S8 recaps.
Other random thoughts:
I can't wait to see Jon's reaction when he learns his true parentage.
Arya better not die.
I'm excited to see some of the reunions this season. And see characters interact that have had no interaction at all in 7 seasons.
If the wall has come down what it the purpose of the Night's Watch now? They're the watchers on the wall, but now there is no wall
S8 predictions:
Jon will ride Rhaegal
Arya will cross all the names off of her list.
I agree with @olivemomma I think Dany will die in childbirth and their child will rule, or it could just be Jon. it is about Ice and Fire and he is the embodiment of that.
Jamie will kill Cersei (isn't there some prediction about this? or was that just in the books. something about the younger brother killing her and he is technically younger)
The Children of the Forrest will join in and help
I clearly have no idea...but that is part of the fun.
TTC#1 10/2016
TTC/IF:included medicated cycles, IUIs and 2 rounds of IVF with 1 embryo each.
BFP finally in 12/2018
TTC#2 06/2021
planning FET
"Some days are diamonds, some days are rocks,
some doors are open, some roads are blocked"
I have lots of theories but don't want to commit to them until I rewatch it all.
I do think Arya or Jaime will kill cersei after she loses the baby (if she's pregnant). Tyrion is definitely a Targaryen but may not ride a dragon. If he rides a dragon, it'll be the blue one and he will be stabbing it to kill it. Bran may be the night king already. Cersei's brown haired beauty may sit on the throne. If not he will have a part to play in who does sit there. All my other theories I gotta think more about.
Jaime is hot. Tyrion is the best character in the whole series. Cersei is terrible. Jon is pretty dense. Daernys is still naive but finally coming around.
What ever happened to the children of the forest? I think they may have a part in the final season.
Mainly I'm just sad. Sad it's gonna end. Sad it didn't follow the books well after season 1 (so reading the books won't allow it to "continue"). Sad it's only a few episodes. Sad sad sad.
Dd1s middle name is Arya. Dd2 was conceived watching GoT. It's got a special place in my heart hahahaha.
@sourlemon I have thought of that - they obviously have some connection. I just don’t get how it would be possible. I know Bran can Warg and have a friend who’s convinced he Warged into the man who became the Knight King and got stuck in his body in efforts to prevent the army of the dead in the first place. Clearly they have played on the idea of time warging with Hodor when he unintentionally warged into Willis which led him to his ultimate destiny of Hodor. But that was when he was in a state of warging and clearly not present in his body of Bran. Bran and the Knight King seem to be operating simultaneously throughout the series. But I do think there’s a connection and I do think the Knight King is a Stark - it’s possibly why the few encounters he’s had with Starks - both Bran and Jon, they have survived. To be fair, Bran being the next Knight King is my prediction I feel the least strongly about.
My favorite character is Tyrion, but otherwise I’m all for House Stark. My cousin came up with a list of all the characters remaining in the show, and if he thinks they’ll be alive or dead at the end of it all, which I thought was really interesting...he had Ghost dying, thinking that he’ll be killed defending Jon at some point, and I’m really hoping he’s wrong! I also think Cersei is too evil to die, so I think she’ll live. Otherwise I’m a little boring and don’t many predictions of my own!
Also thinking that we need to go to go back and rewatch at least last season ASAP!
A friend mentioned reading a prediction that Littlefinger may not be dead, so I plan to dive into that after I’ve rewatched.
My favorite characters are Olenna and Margaery Tyrell and Tyrion. I also love Arya's development and can't wait to see what the last season has for her. And watching Jon Snow is also a favorite. Probably my favorite episodes were the Winds of Winter when Margery died and The Queen's Justice when Olenna died.
I'm so bad at predictions, but I am loving reading everyone else's. I also listen to so many podcasts during the season. My favorite are Game of Thrones, Cast of Thrones, and A Case of Kings.
TTC #1 5/13 BFP #3 5/2/14 DD born 1/19/15
NTNP #2 8/17 BFP 12/13/18 ED 8/21/19
Best jaw dropping moments? Hodor's death, winter coming for House Frey, Battle of the Bastards, Battle at Hardhome
Predictions...
I also think Littlefinger is still alive. MH pointed out that he couldn't be, because for the many-faced gods to have a face, the person had to be dead. BUT Arya saw her own face, and Jaquen (sp?) H'agar's face was on a body when he was also speaking to Arya.
