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.
elksamm
member
Re: Weekly Check-In 9/27
How far along are you//EDD: 23w 1/24
Size of the baby: grapefruit/soccer ball
Upcoming appointments: I just had my 22 week OB appointment last Friday, nothing until Nov when I’ll do my glucose test/blood work and 28 week OB visit
How are you feeling?: feeling pretty good energy wise, haven’t had to nap to get through the day and have been able to do light exercise without feeling terrible after. Nausea is mostly gone. Back has been hurting a bit and I’ve been getting leg cramps in the middle of the night.
Rant: our remodel is taking for-ev-er. Our windows are back ordered and won’t be here until after LO gets here. Not the biggest deal but I was really hoping to have everything done (besides exterior painting that can’t happen until spring) to be done before going on may leave.
Questions: is there a way to privately share baby registries? I love to see what others have on their list
GTKY: What's your biggest pet peeve? I am a pretty chill person but it absolutely irritates everything inside of me when people yell through walls, it’s so unnecessary, come closer or call/text/Google broadcast what you need to say.
How far along are you//EDD: 24w2d
Size of the baby: Cantaloupe, which seems rather large?
Upcoming appointments: 24-week appointment tomorrow, 1-hr glucose test on Saturday
How are you feeling?: OK - my sleep is still sucky, especially now that LO moves around a lot. I actually get nervous when I haven't felt her for a while! Also, I am starting to get bad backaches and leg cramps, especially at night. Oh, and sometimes my stomach feels like the skin is stretching so much that it's going to rip. OH and plus also, I still think I have a yeast infection? I'm going to have the OB check it out tomorrow.
Rant: It's my own fault, but the baby's room is just an array of boxes and baby stuff that we need to start going through and sorting - and you know, actually getting her nursery together...even though we're planning on having her in our room for the foreseeable.
Questions:NATM
GTKY: What's your biggest pet peeve? When people don't take a few extra seconds to think critically about a situation before asking a question. I was always taught that "there are no stupid questions" but yes, there are.
@elksamm I LOVE looking at other's registries! I'll PM you mine if you show me yours
How far along are you//EDD: 25+3 1/7/22
Size of the baby: feels like a watermelon. Lol
Upcoming appointments: 2 weeks from.now we do our sugar test.
How are you feeling?: large. Tired and PSD has begun already. It hurts to walk or roll over or basically mive my hips in anyway. But ain't no slowing down for this mama.
Rants/Raves: so for reasons beyond my control I had to quit my job at the hospital last week. I had an interview the following day at a competing hospital in the area. The interview went really well and. I was told HR would be contacting me. Ive contacted HR twice and am being told to wait that they are just backed up. With the medical staff shortage they should be jumping at someone with nearly 15 years experience. I just know financially we cant afford for me to not be working right now. As now we are trying to save for my maternity leave. And I'm just frustrated. I am impatient when it comes to things like this.
Questions: Any STM+ had a paim med free birth in the past by choice and debating wether or not to do it again? 2 of my 3 were paim med free and I prefer it to not having control over my body.with the epidural. I just domt know if I can put my body through that again..
GTKY: What's your biggest pet peeve?
Being interrupted when I'm speaking. I'm patient and let you speak, please return me the same respect.
How far along are you//EDD: 26w3d (So close to 3rd tri!! 2nd tri flew by!) 1/1
Size of the baby: eggplant or butternut squash
Upcoming appointments: 10/11 for glucose, TDAP, and flu shot. Have I mentioned that I'm abnormally afraid/anxious about needles?
How are you feeling?: Overall good! Baby is moving tons, especially late at night. I love it, but at the same time I want to tell her to settle down in there. I'm feeling a little anxious about getting all the things little things done before she arrives.
Rants/Raves: Raves - I get to have dinner with my nephew for the 2nd time in a month on Wed. My son's school pictures turned out adorable! My canker sores finally seem to gone?? (Knock on wood)
Rants - work continues to be a never-ending stream of to-do lists and stress. I honestly don't know how I'd be managing without my student teacher. I shared one of my top contenders for a name and DH made a harmless joke that ruined it for me. Our amazing fall weather of 70 and sunny has reverted back to 90 and humid.
