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.
marebear15
member
Re: TTGP Grad Check-in - 5/9
@marebear15 just popping in to thank you for handling that "grad" check in. I was investigating and got back to see your comment. And, congrats again 😘
@marebear15 I can’t even express how truly happy I am for you!! I got SO EXCITED to see your name pop up on the grad thread!! I know these next couple weeks will be full of anxiety for you, but know that I am here, praying with you and your family. ❤️
eta spelling
Rants/Raves/Randoms? I expressed to DH that I’m nervous since I don’t feel any symptoms really and he said “you can’t be mad that you’re not sick.” Listen, idiot, I’m not maaaad.... I’m anxious/nervous/scared! Men *eyeroll*
Monday at 3:30pm cannot come soon enough!
Plans for the weekend? DH just finished his undergrad so I’m throwing him a grad party and then we’re doing breakfast with his mom for Mother’s Day since we did my moms celebration last weekend!
Questions? Not now!
GTKY: What do you miss the most about highschool (if anything)? Being in shape haha
DD - 12/28/17
TTC #2 3/2019
BFP 5/2019 || MC - D&C 5/2019
BFP 2/2020 || EDD 10/10/2020
DD is so precious! She's learning new words left and right, yesterday she said "funny" for something she saw on my phone. We had a bit of an 18 month sleep regression where she was getting up for 2 hours at night or going to bed really late, so we switched to a toddler bed so I could lay down next to her. And now she's trained to stay in bed!
DH has had a rough few weeks with working 60-70 hour weeks, but that's finally all over and he's much more relaxed now.
Betas and progesterone are ordered, and I'm going to go to the lab at lunch.
What's new with you? How is DS with the thought of a new baby? What are you doing to prepare him for the change?
Rants/Raves/Randoms? I'm just still in a little bit of shock about all this. But last night I looked at my beta result from DD (I tested the day before my period was due with her and had my beta four days later and it was like 4,000 or something) and comparing it to this beta has me all nervous. I know there's a wide range, but still. My doctor gave me the option of scheduling another beta for next week and I was like 'nah' because I don't want to miss work (I swear my boss is going to be suspicious) but I may need to for peace of mind.
Plans for the weekend? Last year we drove an hour to a cute little town. I want to be more low key this year--it was easier to drive long distances with a little 5 month old who just napped in the car happily. I want to get breakfast and we might go to the Adidas employee store (we just got free passes last weekend) so I can pick out some shoes for Mother's Day.
Questions? Nah.
GTKY: What do you miss the most about highschool (if anything)? Not having to worry about finances or any real responsibilities aside from school/chores.
DD - 12/28/17
TTC #2 3/2019
BFP 5/2019 || MC - D&C 5/2019
BFP 2/2020 || EDD 10/10/2020
Yay for a smooth toddler bed transition! We did that a couple months ago. DS is terrible for naps since he just plays in his room if we put him in bed, but nighttime he stays in bed also!! I’ve resorted to locking him in his travel “tent” for naps. It works so well, but he resists at first. 😐
Oh boy, those are some insane hours!! I hope YH is really all done with that! Is it just a seasonal thing? That can be really taxing on both of you. It’s tough managing a toddler on your own!
We’re all doing great! DS is starting to get that there’s a baby in my belly, but it’s still tough because he’s still so young. We got him a “Big Brother” book all about what he can do to help and he likes to read it. Every time I see a baby when we’re out and about I make a massive deal about it to try and help him get excited about it. He’s super rough when he plays (by himself and with us) so naturally I’m worried he’s gonna hurt the baby unintentionally.
We found out we’re having a girl so I’m shocked and elated. Although, I am already getting sick of the “perfect family” comments. Like, would our family not have been perfect if we had two boys!?! Also freaking out a little with how to change a girls diaper. Isn’t there a way you’re supposed to wipe?! Backwards? Right?? With boys you just do whatever!
@MJDsquared - Breakfast and new shoes sounds like the perfect Mother's Day!
I hate keeping track of finances and making huge decisions. Oh to be in highschool again.
Due date / How far along? January 18th / 3 weeks 5 days?
Rants/Raves/Randoms? Today is my anniversary! DH took me and DD to breakfast and then we get a date night to an all-you-can-eat meat place.
Plans for the weekend? We are laying sod in our front yard and in our rental place. It will probably take all day so I'm expecting to be hot and tired. Hopefully MS won't hit for another two weeks or so.
Questions? not now
GTKY: What do you miss the most about highschool (if anything)? I miss all the plays I was in and that drama group camaraderie.
Ugh, I don't get the "perfect" family thing. I mean every family is perfect in it's own way, but wouldn't two boys or two girls be better because then they can share more of the same things and experiences? That being said, I'd love to have at least one boy in our family, but I plan to have two more after this little one.
Edit words
DD - 12/28/17
TTC #2 3/2019
BFP 5/2019 || MC - D&C 5/2019
BFP 2/2020 || EDD 10/10/2020