Agreed on Tyrion being a Targaeryan - especially because of all of the rumors about his birth included him looking like a monster with scales, in addition to the loss of his mother during birth. I think Tyrion dies in season 8, but I' still not sure how.
On Cersei's death - I can't decide if I want Arya or Jaime to kill her. Arya has killed everyone on her list so far except for her, but it would also be so satisfying for Jaime to do it, though I kind of doubt that he could. I also wouldn't hate it if Sansa killed her.
Part of me thinks we lose both Jon and Daernys and Sansa ends up on the Iron Throne. I want a Stark to rule, but I can't see Jon as King and she has become so cunning and understands mercy, but has become so fierce.
I think Theon will die protecting a Stark.
Sam will come up with something brilliant that contributes to the defeat of the White Walkers and Gilly will end up doing something useful (not sure what, but I feel like she has to end up a BA at some point).
Tyrion is also great.
I love the Starks but they all have great moments of annoyance. Arya is so great.
I love how the show has so many bad ass women who outlive most of the men.
Brienne and Tormund scènes give me life. The best ever hahaha.
Season 7 was epic every episode. Watching Ramsay die brought me pure joy (I know this was season 6).
I don’t think I can handle Season 8. My in laws will be here and I told my H he needs to send them somewhere so I can watch in peace. My MIL is a weirdo prude and would die watching it/be pissed that we watch it.
I am so excited. We are starting our rematch of Season 7 this week. We did the whole series in November.
*Live, Love, Laugh, Learn*
@heml I saw this interview once with the actor who plays Ramsey - do you know he originally auditioned for Jon Snow?! Can you imagine?! I hate his character too but man what an actor - one of the few actors I’ve ever seen who really captures pure evil so well.
@olivemomma @AKuzReve I was flipping through a magazine yesterday and they had a Mindy Kaling tweet:
"Find you a man who talks about you the way Tormund talks about Brienne of Tarth"
TTC#1 10/2016
TTC/IF:included medicated cycles, IUIs and 2 rounds of IVF with 1 embryo each.
BFP finally in 12/2018
TTC#2 06/2021
planning FET
"Some days are diamonds, some days are rocks,
some doors are open, some roads are blocked"
Also, rewatching it is blowing my mind with how much I missed the first time!
TTC#1 10/2016
TTC/IF:included medicated cycles, IUIs and 2 rounds of IVF with 1 embryo each.
BFP finally in 12/2018
TTC#2 06/2021
planning FET
"Some days are diamonds, some days are rocks,
some doors are open, some roads are blocked"
On a side note, I've already teared up thinking that this is the last season. This season is going to be rough enough without throwing pregnancy hormones in the mix!
@Avrilmai Oh man. What. An. Episode.
@Lotus_2008 Did you see the Jimmy Fallon April Fool's video with Arya? Before I realized it was a joke I almost flipped.
TTC#1 10/2016
TTC/IF:included medicated cycles, IUIs and 2 rounds of IVF with 1 embryo each.
BFP finally in 12/2018
TTC#2 06/2021
planning FET
"Some days are diamonds, some days are rocks,
some doors are open, some roads are blocked"
Arya’s Tonight Show spoiler was def the best April Fools joke ever. Her “what did I just do” face was so convincing.
Anyone cooking anything special for the premiere?? I already know I’m gonna need a little taster of red wine.
And yes, Maisie's face was so convincing!
I haven't even thought about cooking anything special! Do you have a menu started?
I feel most in-line with @olivemomma's predictions, though I agree with @Lotus_2008 that it will appear to be Jamie (we ALL know he can't do it, he's had the chance to 2-3x now), but - in fact - be Arya.
I know it's the 21st-century, developed nation prude coming out in me, but the thought of a Jon/Dany baby just grosses me out a little (as has the entire Jamie/Cersei storyline) and I do think if it does happen, poor Dany will definitely be dying in childbirth. BUT if that happens early enough, might she be resurrected on a pyre ... !? Because *then,* her AND Jon will have been brought back by their familial element and that might hold some interesting twists.
Speaking of babies, I totally need Brienne and Tormund to make this thing happen!
