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.
wednesdayschild
member
Re: Group 2 (3/9 - 3/16) Check-In 1/13
Team pink/blue/green: pink
Baby is the size of a(n): cantaloupe
Cravings/Aversions/Symptoms: the usual. Still want to eat lots of sweets. As for symptoms I've got the 3rd trimester starter pack of hip/back soreness, hips that click if I walk long enough, laughable endurance, some heartburn, the return of puking when I brush my teeth, and CRAZY HORMONES. Like WHOA hormones in the form of dramatically increased anxiety and depression.
Upcoming appts: tomorrow for regular check up and growth scan. My MFM always does an early 3rd tri growth scan for AMA ladies. It'll be fun to see my little girl
Rants/Raves/Questions: I mentioned in another thread, but I'm going to ask my OB about increasing my dose of zoloft because my anxiety and depression has taken a dramatic turn for the worse. Like i know it's normal to be anxious about adding a newborn to the mix, but panic attacks and crying all the time isn't normal. I'm absolutely sure that hormones are partly to blame, but since my last post partum was rough, I want to stay as on top of it as possible. It breaks my heart to think of my mental health negatively affecting my ability to parent. I was solo-parenting this weekend and ALL I could think about was HOW THE HELL AM I GOING TO DO THIS WITH A NEWBORN????? Along with some "I CAN'T DO THIS!" sprinkled in. No bueno.
Also, my OB's office now has a psychologist on staff, but I found out she's booked out for TWO MONTHS, so I'm trying to get in with some else I've seen before. I don't mind seeing the other person, but it would've been nice to sandwich the appointments together. Not to mention that obviously mental health during and after pregnancy is a big issue - so maybe they should consider adding another mental health professional to the OB office staff. Clearly the one is being utilized a lot!
GTKY: Who is your doppelgänger? I've heard all sorts of weird things like Jennifer Gray, Cate Blanchett, and the Red Woman/Melisandre from GOT.
*Formerly LuND*
Me: 35 | DH: 37
TTC: 7/2016
Low AMH, mild MFI
BFP 7/29/17
EDD: 4/5/18
BFP #2 7/2/19
EDD 3/13/20
---------
Hi ladies! I have been so busy with work (early mornings and late nights, no down time, I am exhausted). I've missed you gals!
EDD/W+D: March 13th / 31+3
Team pink/blue/green: Team Pink!
Baby is the size of a(n): A coconut, I guess. Although one of these pregnancy trackers said baby is the size of a Large Movie Popcorn at 31 weeks, which seems gigantic.
Cravings/Aversions/Symptoms: My cravings have remained the same -- I want sweets! But I also want roast beef sandwiches from Arby's specifically, and anything with cheese. Cottage cheese has been my ultimate craving this entire pregnancy, though.
Upcoming appts: This Friday! Just a routine check up at 32 weeks. I'm not even seeing my OB this time because she's too busy, so just visiting the NP.
Rants/Raves/Questions: Rave - I finally got my baby registry DONE. And the nursery is on its way to being put together! Got the crib, mattress, sheets, etc. Bought some wall art and a rocker and a changing table. It's all happening... eeeee!!
GTKY: Who is your doppelgänger? I get a lot of different ones -- I used to get Mandy Moore back in the day but I get Katie Holmes a LOT and Abbie Cornish. I don't see it.
Team pink/blue/green: blue!
Baby is the size of a(n): 1/2 gallon of Sunny D 😂
Cravings/Aversions/Symptoms: craving strawberries and raspberries, especially in milkshake form 🤷🏼♀️ Still having low back pain, heartburn coming in hot (dun, dun, tiss)
Upcoming appts: Thursday with a new midwife, my practice likes to rotate to the other providers after week 30 so that you will know them all in case yours isn’t available during your birth.
Rants/Raves/Questions: Rant- I don’t have an incredibly large belly. Baby is getting so big that when he moves and changes positions, it’s painful 😣 Not sure about 8 more weeks of this. Is it wrong to hope he comes a little early? (Safe early of course)
Rave(s)!: got my breast pump ordered and got an awesome deal (20% off the Spectra S1, thanks for the rec @stassischroeder , our insurance will reimburse a portion so my OOP will only be $13 🎉. The nursery is almost done, crib sheets should be here today 😍 Everything is coming together! It’s a great feeling @Malidocious !!
