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.
Re: Introductions!
DS2 2010
DS3 2014
DD born 8/24/2020!
You are brilliant, good luck with the half marathon!!!
We are due the same day. Looking forward to hearing about your journey.
xx
How’d you find out? - Month 2 off BC and my first cycle was 35 days (had always been 28 days before), waiting for my 2nd period and hoped my cycle would be shorter, and no period on day 35, 36, 37 or 38.... WTF? So I tested and there was my BFP... shocked as it took a lot longer our first time.
Other children/pets? 3.5 year old daughter and 2 pain in the butt cats lol
Job? Director of Development at a large youth development non profit
Things you like to do? Hang out with friends and family, go to hockey games (my previous job), shopping
Spouse/partner? Married 6 years together 14
First appointment? February 7th
Any symptoms? Nothing but the missed period, last time I was so sick starting week 6... so again think my due date is off..
Me - 33; DH - 33Dating 1/18/06
Married 9/21/13
BFP #1 12/15/15 - C Born 8/27/16
BFP #2 1/10/20 - EDD 9/8/20
Due date? September 10
How’d you find out? I was 3 days late and took a test at 5am just knowing it was going to be positive. And it was!!
Other children/pets? 6 year old daughter Eleanor and my son Bodhi would be one but he was born at 34 weeks and died the day he was born. 3 dogs, hamster, and snake
Job? Stay at home mom
Things you like to do? Hike, camp, read, workout, stand up paddle board
Spouse/partner? My husband and I got married this past August but have been together for almost 8 years
First appointment? I will have an appointment to do a CVS test as 10 weeks to check for abnormalities because of my previous loss. I may have to do a confirmation appt prior to that
Any symptoms? Sooo exhausted! Super hungry, nausea comes and goes. Crazy mood swings 🤪
Due date? Sept 1st based on my ovulation. 7 weeks tomorrow
How’d you find out? We had be trying since September and I got a BFP in November but it **TW ended in a CP TW*** at almost 5 weeks. We decided to keep trying after the loss- I had heard that you are more fertile, and I was not going to let the fear of loss keep us from expanding our family. I figured I was going ot be out this cycle, but I had a box of wondfos. 10DPO I tested and got a very faint positive. I'm very surprised and grateful we got a BFP this cycle.
Other children/pets? 14mo DS born N18. Dog lover, but no pets.
Job? SAHM since DS was born, but was a visual merchandiser for 8 years before having a family.
Things you like to do? chasing after DS, TV, movies, fashion, cooking, true crime, taking walks with the family
Spouse/partner? DH is a project manager and we have been married for almost 4 years and together 6 years.
First appointment? This friday 1/17. Glad it's finally here because I have been battling with anxiety/worry with a PGAL.
Any symptoms? First I got the metallic taste in my mouth which I had with DS. After my BFP I had strong sense of smell, cramping, and lots of CM. Starting at 5 weeks bloating- I look like I'm 3 mo pregnant, nausea when I'm hungry, nausea when I'm not hungry, thirsty, frequent urination, fatigue, and the heartburn started the last few days. I did not have much morning sickness with DS so this is new to me. I knew that symptoms started sooner with each pregnancy, but damn I didn't think it would be this soon!
Anything Interesting? My family and I just moved from NYC to Pittsburgh. DH got a new job working with University of Pittsburgh. We just moved over the holidays. So, to say it was crazy is an understatement. I lived in NYC for almost 12 years, and we have moved to the suburbs. It's great to have more space and for a new adventure, but it's still a very new adjustment.
Excited to get to know you ladies! Wishing everyone the best on their pregnancy journey
*edited for grammar
How did you find out?: Took 4 tests, haha. I was 3 days late for my period, boobs hurt SO BADLY. I truly didn't think I was pregnant, but 4 tests later proved me wrong.
Other children: Nope. Two dogs, black lab mix, and grey pit mix.
Job: I work in Finance for a pharmaceutical company.
Hobbies: Crocheting, spending time with DH.
Spouse: Married 4 years
First appointment: Not currently on the books, I need to make a phone call.
Symptoms: Incredibly sore boobs, exhaustion. No morning sickness, I do gag when pouring coffee though..but drinking it causes no issues.
