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.
loko08
member
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Re: Introductions!
September 3, 2020 based on date of conception.
How did you find out?
I started falling asleep at work... Then I woke up Christmas Eve and I just knew. I took a FRER and there was a faint positive line. Tested again a couple of days later and there was no questioning the test.
Job?
Rental Agent for a high rise apartment building, though soon to be moving as I just received a promotion.
Hobbies?
Reading, Movies, Writing, Video Games... Total geek household over here.
Other children/pregnancies?
No children, 2 miscarriages in the past 2 years. Most recently last February 2019.
Pets?
9yo Lab/Husky mix
8yo American Bulldog/German Shepherd mix...
...
... And the cat, who is a little terror sometimes.
Spouse?
My fiance and I have been engaged now for 3 years, been together for 6 years, have known each other all our lives as we grew up next door to each other. He also works in the same building as a live-in superintendent with a background in residential renovations & commercial building.
First Appointment?
Haven't scheduled one yet... Unfortunately I just moved to a different province and I have to get my new healthcard before I can schedule anything. I'm frustrated it's taking forever.
Symptoms?
Nausea, lots and lots of nausea. Fatigue. Sore boobs. The usual.
Anything else interesting?
I am a huge Star Wars fan. I prefer actual books over e-readers. I collect snowglobes.
How did you find out?: Took a test
Other children: 3 year old and a 20 month old. No pets.
Job: I work in higher education
Hobbies: reading, watching the Office repeatedly, chasing after two toddlers
Spouse: H and I have been married 4 years
First appointment: Jan 15th! Just an intake appt
Symptoms: sore boobs, fatigue, super hungry, nauseous when not hungry (or nauseous because I'm hungry)
Anything interesting?: Unless you consider being tired all the time interesting.......... I got nothing.
Not sure. We had been trying for a year without a cycle since having our last baby in 2018. Guessing the first week for two of September!
How did you find out?
As mentioned above, we’ve been trying for awhile and I haven’t had a cycle so I’ve been POAS basically every two weeks. I was actually going to wait a few more days but I was more tired than usual and then started to think a little more and realized I’ve been sweating at night like crazy, too. Took a test and it was positive in less than 10 seconds.
Job?
SAHM but I do have my teaching license.
Hobbies?
Spending time outside, watching sports as a family, taking pictures.
Other children/pregnancies?
3 kids
**TW**
Pets?
A big fat rabbit!
Spouse?
High school sweethearts with my husband
First Appointment?
Originally set up for the 30th, but due to my history (recurrent losses and Factor V Leiden) and no idea on dates my doctor switched it to next Thursday for viability/dating scan. To say I’m terrified is an understatement. Would love positive vibes.
Symptoms?
So tired! Night sweats. And the smell of peanut butter is the absolute worst right now. Which is funny because I felt that way with my very first pregnancy, too!
Anything else interesting?
I don’t think so! I’m just excited I finally found this board so I can get to know everyone! Is there a way to get this pinned to the list of BMB?
How’d you find out? I was monitoring my cervix and noticed it was still high. Then I felt really queasy at work the day before AF was due so I picked up a test on the way home and sure enough it was positive. It's the earliest I've ever gotten a +hpt!
Other children/pets? I'm a momma to an 18 month old DS and 3 angels.
We also have an elderly dog and a dumb as rocks cat lol
Job? I'm a care worker at a nursing home
Things you like to do? Watch shows, hang out with friends, take walks with hubby and kiddo
Spouse/partner? DH and I have been together for 14 years, since we were teenagers. We've been married for 9. He's annoying but I love him anyways lol
First appointment? I don't have any scheduled just yet but due to my history, I'll be going in for hormone testing and early ultrasounds every 2 weeks. I'm just waiting for the secretary of the clinic to be back on the 13th.
I'm also followed by a high risk doctor so I left a message yesterday and I'm waiting for them to call back
Any symptoms? Queasiness (although I had some diclectin leftover which helps), exhaustion, a feeling of fullness, so. Much. CM
W born September 2020
#3 due November 2022
How did you find out?: I knew we had decent timing if I ovulated earlier than I thought I usually do so I knew it was a possibility. (FW lined up with Christmas so we both had time off, at my in laws
Other children: this will be our first
Job: restaurant manager, which I loathe. Was hoping to get another job before baby so now I’m like Idk what to do!
Hobbies: spending time with H and our dogs, video games, tv, hiking (which I wish I did more of, just got a backpack and boots for Christmas and now I really hope my feet don’t change that much before I can use them)
Spouse: H and I have been married since October 2018!
First appointment: None yet. H just got a new job so I have to figure out insurance. I don’t even have an OB. Yikes.
Symptoms: sore boobs since O.. had three days of headaches/nausea right after O but I have no idea what that was about. I don’t have much of an appetite except for tacos. What else is new. And I had spicy salsa yesterday so now feeling the heartburn.