Questions: natm
GTKY: What's your biggest pet peeve? Loud chewers. People who don't pull into the intersection when turning left.
Baby Girl Due: 1-1-22
How far along are you//EDD: 23w5d / Jan 20
Size of the baby: grapefruit
Upcoming appointments: At the end of this week. Having a follow up u/s since this baby was doing yoga during the anatomy scan so they could get all the pictures they needed!
How are you feeling?: good? I'm scared to say that in case I jinx it. Heartburn is annoying and I keep waking up in the middle of the night, but other than that I feel OK.
Rants/Raves: this is both a rant and a rave: we start moving this weekend! I hate the moving process but I am so excited for it to be over with!!!
Questions: For all you working Mommas, when are you planning to stop working (how many weeks will you be)? I thought I had decided but I keep getting mixed reactions when I tell people. S now in second guessing myself.
GTKY: What's your biggest pet peeve? People who drive with their high beams on in the city.
@fifilala516 Ugh--sorry sleep has gone poorly. I really upped my water intake a ton recently and that hs helped with my ache body.
@AshleyGemini24 I did an epidural, so I'm no help on the med-free birth. I will say as someone who has increased my staff by 30% so far this year, please be patient with the HR staff, its a lot of moving parts and they are moving as quickly as possible.
@magalina_h Oh no--i'm sorry about the anxiety around needles, at least you'll get it done all at once.
@lilyfox I'm heading in for my second AS today because baby wasn't cooperating during the first too. I have a desk job so i'm planning on working until labor. however my first came 3 weeks early, so i'll have my primary work completed and delegated other work to others at 36 weeks and then just do special projects (things i've put off) during my "bonus time" if i get it.
How far along are you//EDD: 22+3/ January 29
Size of the baby: An ear of corn
Upcoming appointments: Today, follow up AS for additional pictures.
How are you feeling?: I've been feeling great recently. My appetite is fully back and thankfully sleeping quite well.
Rants/Raves: I just feel very blessed right now. I'm thankful we have been able to remain healthy so far and hope we can continue to do so over the next 4 months. I'm a little nervous about having a baby during flu/cold season.
Questions: Have you all received 3D images when you go for US? I'm going to ask for one today--i always see these cute ultrasounds pictures and then i never get anything like that.
GTKY: What's your biggest pet peeve? Alluding to something but not saying the whole story. Either tell me the whole story or keep your mouth shut.
@fifilala516 I think I still have a mild yeast infection too! It started toward the end of my antibiotic cycle, and has just continued. At least it isn't overly uncomfortable, I just know things aren't quite normal down there.
@magalina_h I hate loud chewers too!! My husband is a terrible offender....and slurps.
@lilyfox I'm self-employed, so I'll be working for as long as I can. I worked until 38wks with my first son (only stopped so I could have some time off before his arrival), and hopefully I'll be able to get that far again.
How far along are you//EDD: 23+2 Jan 23
Size of the baby: grapefruit, I think
Upcoming appointments: no OB for a few weeks. Pelvic floor physio on Thursday am
How are you feeling?: mostly fine, as long as I get adequate sleep. Heartburn is far worse in this pregnancy than my first (I woke up last night as some stomach acid rose to my mouth....so that was cool).
Rants/Raves: we are getting our roof reshingled which is great, but fear the roofers may not be doing the job properly. Will have more info today. Rave: woke up this am, and my husband had folded the laundry that had been sitting in the basket for 2 days, and hung up the athletic wear to dry.
Questions: none
GTKY: What's your biggest pet peeve? Loud chewing. Slurping sounds. The sound of my son eating a banana.
How far along are you//EDD: 24w4d
Size of the baby: Papaya
Upcoming appointments: October 5th
How are you feeling?: I am feeling okay, minus constant hunger, Gassy, & anxiety!😅
Rants/Raves: I have noticed a decrease in movement. Every time I would eat, he would move like crazy. & now it’s very occasional. I’ve googled It (I know we shouldn’t do that😂) & I have read that sometimes between 25-30 weeks that can happen due to the baby increasing rapidly in size making it’s harder for the baby to move? still wondering if I should call the office 😰 Raves, I got so many maternity clothes & I feel like a normal person again & not such a bum😂
Questions: Anyone else experiencing less movement? How do you handle the constant anxiety of something bad happening to the baby? It’s truly driving me insane. How do people eat healthy in pregnancy!?