Anything interesting?: DH and I purchased a fixer upper and have been slowly renovating for 2 years now.
Due date? I’m currently breastfeeding so my cycles are not regular yet. I’m Thinking my EDD will be around 9/24.
Job? SAHM
Things you like to do? Cook and read
Spouse/partner? DH and I have been married 12 years. Together 18!!!
First appointment? Haven’t called yet. Probably won’t be till 9 or 10 weeks along unfortunately.
Any symptoms? Cramping and burping but still so early.
Due date? September 2nd, but I have a feeling I will be induced a week or so early due to issues in previous pregnancies.
How did you find out? Tried hard for 3 months. Got a very faint squinter at 8dpo on a cheapie test and didn't tell H. H and I purchased a fancy test and got an obvious positive at 11dpo. He insisted we stand there and watch the test while it processed because he was so on edge.
Job? Part-time in administration at a public university. Part-time is the bee's knees!
Hobbies? Ha! I don't have hobbies. I have things I do when I should be doing laundry. Things I enjoy include: Getting to sit down. Watching TV. Eating cheese. Pretending that I am going to get 8hrs of sleep at night, then staying up watching hair and makeup tutorials on my phone that I will NEVER try. Also getting rid of things I own and shopping at TJ Maxx, which are hobbies that are in direct conflict with each other.
Other children/pregnancies? 2 boys ages 4 and 2.5.
Pets? Two 10yr old cats
Spouse? Professor. Going on 14yrs together and 9 yrs married this year.
First Appointment? Not until Feb 3rd at 9.5 weeks. Soooo far away!!!!
Symptoms? Generally feeling like hot garbage with a side of violent retching. Boobs are less sore than they were a week ago which is nice because my youngest keeps hitting them like they are buzzers on Family Feud. I am very hungry but also nauseous which is just confusing. I couldn't leave my house Fri-Mon due to extreme frequent retching. Being at work today is brought to us by the lovely effects of the Zofran prescription the doc called in yesterday.
Anything else interesting? I have immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) or low platelets which in the past got worse over the course of my pregnancy. This causes no symptoms for me but makes me a bleeder during delivery. Also, this makes my eligibility for an epidural or intrathecal iffy which is uncool. In my second pregnancy, my shitty antibodies were passed to my son so he had low platelets for the first few days of his life which caused some worry and inconveniences.
DS2 5/17
#3 Due 9/20
DS2 2010
DS3 2014
DD born 8/24/2020!
Due date?
September 6th
How’d you find out?
We were trying, so lots of peeing on sticks to confirm
Other children/pets?
DD is 4 1/2 and I have 2 cats
Job?
Tomorrow is my last day as an admin (found out I was getting laid off due to restructuring a week before my bfp 😐)
Things you like to do?
Photography and Zumba! Have thought about making side money with both, but Zumba instructing will have to wait until after baby because I don’t have the stamina right now. I haven’t been to class in a few weeks and I miss it!
Spouse/partner?
Married to DH since 2012, been together for the most part since 2002😬 I’m feeling old already at 32
First appointment?
Had my dating u/s yesterday!
Any symptoms?
Allll day nausea, food is gross to me right now and it sucks. Also sore boobs and exhaustion.
Anything else interesting?
I’m still really close with a group of ladies from my June 15 BMB!
BFP#2: 10/4/14 EDD: 6/7/15 DD born 6/4/15💕
BFP#3: 12/24/19 EDD: 9/6/20
- If I calculated correctly, September 13, 2020
How’d you find out?
- Period is late and my boobs have been sore, I had a feeling I was and the BFP confirmed it.
Other children/pets?
- I have an almost 3 year old named Will, his birthday actually this Saturday 1/18. I have 2 dogs, an American Bulldog named Pete and a ChiWeenie named Devin.
Job?
- Preventing my toddler from killing himself or injuring himself daily. Also, his snack b*tch.
Things you like to do?
- Go exploring different places with my husband and son, play dumb games on my phone and watch NFL football.
Spouse/partner?
- Married for 3 years, together for 5 years.
First appointment?
- Making an appointment in the morning.
Any symptoms?