Anything else? I’m excited to finally be on this journey but also terrified as it’s not the perfect timing but I hope we will figure it out! Looking forward to the camaraderie and support we give each other
edit: said noobs instead of boobs
Due date?
September 10th
How did you find out?
We’ve been TTC for a few months now and I was three days late. Took a test and it was a BFP 🙌🏻
Job?
Stay at home mom
Hobbies?
Reading, yoga
Other children/pregnancies?
Pets?
two dogs, three cats, and seven chickens
Spouse?
My husband and I just got married in September. We’ve been together 5 years.
First Appointment?
January 30th!
Symptoms?
None yet.
Anything else interesting?
We are moving next month!!
EDD: 9:12, but I will be a repeat CS, so probably a week earlier.
Job: I’m a SAHM, but was a high school teacher prior to kids, and will go back... eventually. For extra $ I still tutor kids
Hobbies: when I’m not wrangling my kids or doing my room mom duties, I like to go to yoga and hike!
DS (April13), DD1 (N14), DD2 (June17) and had 2 MC past year, so I’m a bit nervous about this one.
Spouse: DH and I met in college (both studying to become teachers), and have been married since 2012.
Symptoms: HUGE boobs, that’s it. I’d say grumpy, but I think that’s from me starting Whole30 and not having my sugar intake (WTF was I thinking?!?)
Anything else: I’m a bit nervous to be excited, but I’m low key excited. This will be my last pregnancy, regardless how it turns out... DH is gonna get the snip so I’m REALLY hoping this baby sticks!
super excited to meet you all!
EDD: 9/11
How I found out: We'd been trying for ten months, so I was planning on testing on New Year's Eve (10DPO). But the day before had been an awful day... Got bad news about a sick friend, just got back from a funeral, so I figured I'd test and if it was negative I was already feeling down anyway. When I saw the faint line I fell on the floor and cried for ten minutes straight.
Other children: First pregnancy
Pets: Two cats and a dog
Job: Teacher
Hobbies: Reading, hiking, cooking, yoga
Spouse: MH is a journalist; we've been married for two years.
First appointment: Just made one today. I'm going to be seeing a new OBGYN, and they do "pregnancy confirmation" appointments at six weeks, so mine is on the 21st.
Symptoms: A little bit of cramping and sore boobs... nothing much until today. Today I feel bloated like someone inflated me full of air. Is it insane to get maternity pants at not even five weeks? Because my regular pants are getting super uncomfortable. I unbuttoned and unzipped them as soon as I got in the car after work today.
Anything else? I was on TTGP for a couple of months and am so, so thankful to the ladies there for their support. I'm still lurking and keeping my fingers, toes, limbs, eyes crossed for everyone.
Due date? 9/1 or 9/4
How’d you find out? We did the deed when I was ovulating so knew it was a possibility, so once I started with sore boobs I decided to test
Other children/pets? Two boys, 7 and 2. I lab mix we rescued two years ago
Job? Nurse
Things you like to do? Hiking, crafting
Spouse/partner? Yes? I have one 🤣
First appointment? 1/23
Any symptoms? Exhausted, sore boobs, and the occasional pelvic cramp
Due date? 9/8
How’d you find out? I was sick to my stomach Christmas day. I assumed I was getting the stomach bug my kids had had earlier but when I wasn't barfing by the end of the day I tested and got a faint line. I always get slammed with symptoms about a day before I can turn a test. My body doesn't HCG well.
Other children/pets? I have two girls, Eleanor who is four and Cora who is two. One MC in between my girls so I'm a little nervous but feeling mostly ok. We have a monster chocolate lab named Griswold.
Job? I'm a middle school health, AVID, and CTE teacher
Thing you like to do? Running is my favorite. I'm currently training for Disney Princess Half Marathon next month and on day 226 of my current run streak.
Spouse/partner? Hubby
First appointment? January 27. We just moved and it appears my new OB does not do an 8w dating scan which is a huge bummer.
Any symptoms? I'm fucking exhausted. And bloated. My pants are tight already because I've gotten really fluffy around the middle. My pelvis is really achy too.
I run too, I have a half in May and a full at the end of October, not sure if I’m going to be able to do them though. With my last pregnant I did an 18 mile Ragnar at nearly 20 weeks and didn’t run again until 18 months after my son was born
How did you find out?
I was waiting for my period to come back after a miscarriage and it hadn't come back after 4 weeks so I tested even though I figured it would be negative, and it was positive! I had it comfirmed with bloodwork the next day!
Job?
Currently a SAHM/full time online student
Hobbies?
Reading, crafting, hunting, fishing, anything outdoors
Other children/pregnancies?
I have a 3.5 year old daughter, 2 year old son. I had a miscarriage at 7 weeks on Thanksgiving.
Pets?