GTKY: What's your biggest pet peeve?
Right now, when my husband tells me “He’s fine, he’s just sleeping” when I worry about the decrease in movement 😡 I’m sure I say It every hour, & that can get annoying but I feel like he doesn’t care. I promise he does tho, he just got these custom binkies he had made so it’s safe to say he’s VERY excited😂
@lilyfox I work from home and have a relatively chill job with a very understanding boss/company so I’m planning on working until I go into labor.
How far along are you//EDD: 25+6/January 5
Size of the baby: Cauliflower
Upcoming appointments: Just had a checkup today, follow up scan October 14 or 15
How are you feeling?: Sleeping suuuuuuuucks. She won't stop moving when I lay down, so it takes forever to get to sleep. Otherwise ok.
Rants/Raves: My 3 year old won't stay in his damn bed. Constantly up and out for 30-60 minutes when we put him down, then another 30-60 minutes in the middle of the night. He gets up to go to the bathroom over and over, which is his loophole evidently that it's ok to get up? Anyway, I implemented sticker charts and his older brother gets a Jamba Juice today and the little guy doesn't, so I'm hoping that let-down drives the point home that life would be a lot better for him if he just stayed in his stupid bed at night.
Questions: nope
GTKY: What's your biggest pet peeve? Where to begin... people that look at their phones while you're talking to them. People who insist on cruising in the far left lane and not letting people pass them.
I still think I am going to get the booster, but I'll probably wait until I see the one remaining doctor I haven't seen yet next month.
@blackhottamales, yes I have gotten 3D and 4D images at my last 2 u/s
@lilyfox I'm working right up until delivery. I don't get to take time off before that unless it's per doctor's orders.
Baby Girl Due: 1-1-22
I guess I'm second guessing myself because I get reactions from both ends of the spectrum ...some people tell me they worked right up to the last minute while others recommend taking off earlier. So I'm just over here like 🤷🏼♀️
How far along are you//EDD: 26 weeks, 1/4
Size of the baby: 🥬 kale! Had a growth ultrasound today (also because I just established care w new provider after moving) and he is measuring 2 lb 3 oz already
Upcoming appointments: 10/30 but may do a quick visit sooner for Tdap and flu shot (otherwise will do then)
How are you feeling?: Pretty good but more bloated and sleep continues to be rough
Rants/Raves: My husband and I are getting settled in North Carolina from moving from Minnesota. Hoping we start getting fall weather sooon
Questions: They’re starting to talk to me about elective induction at 39 weeks.. I guess we’ll see how things go but I’d probably prefer not to be induced if possible. Have any of you had an induction and how did you process that decision?
GTKY: What's your biggest pet peeve? Hmm.. I get pretty annoyed by people who frequently interrupt others.
As far as boosters, I’m waiting on guidance for Moderna. I kind of want to get the Pfizer booster since it’s a half dose and I felt pretty crappy/had a fever for days with Moderna.
Baby Girl Due: 1-1-22
@rachel0428 I’ve talked to my OB about 39 week induction, being ama (37) we’ve both agreed it’s the best plan for me.
How far along are you//EDD: 23 Weeks/ 1/26
Size of the baby: Grapefruit
Upcoming appointments: 10/15/21 MFM Growth Scan and Regular OB visit after
How are you feeling?: Feeling sore. I keep getting pain in the bottom of my stomach. Doctor keeps telling me it's normal. The pain is mostly at night so sleep has been none existent.
Rants/Raves: Rants: My head is killing me today. Raves: I don't have anything to rave about because my head is killing me right now.
Questions: NATM
GTKY: What's your biggest pet peeve? My biggest pet peeve is people's lack of common sense. As I have gotten older I have just realized that some people really don't have any but it still gets on my last nerve.
@lilyfox I don't plan to stop working. Going to work until delivery. I'm a municipal clerk so besides filing and helping people that come in I just sit at a desk. Plan to take a week vacation after the baby is born and then work form home for six weeks.
How far along are you//EDD: 24w1d; Jan 19th
Size of the baby: Cantaloupe 🍈
Upcoming appointments: Oct 15th for Glucose/28 week appt with my Midwife.