- Sore boobs, heightened sense of smell and constantly peeing.
How’d you find out? Peed on a stick the day my period was supposed to come since we were trying. I was pretty sure since I had cramping a few days prior like my last pregnancy.
2 dogs, 1 cat
I am a professional dancer and run a dance studio as well
Things you like to do?
Dance, animal rescue, and that’s about all I have time for being a mom of a 2yr old
Spouse/partner? DH and I have been together for 14 years. Married for 7. High school sweethearts
First appointment? I had it on Tuesday. Now have to decide if I want to go with Dr or midwife
My kiddo calls me Ren (short for parent)
Due date? 9/17
How’d you find out? wondfo 2 days before missed period
Other children/pets? 22 mo Aidan, and our rescue dog lab/pit mix Nola (2 mc before Aidan)
Job? At home with toddler, and owner of my own Baking Company
Things you like to do? "Let's Make Art" YouTube videos (watercolor, lettering, and now Art Journaling!) Sewing, Twitter, audiobooks and podcasts
Spouse/partner? Husband of 4.5 years, 8 years together (he calls me his spouse)
First appointment? Not yet scheduled, but I'll probably all for a viability u/s like I did before
Any symptoms? sore breasts, nausea, burping, slowed digestion, and I'm actually craving healthy things this time
Feel free to pm me about local stuff
How did you find out?: Took a (couple) tests
Other children: 3 (almost 4) year old and a 20 month old. No pets.
Job: I work in real estate
Hobbies: I like to travel and cook.. I like to write lists and plan and organize. I’m trying to get off social media and read more.
Spouse: H and I have been married 5 years
First appointment: Jan 17- tomorrow!
Symptoms: sore boobs, tired and hungry all. The. Time.
Anything interesting?: not yet... thankfully
Hi all!
I'm due September 2.
I found out because I almost fainted.
No pets. One son.
I'm in education research.
I like to watch a lot of YouTube, listen to books and try to maintain a clean house.
I'm married.
My first appointment was January 15th.
I've got an angry stomach, I pee a lot, my boobs are screamy and I'm tired.
Nice to meet you! 😜
Due date? September 17.
How’d you find out? I went to the clinic for a uti. They always do a pregnancy test, too, just in case. They don't want to give the wrong meds. I told the nurse to go ahead and do the test because we'd been trying but I was pretty sure I wasn't pregnant. Well, she came back in the room a few minutes later with a big grin on her face. I'm sure my reaction was a disappointment because I was just in shock, but of course we're thrilled.
Other children/pets? We have a hound dog little rescue pup (not little actually, he's 65 lbs).
**TW**
We lost our first baby at 11 weeks in 2018. It's taken a while to be brave enough to try again. It hit me very hard emotionally and scared the everliving daylights out of me. Now that I'm pregnant again, I'm dealing with more anxiety than I expected.
Job? I am a pastry chef in a bakery right now. It is very physical work - I love (almost) every minute. Will definitely have to tone it down a bit as baby grows.
Things you like to do? Reading cookbooks. Reading in general. Tennis. Learning to play the fiddle. Volunteering at a horse rescue.
Spouse/partner? N and I have been married since 2012. We are best friends and he keeps me grounded anytime I feel myself getting overwhelmed. He is incredible.
First appointment? Not until February 3rd, which is killing me. I have so many questions.
Any symptoms? Sore breasts was the first. I've had a lingering nasal congestion but my husband had that, too. Running out of breath more easily, but probably has to do with the congestion. A fair amount of mild cramps though less in the past few days. I haven't had much nausea - just one episode yesterday.
That's my story. Hello everyone!
Kids: lots! 15 and 12 year old stepdaughters who are over every weekend and a 9 and 4 year old. This will be our First child together!