2 BIG dogs
Spouse? Husband of 3 years, together 6 years total.
First Appointment?
February 3
Symptoms?
Fatigue, strong sense of smell
Due date: September 11 base on LMP
How did you find out?: We were not trying. On New Years Day I was off... tired, not feeling and super crabby. On a limb, I took a FRER the next day and here we are
Other children: Joseph who just turned 4 in December. Marlayna who turns 3 April 13th. 2 doggies and a kitty.
Job: I work in talent acquisition for the Medical Device industry.
Hobbies: reading, blogging, real estate and the outdoors.
Spouse: Hubby and I have been married for 6 years
First appointment: Jan 21st!
Symptoms: fatigue and if I don't eat when hungry I get nauseous.
Anything interesting?: Nothing too interesting. I had my blood work done January 3rd and my HCG levels were 225 and my progesterone levels were 28.8.
Due date? September 13 based on LMP
How’d you find out? I took a test this morning. I had my IUD removed in early October and my cycles were all over the place. I was at cycle day 31 and no period. I have been having random odd things like heightened sense of smell and some dizziness but not the strong symptoms from previous pregnancies so I wasn't sure.
Other children/pets? I have a 2 year old daughter who was a rainbow baby. I had a chemical pregnancy and MMC prior to her. Looking forward to connecting to other loss moms because my anxiety is pretty high.
Things you like to do? Due to school, internship and work I am pretty busy so not a lot of time to do things. I like to read, hike, and we like to find free festivals or things to do around the city.
Spouse/partner? My husband and I have been together for 7 years but married for 4.
First appointment? Haven’t even scheduled. Probably will tomorrow.
Due date? 9/6 How’d you find out? We'd been trying so I took a test on Christmas Eve to make sure I could drink and it malfunctioned. I couldn't get another one and then it was Christmas, then we left town the next day so by the time I was a couple days late I knew. Finally got around to testing and it was positive.
Other children/pets? I have a 3.5 year old and two big dogs.
Job? RN which is crazy busy right now because the flu and I. Am. Tired.
Things you like to do? I life to lift weights, I'm in graduate school, and I'm trying to improve my cooking skills.
Spouse/partner? Indeed, he was involved in this situation : )
First appointment? Not for awhile, first week of February
Any symptoms? Just fatigue and very mild cramping, I honestly forget a lot when I get really busy. Missing my multiple cups of coffee.
Due date?
September 14th by LMP
How’d you find out?
I’ve been so dead tired lately but I couldn’t decide whether it was pregnancy or just being a toddler mom. I took a test a few days ago and got a very very faint line so I waited for the first day of my cycle and took another and boom! Positive!
Other children/pets?
I have 2 step kiddos ( Lenora is 20 and Eric is 21), a 2 year old beautiful rainbow baby boy named Victor, 1 babe I can only hold in my heart, and a dear old English bull terrier named Lord Byron.
Job?
I am a SAHM and very informal Mom Blogger
Things you like to do?
I am obsessed with names and have a little name list blog, I love to read but I don’t get to read much more than Winnie The Pooh these days, I love a good movie or tv series in the evening with my husband I am super obsessed with British mysteries especially Midsommer Murders, I love arts and crafts the hubs and I have been obsessed with making things with our Cricut machine all Christmas season.
Spouse/partner?
DH and I have been together for 6 years and married for 3 he is the maintenance and safety manager for a print shop.
First appointment?
UGH I haven’t set one yet because my doctor decided to scale back and stopped doing OB and now I have to start my search all over again.
Any symptoms?
Mainly just exhaustion so far and I’m hungry a lot and a little nauseated when I don’t eat something right away. With my last pregnancy I was puking pretty much from positive test to being handed a baby so I am hoping that not feeling super sick right now means that I’ll be spared this time around. Not having very many symptoms is making me a little nervous after my first pregnancy ended at 7 weeks.
Anything else interesting?
I’m trying to wean my 2yo before the very likely excessive vomiting begins.
Also I turn 35 at the beginning of March, does that make me a part of the ‘Geriatric’ Pregnancy Club?
ps. I have changed my username to weemrsbea but apparently it hasn't caught up with me.
W born September 2020
#3 due November 2022
September 8, 2020 based on date of conception.
How did you find out?
I was waiting for my cycle to start so I could begin my next round of IVF. I was several days late but figured my cycle was off from the meds a couple months prior. Plus I had taken a HPT on 8DPO and 10DPO and both were BFN. My SO suggested that I test again (16DPO) and it was positive! I gasped, cried, went into shock and cried some more and then went out and bought three more tests! All positive, and cried some more!
Job?
IT Manager, but don't ask me anything about your computer.
Hobbies?
Movies, TV, Reading, working out, writing
Other children/pregnancies?
No, first pregnancy
Pets?
None
Spouse/parnter?
