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.
shamrocandroll
member
Re: TTGP Grad Check-In: 9/5
Not much - my birthday is tomorrow! And mother nature got me a Category 3 hurricane as a bday present, yay! So we're going to be doing some hurricane prep and hunkering down. I was supposed to get my hair done tomorrow, but I think I'll call & reschedule.
How far along are you?
Five weeks today!
Upcoming appointments?
I have my first fetal ultrasound on October 10th. Had labwork done yesterday (full pregnancy panel) and they took SEVEN vials of blood. Good googly moogly. Thankfully, my lab tech was gentle, so I hardly felt a thing, and there's only a tiny mark on my arm. I usually bruise like a peach, but this time wasn't so bad.
Cravings/Symptoms?
No cravings, but I get super nauseated after every time I eat (snacks and meals alike). Peeing a lot, restless sleeping. But, other than that, I feel great.
Rants/Raves/Randoms?
Why are maternity clothes so stinkin' expensive?? I'm a size 4, so I have a feeling I'll start needing them around the time I enter my second trimester, so I was shopping around online and was shocked. I'm going to have to start stocking up now so it's less of a shock to my bank account. Thank goodness I have a friend who works at Old Navy, so I can use her discount!
Questions?
Not yet.
Due with baby #2: Feb 2022
Married Sept. 2013
DS1: Nov 11, 2016
MMC: 11/16/18 (9w6d)
CP: 2/3/19 (5w3d)
BFP! 8/24/19
DS2: May 10, 2020
How far along are you? 5+3
Upcoming appointments? 3rd beta draw Monday, and I'm still waiting to hear from ultrasound about getting me in sometime mid-late next week. I leave for vacation on Friday evening, so getting anxious about getting in there in time! OB/GYN promises me they'll get me it... just might not get much notice. Which also makes me nervous because MH's work schedule is really hard to work around, but I can't not have him there this time around.
Cravings/Symptoms? No real cravings yet. Some minor aversions, but no nausea. I've been being a ton, and my boobs are SO SORE. Also having some mild cramping. Hopefully things just settling in down there.
Rants/Raves/Randoms? My boss keeps trying to schedule very important meetings and deadlines for the week I am out on vaca, and I'm like "LOOK AT MY CALENDAR, FFS!" I haven't been on vacation since last July. Leave me alone!
Questions? Nope!
Married Sept. 2013
DS1: Nov 11, 2016
MMC: 11/16/18 (9w6d)
CP: 2/3/19 (5w3d)
BFP! 8/24/19
DS2: May 10, 2020
Due with baby #2: Feb 2022
Married Sept. 2013
DS1: Nov 11, 2016
MMC: 11/16/18 (9w6d)
CP: 2/3/19 (5w3d)
BFP! 8/24/19
DS2: May 10, 2020
Married Sept. 2013
DS1: Nov 11, 2016
MMC: 11/16/18 (9w6d)
CP: 2/3/19 (5w3d)
BFP! 8/24/19
DS2: May 10, 2020
How far along are you? 4 weeks
Upcoming appointments? Sept 24 for pregnancy consultation with the PA and to go over my thyroid medication and how that monitoring will look as well as discussing early screening for GD.
Cravings/Symptoms? Nothing yet. Maybe peeing a bit more, but I am drinking more fluids. Lack of AF symptoms.
Rants/Raves/Randoms? I'm trying not to be a crazy person and keep the mantra "Today I am pregnant". Last time I asked for betas since PGAL brain was so real and ended up with 2 early ultrasounds too. This time I am trying not to ask for any early tests and just let things be whatever they will be. I was thankful the home test was a bit darker this morning though, since the last 2 days were super light. I know that the darkness is not a solid indicator though.
Questions? Nope.
- BFP: 3/10/16 — Baby Girl born 11/20/16
TTC#2 April 2019@shamrocandroll I have to pull out my bin of maternity clothes and see what all I have to wear. I wasn't even thinking about the opposite season. My SIL had shingles last year and she was miserable. I'm sorry you are going through this.
@newmomtx06 You go here!
- BFP: 3/10/16 — Baby Girl born 11/20/16
TTC#2 April 2019Married Sept. 2013
DS1: Nov 11, 2016
MMC: 11/16/18 (9w6d)
CP: 2/3/19 (5w3d)
BFP! 8/24/19
DS2: May 10, 2020
Due with baby #2: Feb 2022
Married Sept. 2013
DS1: Nov 11, 2016
MMC: 11/16/18 (9w6d)
CP: 2/3/19 (5w3d)
BFP! 8/24/19
DS2: May 10, 2020
@yodamama Speaking of, I don't think I heard how your bday party went?! I definitely did not buy enough maternity clothes last time and at the end hated everything so I should be smart like you and start to look. But I'm also superstitious and feel like that will jinx me.