How are you feeling?: Good. I have also noticed a decrease in movement which has had me on edge a few times. But baby girl still usually moves after meals and at night so that’s good!
Rants/Raves:
Rants: Ready for the pregnancy insomnia to go away! Ready to get our house more finished, we have a few open walls currently from tearing down walls after buying my husband’s grandma’s home last November. We’ve done most of the work ourselves (flooring, tearing walls out, painting paneling) and I’ve been living with a half kitchen since December (I cook on a two burner electric stove and convection oven 😅). Just ready for my house to not feel like a construction zone with two toddlers and a baby on the way!
Raves: Our kitchen and laundry room will be done by Christmas though as the cabinets are being custom built and have begun!!! So excited I could cry!!!
Questions: No questions currently!
GTKY: What's your biggest pet peeve?
People being rude to others with a difference in opinion from them. Chill out. You can think differently and still be friends.
Also, treating people unfairly. Don’t like it one bit.
@fifilala516 Don’t worry toooo much about the baby’s room! You still have time! Maybe tackle one box or two a day? Baby will be happy to be with you in your room for the first 6months to year anyways! But, I definitely know the nesting probably is driving you crazy!
@blackhottamales Super glad you’re feeling blessed and content! It’s hard to feel that way sometimes and definitely in pregnancy, so I’m happy for you! We had my last naughtier Dec 26th and I was a little nervous too. But I was also breastfeeding and knew that was helping babe with all the germies! Just make sure nobody kisses baby on the face for a while, and I’m sure all will be fine!💕
@sarah_is_pregnant Go, Hubby!! I know that made you feel so appreciated!
@Lisa3379 Sorry about your sleep! Mine is backwards, I fall asleep so easily but wake at like 3/4 with the pregnancy insomnia and can’t fall back asleep! So frustrating!
How far along are you//EDD: 26 weeks and 4 days
Size of the baby: butternut squash.. it is funny you can tell what app people use
Upcoming appointments: Oct 15th maternal fetal ultrasound Oct 19th check up with the doctor
How are you feeling?: Good! Better than before. I feel lucky because Nov I move my night job to working overnight. I get anxious over feeling her but then not feeling her for awhile glad I am not alone!
Rants/Raves: We are moving Nov 8th while I am thrilled need to find a new doctor plus work on finishing up our house after we move... plus move over our farm animals. Just so much to do. On a good note I just submitted my final PhD Paper!! YAHOO! Goal is to get moved and finish that before the baby gets here. Due date is Jan 5th. Saw a psychic.. who states she thinks I will have the baby December 27th! We have our family Christmas December 26th luckily I am moving closer to home.
Questions: Are people having off and on nausea?
GTKY: What's your biggest pet peeve? Working in such a close space in the office right now at the hospital.
Fertility Journey starts in 2019 at one clinic to have our own. Using donor sperm, his isnt well after multiple testing- genetics.
We tried 3 IUI in 2019, then switched in April 2020.
April 19th, 2021 1st FET cycle 1st HCG April 30-176.9 2nd HCG May 3- 591 7 week ultrasound May 20th went well HB 140 baby measured 7 weeks 1 day sac measured 7 weeks 2 days June 1st 9 week ultrasound June 11th 1st apt with new OBGYN- no ultrasound just a physical, labs, protein urine collection. June 14th blood work with fertility- no changes to medications continue to decrease, June 21st last blood work with fertility graduated now on to OBGYN only. June 25th 12 week NT saw the nose, arms, and legs everything normal!!! July 23rd check in with OBGYN- heartbeat is 150! August 18th 20 week ultrasound went GREAT! Aug 19th check in with the OBGYN. Sept 15th 24 week echocardiogram normal! Sept 17th OBGYN apt heard the heartbeat! Oct 15th baby is 3.5 pounds Oct 19th OBGYN apt 28 weeks Oct 28th paperwork apt with new provider
.....Next: Nov 2nd first apt new clinic Nov 4th OBGYN apt Nov 8th OBGYN apt Nov 10th OBGYN apt, Nov 12th Maternal Fetal 32 week ultrasound, Nov 15 OBGYN apt Nov 17th OBGYN apt