GTKY: Who is your doppelgänger? Lol for YEARS I have gotten Katherine Heigle and Ivanka Trump. I actually had someone stop me at my best friends wedding to make sure I wasn’t in fact Ivanka. I’m going to blame that one on the open bar lol
Team pink/blue/green: Pink
Baby is the size of a(n): Pineapple or Squash I guess!!! I hate these comparisons lol
Cravings/Aversions/Symptoms: No aversions. Everything gives me heartburn so I am basically popping tums all day. I am a big water drinker but lately I have been wanting nothing but V8 juice. I went to costco over the weekend and bought the huge bottles of V8 lol other than that I just eat whatever I am in the mood for basically.
Upcoming appts: This Wednesday for a regular OB check-up and Feb 12th for a growth scan.
Rants/Raves/Questions: Rant: The nursery thread is giving me anxiety. The babies furniture we ordered back in December still hasn't come in and the room is a disaster. We still have to clear out some stuff and I want to touch up the paint and put up some cute things I have purchased but I feel like I don't have any time. This weekend is my baby shower and I wanted to at least have the room cleared out so I can shampoo the rug and just clean up before then but doesn't look like that's going to happen.
GTKY: Who is your doppelgänger? I've never been told I look like anyone lol and I don't really see myself resembling anyone famous.
@Malidocious A roast beef sandwich sounds amazing. I have never had Arby's but it sounds delicious. I don't think there are any in NJ!
@stassischroeder Sorry your anxiety has gotten worse. I hope the medication and psychologist can provide some relief for you.
Team pink/blue/green: blue
Baby is the size of a(n): I really should keep track...
Cravings/Aversions/Symptoms: I’ve been craving clementines and grapes like nobody’s business. I eat them all day every day. I am also really liking ice cream sandwiches.
Upcoming appts: I have one tomorrow. I plan to ask for a growth scan and also about my due date. I’m still convinced the first u/s tech measured wrong because I track all my dates and sexy time and if she’s actually as far off as I think she was I’m going to end up with an 11 lb baby (unless I go on my own before then) lol. I also have to do my 3hr glucose test still and I know they’ll yell at me but I’ve had zero time and trying to carve out three whole hours is not easy.
Rants/Raves/Questions: I was craving spaghetti so I just made some for lunch and I opened a new Parmesan cheese that I’d never gotten before and dumped it on there only to realize it tastes so bad it’s almost like blue cheese. I don’t know if it’s bad, or just gross cheese, but it completely ruined my meal and I’m sad so I think I’ll have a klondike bar instead... lol.
GTKY: Who is your doppelgänger? I’ve always been told Reese Witherspoon. I don’t always see it now but when I was younger I did!
EDD/W+D: March 12, 31 weeks + 4 days
Team pink/blue/green: Team Green!
Baby is the size of a(n): Otter (awwwww)
Cravings/Aversions/Symptoms: I can’t eat. I hate eating. It blows always now. I’m REALLY struggling. I’m not worried about baby/weight gain, but I need to figure something out for the mornings. I think I feel worse NOT eating, but even cereal makes me ill. Symptoms include: not sleeping, peeing 100 times a day, 200 times a night, and not breathing.
Upcoming appts: I go on Thursday! They are doing an US to measure the baby too since I haven’t gained much weight. I’m glad though, because the baby feels HUGE and HIGH and I want to see if it is!
Rants/Raves/Questions: RAVE: Had the BEST run/workout yesterday. I’m really at the point where if I have one great one a week and the rest are below average, I’m okay with that! RANT: I want sleep SO badly and 70% of the time I really do feel awful. I can't say anything has been particularly awful about this pregnancy, but I just feel like crud. I want my lungs back more than anything, and then I want acid reflux to not exist.
GTKY: Who is your doppelgänger? I’ve been told Kaitlin Olson from It’s Always Sunny. I do think we have similar coloring and mannerisms but she’s more attractive hahaha!
@stassischroeder Hugs! You are so smart to be proactive. I imagine hormones have A LOT to do with it… and things FEEL impossible when you feel THIS pregnant. Just getting your LUNGS back will help. I’m so sorry for the panic attacks though, ugh.
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
Team pink/blue/green: blue
Baby is the size of a(n): squash or hard hat
Cravings/Aversions/Symptoms: I’ve been craving/loving mustard which is weird since I didn’t hate it when not pregnant but it wasn’t something I really liked. I’m in like full waddle mode already and very emotional about babies. Like yesterday on a show we were watching someone was telling a kid how much they cried as a baby and I thought about the relief I felt when I first heard DS cry and I just lost it.
Upcoming appts: Wednesday for normal 32 week appt.