@sourlemon, I'm right there with you on the Gendry theory. I think it's supported with the fact that we know he is Robert's son (or at least I feel we know it) AND the fact that she's SO Team Lannister that she *would* think any child that is not 100% Lannister IS a bastard.
I'm interested to see this Bran/Night's King parallel play out and I, too, wonder what will happen to the Night's Watch with a fallen Wall.
And - yes - the Children of the Forest, I feel SO much has happened that we've forgotten about them. I anticipate seeing them this season.
And, YES! @heml, I'm right there with you. I think that would be a perfect way to enjoy the show.
Me - anovulatory, non-Insulin PCOS, DH - low end of "normal" sperm count
IUI#1 - 02/15 - Cancelled due to scrubbed sperm count <1MM
IVF#1 - 08/15 - 13x5-day blastocysts (ranging from AA-BB, most are 5 or 6), not PGS, on ice
FET#1 - 10/15 - 1 emb - BFP (DD 07/16) (estrace + PIO sesame oil + prometrium)
FET#2 - 07/17 - 1 emb - BFN (estrace + PIO sesame oil + prometrium)
FET#3 - 08/17 - 1 emb - BFN (estrace + PIO sesame oil + prometrium)
FET#4 - 10/17 - 2 emb - BFN (changed to estrace + prometrium because of allergic reaction to PIO sesame oil)
ERA Testing - 12/17 - window moved (-1 day)
FET#5 - 03/18 - 2 emb - BFN (estrace + prometrium, ERA-timing used)
Karyotype Testing - 04/18 - Negative (we're ok)
FET#6 - 06/18 - 2 emb - BFN (estrace + prometrium, ERA-timing used)
FET#7 - 10/18 - 2 emb - BFN (estrace + prometrium, ERA-timing used)
FET#8 - 11/18 - 2 emb - BFP; looks like one baby is going to make it, DD is due 8/16 (though likely to be 8/9)
https://www.facebook.com/pg/GameOfThrones/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10156498310447734&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAJ9aQYJLfvKlYjzE7dbU7X51w-nGmO0FndZZe9FETG9ZHJldfC3i6GqcSaYDAv5OStGmWMx5PmLf-Xnhh8VLx-gHWK_3xMGgxJaCrKbD7Z9NN1DlbHGRBDvg0NusXek8r7sAT6vaIVl7zzXMKEnh3BCtUlmExRWP5MCucaK_7dVh8Z9Q59KAHh-bveFERZB-kj6i7IUQexj1JGHDBSrUyNZAEMXGCRV-fufXQ9NzalCrPZnIRImf5sBUEPBN2bLgVCDbUXEggc6a7ga5KdljKpia1EnJNjL6CvUfjtlr2XHw7QkizEN43bU6tQM9rBIuhd15o08_w1HRZte-OJ9Hx98C6FTBkEtnmV163Nz7t_OR8gr0UMkAxW9lJHsWqT8zBjdHnLRULwXCValnw78nPTo7EogbdpI7AqZFhFSqRxnVH7Yz7LShj3iTsGK-RxodTVgQnAnL0n4usalJRdSl0stSNAxUvdcSD4Z8w3BkBb8H4kcWNHgqcy28QKtUJIK9R6oxIwKbm4&__tn__=-UC-R
ETA: Sorry that link is so long. It links to a FB photo album on GoT's page.
Started TTC in June 2014
Started seeing RE in June 2015
HSG in July 2015 = normal, started Clomid/Ovidrel/IUI cycle in August 2015
Cycle #3 in October afforded 1st month of mature follicles - underwent IUI
BFP on 10/27/15 - EDD 7/8/16
DD#1 born on 7/1/16
TTC #2 in September 2018
BFP on 12/2/18 - EDD 8/16/19
Team Green!
Anyone going to/hosting any parties?
We have a friend who is a super fan and she’s hosting a party Saturday night. She did a GoT costume party for Halloween a few years ago and her S7 premiere party had pool noodle jousting. I’m interested too see what she does this time.
TTC#1 10/2016
TTC/IF:included medicated cycles, IUIs and 2 rounds of IVF with 1 embryo each.
BFP finally in 12/2018
TTC#2 06/2021
planning FET
"Some days are diamonds, some days are rocks,
some doors are open, some roads are blocked"
ETA: @olivemomma I think I did see that! World Market carries them maybe?