Job: Assistant principal at a middle school
1st appt: January 28th (6 wk appt to confirm heartbeat)
symptoms: fatigue, cramping (especially on the sides under my hips) and minor nausea
How did you find out?: we did our first IUI after 15 months of infertility, I had some cramping but no bleeding last Friday, took a test on Saturday and confirmed with 2 betas this week
Other children: none
Pets: no, but I want a dog
Job: I left my job when we moved to Seattle in December because DH received a job offer that we couldn’t turn down, currently interviewing, not sure how this will play out with pregnancy
Hobbies: travelling, cooking, watching movies, was planning to get back into running on the West Coast, but not anymore
Spouse: married 2.5 years, together 6.5 years
First appointment: ultrasound on Jan 30
Symptoms: boobs are a little sore and I feel slightly nauseous unless I drink a ton of water
Anything interesting?: just moved to Seattle from Toronto
I just knew I was pregnant. I was ovulating (I tested and had ovulation pain). Missed my period and tested 3 days later and had a very faint line. Digital confirmed 2-3 weeks.
Second pregnancy, first child. I had a miscarriage two months ago at 6w. Praying things go smoothly this time. We have two dogs who are glued to me right now.
My husband and I got married two months ago, together 8 yrs, known each other 15 yrs.
Saw my doctor this week, just did lab work and seeing her again Jan 31.
Last time I had sore boobs right away, fatigue and aversion to sweets. This time around, all my symptoms are milder bit some nausea starting.
DD2 4.2013 - vbac
DS1 9.2016 - vbac, team green
Baby #4 due 9.2018
Other children/pets?
2 daughters (2011 and 2013) and 2 sons (2016 and 2018)
Job? Pediatrician
Things you like to do? Watch football, hang with my family, drink fancy beer, read, run
Spouse/partner? Married to my husband for 10 year this coming summer
First appointment? 2/4 at 8 weeks in theory
Any symptoms? Fatigue and having a hard time falling back asleep in the middle of the night when my older kids wake me up - really just my still nursing 16 month old.
I’m excited to get to know you guys. I was around a bit for my first BMB back in the day. Made lifelong friends from my second and third BMB. Tried for my 4th and the women kindly invited me to join their group despite my mediocre involvement on the BMB but I felt a little insecure about my lack of posting and he came at the end of the month before our month so I was wildly overwhelmed when they were forming their new group. If there are any moms from Sept 18, I’m sorry I didn’t get to know you very well back then. I really appreciate you inviting me to the group. I hope to be around more this time.
DD2 4.2013 - vbac
DS1 9.2016 - vbac, team green
Baby #4 due 9.2018
How’d you find out? We've been trying so doing monthly ovulation tests and pregancy test. Finally got a positive this month.
Other children/pets? 1 daughter 6yo, 1 dog, 2 cats, 1 fish
Job? Adolescent therapist
Things you like to do? Watch Hallmark movies. Spend time with friends and family.
Spouse/partner? Husband and I have been together for 16 years and have been married for 7
First appointment? 1/30
Any symptoms? Holy sore boobs!
Due date? September 25th if my calculator is right
How’d you find out? Really strong sense of smell and the desire for PBJ sandwiches lol. BFP confirmed it yesterday
Other children/pets? As I mentions above, DS is 7 and wew have 3 cats
Job? I am an MA at a dermatology office
Things you like to do? reading, TV, crafting of any kind
Spouse/partner? My DH and I have been married for 8 yrs this march
First appointment? not scheduled yet
Any symptoms? so far just smell and nausea when i am hungry
finding out- took the test 12/23, my boobs were killing me. I had my iud removed on 11/18 and a period sometime after but for the life of me I can’t remember the date... so I tested a lot. Two negatives until 12/23 when I got the BFP.
Job- Marketing manager first a health insurance company (so glamorous!)
things I like to do- run... I’m signed up for the Disney Princess challenge in February, but have been put on rest because of bleeding... looks like I’ll be walking the 19.3 miles which is disappointing as I’ve been training for over a year now. Also I love being with my daughter. She is an absolute Disney Princess and so much fun to be around.
symptoms- boobs, exhaustion and meat Aversions
this one has been hard for me. Even though we stopped BC I didn’t think it would happen this quick. I was riddled with anxiety when I found out. It’s selfish I know, but my busy season for work is in late summer early fall so I feel like I’m letting my team down by going out. Also my BF has been dealing with infertility for years and I feel like a traitor. I’m a ball of stress thinking about telling her... the bleeding and ER visit did not help and not being able to run my stress away is hurting.