Rants/Raves/Questions: It was so warm this weekend! We decided to take a family walk yesterday morning knowing rain was possible but we assumed there’d be a warning. Nope it went from 0 to downpour and we got stuck running back in it. DS loved it though and kept yelling “this is so fun! Mommy you’re soaking wet, daddy you’re soaking wet! This is so much fun!” So it actually ended up being a kind of funny/fun experience. DS talked about how great it was all day!
GTKY: Who is your doppelgänger? A long time ago I was told Kiera Knightley. She’s much prettier imo but I’ll take it.
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17
EDD 3/8/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
@emilyace woah that’s a great deal on the Spectra S1! I had to pay $60 for my S2 and the S1 would have been $120. I stay home though so I don’t think I need the battery, if I do I have my old pump from last time that I can put batteries in
@stacey6689 don’t worry you’ve still got lots of time. Babies don’t need much at first so even if baby comes early you’ll be ok!
@EmilyLove25 woah I’m impressed you’re still having great workouts. I really need to get back to it again...
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17
EDD 3/8/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
Team: GREEN!
Baby is the size of a(n): Cantaloupe
Cravings: navel oranges, cereal
Aversions: my children when they are tantruming at the end of the day. I just can’t. The end of the day is so hard!
Upcoming appts: next week checkup
Rants/Raves/Questions: has anyone had a low platelet count issue with prior pregnancies that caused them not to get the epidural? This happened to me during my last pregnancy and it was a big surprise during L&D when I was ineligible for the Epidural. Trying to research how to increase platelets but also evaluating the use of steroids with my Dr. I can’t decide if it’s foolish to do this for my own comfort. 😒
GTKY: Who is your doppelgänger? Supposedly Christina from Flip or Flop (Christina from the Coast) 🤷🏼♀️ I dunno!
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17
EDD 3/8/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
*Formerly LuND*
Me: 35 | DH: 37
TTC: 7/2016
Low AMH, mild MFI
BFP 7/29/17
EDD: 4/5/18
BFP #2 7/2/19
EDD 3/13/20
@miss.sally I’ve been sustaining myself on clementines too! LOL to the 11 pound baby. Curious, what do you think your due date should be? I know mine exactly as well based on charting DTD and ovulation like a crazy person.
@stacey6689 The comparisons are so funny! It’s like WHAT squash are we talking about here haha. They come in VERY different sizes!
@emilyace I just ordered the Spectra S1 based on everyone’s rec as well! I’m also going to buy a Willow or Elvie, but it’s great to get the free one. Well, $13 for you, and I paid $25. And no shame in hoping for an early arrival. I consider 38 weeks go time and will be very confused if I go after haha.
@varimama Awww I love that DS enjoyed the rain!
@cristin343 I love that end of the day tantrums are your aversion hahaha. I HEAR that! Weird about the platelets. I’ve never heard of that but I hope you get clear answers! I KNOW there was a birth hour episode that had to do with low platelets, but I can’t remember which one! I'll try to look!
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
@Malidocious I haven't been around much either. But you have me beat by having everything ready! I have very little. 😣
@emilyace my belly isn't super big either. I do finally look pregnant when I stand up, but I'm not as big as I was with my son.
@stacey6689 maybe someone can come help you tidy up before the baby shower? Or maybe your husband can do the floors?
@miss.sally thanks, now I want ice cream sandwiches! 🙈
@EmilyLove25 I can't imagine running or working out.... I can barely do anything around my house because I'm so uncomfortable and winded.
@varimama your son is so cute! My son is that way with snow. He will play outside in the snow until he's numb if I let him. I wish we would actually get some decent snow here, because we only had one real snow to speak of. I hate that it keeps skipping us!
EDD/W+D: March 15/31w+1d
Team pink/blue/green: pink
Baby is the size of a(n): asparagus
Cravings/Aversions/Symptoms: craving vine ripened tomatoes and fruit. I could eat buckets of vine ripened tomatoes....
Still can't stomach Asian or Mexican food. Or even the smell.
Upcoming appts: in 2 weeks
Rants/Raves/Questions: I'm so effing uncomfortable. My back hurts, I can't get my neck comfortable at night, my stomach is heavy, and I randomly get heart palpitations and anxiety. It sucks. I'm also really stressing about giving birth.
GTKY: Who is your doppelgänger? I haven't a clue! My ex said he saw someone once in Tennessee and he did a double take because he thought it was me. But he didn't get a picture!
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
@EmilyLove25 I LOVE always sunny!