My SO and I have been together for over two years, but have known each other for over 15 years.
First Appointment?
I did two beta appointments. Last one was 5,510. So now the first ultrasound is scheduled for Jan. 23rg.
Symptoms?
Bloated, constipation and fatigue!!!
Anything else interesting?
I was bloated before I took the test for several days and had no idea why. Found out later it's an early symptom. I also am having to unbutton my pants as soon as I get in the car. Lol. My SO just laughs at me... he's also my co-worker.
Job: I teach resident physicians
Other children: 14mo boy/girl twins
Pets: two dogs, a cat and multiple fish tanks
Spouse: my husband and I have been together for almost 9 years
First appointment: not scheduled yet
Symptoms: bloated, sore breasts, fatigue
Two Furbabies: Mika (american eskimo) and Gypsy (wire-haired terrier, dachshund mix)
Twins: Kaiden and Zara born 10/2018 conceived after 6 years of infertility via a medicated IUI
How’d you find out? Took a test at 13 DPO - on Christmas!
Other children/pets? 2 cats 🐱
Due date? 16th September based on LMP and cycle length
How’d you find out? Took a test the day AF was due. We'd been casually TTC for about 6 months
Other children? 2 girls aged 15 and 6. So we have big age gaps!
Job? SAHM
Hobbies? Sewing, collecting indie perfumes, baking & cooking, TV with my husband, games
Pets? A 4.5 month old corgi pup, 3 cats, a bird and a rabbit
Spouse? Been married nearly 8 years, moved to the US from NZ for him
First Appointment? Not set yet, will probably call for a confirmation appt today.
Symptoms? Slight queasiness (can't tell if it's just nerves or not!), a little cramping yesterday, sore boobs off and on.
*Edited for grammar
September 7
How did you find out?
HPT
Job?
I work for an agriculture company as a product support/crop consultant or farmers.
Hobbies?
Music - singing, playing piano, listening to music; reading, that's about it...I've become that person consumed by her family and her job...and I was today years old when I realized it.
Other children/pregnancies?
DD is 2
Pets?
Nope. Work schedules are too busy for a pet (and yet we have a kid?).
Spouse?
Been married to DH since 2011. He's pretty awesome.
First Appointment?
My clinic does a pregnancy confirmation appt. - had it on Tuesday and so far so good!
Symptoms?
Vivid dreams - this was actually the first thing that had me thinking I may be pregnant because it happened last time; sore boobs; enhanced sense of smell.
Anything else interesting?
I work in a totally male dominated field - both coworkers and customers. I love it, but it does come with its own set of challenges. But despite working with a bunch of dudes/being a tom-boy, I love me some Disney, Pride & Prejudice and mani/pedi's.
Pets: 2 dogs, Labrador and Africanis
Children: none
Found out: 1 day late, hpt and blood test. Been trying since 2016. Removed fibroids and endometriosis in 2017. Miscarriage at 5 weeks 1 day in July 2019. He has OAT (low sperm count, poor mobility, poor morphology). I have severe anemia which doctor thinks caused the miscarriage as I was not taking supplements. Now taking folic acid and vitamins as I'm pescatarian.
Symptoms: since BFP tender left breast. Sensitive nipples only when walking. I now need a bra for the first time. Even already see stretch marks. Had nightmares about Caucasian babies in a flood or pool every night in week 3, so many I started a blog journaling them. I'm African, he's Caucasian. No other symptoms.
Job: manager at a bank
Hobbies: video editing, off road motorbiking, triathlons (swim, cycle, run), learning Chinese
Spouse: Been together for 6 years. Paid a traditional fine so we can cohabit without marriage. I don't want marriage but he's my life partner..
Appointment: 23 January 2020
How’d you find out? Took a test on 13 dpo, beta at the RE on 14 dpo
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
@notagoodpatient I had a feeling that you got a BFP! I hope that you have a happy and healthy 9 months! FX that you get good results on your second beta. (I'm still hanging out in TTGP.)
How’d you find out? I was out of town for a work trip, and had a bunch of wondfos. Decided to take one on my first day, and got a VERY faint positive. They got darker every day!
Other children/pets? Three other kids!
Job? University professor
Things you like to do? I love to cook and bake!
Spouse/partner? DH is an engineer, and he is out of the country right now for work. I had to tell him about the pregnancy over Facetime!
First appointment? Bloodwork Monday (I have a history of low progesterone) and first "real" appt Jan 29th
Any symptoms? Nausea and dry heaving almost constantly. That was one of my early clues that I was pregnant. My morning sickness has gotten worse with each pregnancy.
DS2 2010
DS3 2014
DD born 8/24/2020!
DS2 2010
DS3 2014
DD born 8/24/2020!
@AB518 thanks for your good wishes! I hope you can join us soon! I’ve still been hardcore lurking the TTGP board, wishing the best for all of you!!