@shamrocandroll Hope you can get in next week with a little advance notice so your H can be there!!
@m6agua I like your mantra, I'm trying that as well. I was so PGAL anxious during first tri with my DS's pregnancy I got a super early ultrasound which ended up causing more anxiety when things were actually fine... so I'm trying to be cool about it this time. Key word, trying lol. I am still getting beta's though so I am failing a bit.
What's going on this week? I've been so busy with work this week. We started something new last week so I've had to go in every night this week to train the PM caregiver and every day over last weekend. I'm ready for that to be done so I can be horizontal on the couch after DS goes to bed instead.
How far along are you? 4 weeks
Upcoming appointments? Another beta today
Cravings/Symptoms? Just peeing a lot, some ute tenderness. That's about it right now.
Rants/Raves/Randoms? Should be a fun but busy weekend. My H made a new friend and we are supposed to hang out with him and his gf on Friday. My H has a softball game Saturday, and on Sunday we are supposed to have an event at a winery. They have a fantastic rose so I'll miss that but should be fun anyway.
Questions? Nope.
Married Sept. 2013
DS1: Nov 11, 2016
MMC: 11/16/18 (9w6d)
CP: 2/3/19 (5w3d)
BFP! 8/24/19
DS2: May 10, 2020
Married Sept. 2013
DS1: Nov 11, 2016
MMC: 11/16/18 (9w6d)
CP: 2/3/19 (5w3d)
BFP! 8/24/19
DS2: May 10, 2020
Due with baby #2: Feb 2022
How far along are you? 4 weeks 7 days
Upcoming appointments? 9/19 for sono and first prenatal appointment.
Cravings/Symptoms? Peeing constantly and always hungry and tired. As a whole, feeling pretty good!
Rants/Raves/Randoms? DD has decided this is the perfect time to start major tantrums and climb everything in sight. So. Tired.
Questions? Not yet!
@shamrocandroll so sorry about the shingles! Hope it finally goes away soon. Good luck scheduling the appointment!
@m6agua I love your positive attitude! These first several weeks can be so hard. Especially before we have appointments.
@rachelg777 good luck being sneaky!
Married Sept. 2013
DS1: Nov 11, 2016
MMC: 11/16/18 (9w6d)
CP: 2/3/19 (5w3d)
BFP! 8/24/19
DS2: May 10, 2020
How far along are you? 4 weeks
Upcoming appointments? Just labs, nothing else scheduled yet.
Cravings/Symptoms? Normal PMS symptoms and no cravings yet.
Rants/Raves/Randoms? I'm just excited to be here with all of you!
Questions? Nope
- BFP: 3/10/16 — Baby Girl born 11/20/16
TTC#2 April 2019@yodamama I got a fair amount of my maternity clothes from Old Navy last time and I really loved them. I’m only annoyed that they don’t sell them in my local store any more so I have to order online. I also like the new Target options. They are cheaper than Motherhood, but not that cheap.
@shamrocandroll I’m sorry you’re still dealing with shingles. I hope you get in to the doctor before your trip.
@m6agua Good luck with the potty training. We plan to start pushing it after our Disney trip in November and I’m kind of scared.
@newmomtx06 @rachelg777 @splashmountain Congrats!! I’m so excited for all of you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Me 34 DH 34
PCOS
Baby number 2 due 4/11/20
How far along are you? 4+1
Upcoming appointments? First US 9/23
Cravings/Symptoms? Just tired from progesterone. Will I even have real symptoms while on progesterone? I mean, it's not like the dose is changing. 🤷♀️
Rants/Raves/Randoms? I have poison oak on both hands from doing DH's laundry. He's in trouble.
Questions? Nope!
Back for tags in a bit!
Married Sept. 2013
DS1: Nov 11, 2016
MMC: 11/16/18 (9w6d)
CP: 2/3/19 (5w3d)
BFP! 8/24/19
DS2: May 10, 2020
@shamrocandroll Ugh, I hope your shingles get better soon. You must be miserable.
@m6agua We used the Oh Crap method too! It worked really well once DS was old enough.
@rachelg777 Sounds like you have an awesome weekend planned - have a great time!
@newmomtx06 Your date night sounds lovely. I'm probably going to copy your exact plans. 🙂
@splashmountain Hope you're staying safe and far from the fire right now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Me 34 DH 34
PCOS
Baby number 2 due 4/11/20
Due with baby #2: Feb 2022
Married Sept. 2013
DS1: Nov 11, 2016
MMC: 11/16/18 (9w6d)
CP: 2/3/19 (5w3d)
BFP! 8/24/19
DS2: May 10, 2020
@ruby696 Ugh, that sucks. I hope it clears up quickly!
- BFP: 3/10/16 — Baby Girl born 11/20/16
TTC#2 April 2019Due with baby #2: Feb 2022