@varimama add me to team waddle.
EDD/W+D: 31+5 3/12/20
Team pink/blue/green: Pink
Baby is the size of a(n): foam finger, which seems very large
Cravings/Aversions/Symptoms: I've been wanting caesar salad constantly. Like really crunchy, cold, romaine lettuce. And sweets! I would probably eat a bowl of sugar by itself if you put it in front of me. Aversions continue to be... most things. I just never want to eat and then when I do I eat ALL THE THINGS. Symptoms include peeing 5,000 times nightly and daily, pubic bone pain, hip pain, feeling gigantic. Waddling about.
Upcoming appts: Today! I have a regular 32 week check up and growth scan.
Rants/Raves/Questions: I'm just so, so happy that my migraines have left!
GTKY: Who is your doppelgänger?
I used to get Molly Ringwald or Jennifer Lawrence a lot, but I don't think I actually look like either. I pretty much dress/act like Liz Lemon from 30 Rock though, so I also get Tina Fey.
Team pink/blue/green: green
Baby is the size of a(n): asparagus?
Cravings/Aversions/Symptoms: Heartburn, sinus congestion, pelvic pain and pressure, carpal tunnel problems, tons of braxton hicks, and a serious waddle. The third trimester hit me hard. I'm at the point of complaining all the time.
Upcoming appts: Jan 31 - for growth scan and regular appointment. Excited to see baby again. Hoping I'm not having a giant.
Rants/Raves/Questions: I fell down our garage stairs last Thursday and spent 4 hours in labor and delivery being monitored. My placenta looks fantastic according to my OB. I didn't know that was a thing?
GTKY: Who is your doppelgänger? Supposedly Natalie Portman, but I've never been able to see it.
Team pink/blue/green: pink
Baby is the size of a(n):
Cravings/Aversions/Symptoms: still want sweets.. still can't have sweets. wah. lol
Upcoming appts: So many I lost track. each week now I have to have a non stress test, ultrasound, and appointment with an OB.. luckily they have been able to fit me in later in the day so I haven't had to use sick hours at work. all the appts get crazy with my schedule, but one nice thing is getting to see LO each week.
Rants/Raves/Questions: Rant, while the insulin I was on a few weeks ago seemed to be doing OK controlling my sugars, it's not anymore.. so I need to up my dose, and possibly start taking it during the day as well. Ugh. Rave, I found an orthodontist that gave me a much cheaper quote than any others in town, so I can finally afford to get DD's braces this year.. trying to get that done before LO comes.
GTKY: Who is your doppelgänger? I was told Helena Bonham Carter at one point.. when I used to dye my hair a darker color. (I'm a natural blonde.)
With 2, The nurse didn’t tell me about my “deficiency” but instead decided to cheer me on and tell me how great I was doing while I was climbing the bed rails. When I finally got to a point where I was screaming and swearing for it (😇) she told me. Fun times!
And I thought Epidural was my safe word. 😂
anyone else suddenly feeling HUGE??? 32w2d today and I feel massive, like my frame cannot support another ounce. It’s a little unnerving.
@emilyace I feel like my belly doesn't get very big either. It didn't with my last, and he was super small, so now I'm more paranoid about it, although I'm measuring fine and know that everyone carries pregnancy differently.
@stacey6689 I hope you have a great shower this weekend!
@EmilyLove25 I'm sorry you've felt so bad.
@Cristin343 I feel you on being done at the end of the day. I'm getting so worn down, mentally and physically.
@WorkingOnMyNightCheese Yay-- migraines be gone! And I've also been digging Caesar salad.
EDD/W+D: 3.10/32 weeks
Team pink/blue/green: Blue
Baby is the size of a(n): Hard hat
Cravings/Aversions/Symptoms: Cravings: I've been indulging in ice cream almost every night, followed by "Peaceful Mama" tea.
Symptoms: Hot flashes, chaffing around my panty line, and some overall discomfort
Upcoming appts: Ultrasound and appointment Monday.
Rants/Raves/Questions: Rant: This response has been sitting in draft for 2 days because work has been crazy and I haven't been able to bump!
Rave: DH and I ordered a "Tushy," which is basically a bidet attachment for our toilet. It should arrive this weekend and I AM PUMPED!
GTKY: Who is your doppelgänger? I've been told Emma Stone, but also Kelly Clarkson, and they look nothing alike. Ha!
Married: 10.15.16
DS BD: 8.20.17
TTC #2 1.1.19
BFP #2 7.3.19
EDD #2 3.13.20