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 11/1
How far along are you//EDD: 31w2d (1/1)
Size of the baby: Head of romaine lettuce
Upcoming appointments: Monday for 32w check up
How are you feeling?: Done being pregnant, lol. More out of breath and uncomfortable. Exhausted!
Rants/Raves: Rave - baby shower this Friday!
Rant - wanting to call in sick for a mental health day off, but feeling like I shouldn't because I've already missed 3 days in the last month (not because I've been sick though). And I feel badly leaving my student teacher by herself because most likely, I won't get a sub.
Questions: none
GTKY: What do you love most about pregnancy? What are you most looking forward to post-pregnancy (besides meeting/snuggling LO)?
Love: Feeling baby move (most of the time, haha). Having a good excuse for wearing comfy clothes. Eating pretty much what I want without judgement or guilt from myself.
Looking forward to: Being able to have an adult beverage when I want; getting my body back.
Baby Girl Due: 1-1-22
How far along are you//EDD: 30+5/January 5
Size of the baby: zucchini, coconut
Upcoming appointments: Umm, I think I have an appt next week? *checks* Yup, next Tuesday.
How are you feeling?: Ok. Energy has been decent, sleep has been meh.
Rants/Raves: Rave: I got a lot done today organizationally! Moved some of my little guy's stuff into the bigger guy's room so I can start organizing the baby clothes in the little guy's old room/nursery. Rant: My crotch is super sweaty like, all the time. It SUCKS.
Questions: Has anyone else had weird cramping in weird places? I know cramps in legs are pretty common, but my foot has been cramping on and off all day, and then the other day my hand cramped up when I did the most simplest of things. It was weird, my middle finger moved against my index finger when it cramped and I had to work a bit to get them separated again.
GTKY: What do you love most about pregnancy? What are you most looking forward to post-pregnancy (besides meeting/snuggling LO)? I love eating. Feeling the baby is fun until it gets uncomfortable and wakes me up. Honestly, I loved it a lot more with my previous two... maybe that's a good indication we're definitely done, haha. Looking forward to drinking wine and working out again.
Also I feel you so much on movement being fun until it's not! Lately she's been moving really low and it tickles my sides or hurts. Luckily I don't really get woken up by movement - just the need to pee. I'm a pretty sound sleeper.
Baby Girl Due: 1-1-22
How far along are you//EDD: 28 weeks/Jan 24
Size of the baby: eggplant
Upcoming appointments: this Friday is my OB appointment and GD test
How are you feeling?: feeling alright other than all the little aches and pains and waking up many times in the middle of the night to switch sides to get rid of leg cramping.
Rants/Raves: I’m loving the cold fall weather. And the leaves changing color is just so pretty. I usually don’t like it getting dark early but it’s helping me get to bed at an earlier time and get more sleep. I’m oddly enjoying the sun rising later and waking up when it’s still kinda dark - so weird because I normally am such a sun person and love the super long summer days.
Questions: none ATM
GTKY: What do you love most about pregnancy? What are you most looking forward to post-pregnancy (besides meeting/snuggling LO)? What I love most is feeling baby kicks and taking this time to slow down and not be so busy. I also am really loving going through this experience with H, this is our first together and he’s been so sweet and involved and it’s been such a difference than my pregnancy with DS and I’m just so appreciative to get to go through this with him. I’m most looking forward to seeing H with our LO, he’s been so great with DS and is such a sensitive guy, he’s gonna completely melt when she arrives. I’m also SO looking forward to sleeping on my stomach, eating sushi, and sharing a nice bottle of red wine 🍷
@Lisa3379 I had cramping like that in my hands with my first and it was so weird and uncomfortable although I have heard is common! Hope it goes away soon!
How far along are you//EDD: 28w6d; Jan 19th
Size of the baby: An acorn squash tomorrow!
Upcoming appointments: my 30 week appointment next week!
How are you feeling?: Tired but good. Very thankful for this sweet baby and can’t wait to meet her. 🥰
Rants/Raves:
Rant: My mom went crazy(literally needed antipsychotics for everything) and I found out she is still experiencing everything but she is lying to all of us and saying she isn’t. It’s scary and confusing and just a weird situation.
Rave: Started with a new chiro and I love it! Looking forward to It helping me through the remainder of pregnancy and after.
Questions: Favorite Halloween candy? Anyone else doing a thankful turkey with their other kids this November?!
GTKY: What do you love most about pregnancy? What are you most looking forward to post-pregnancy (besides meeting/snuggling LO)?
Love feeling baby!
A drink, lying on my stomach to sleep (after like 10 months when my boobs go down a bit and it’s not uncomfortable to lay on them anymore), my girls meeting their new sister. 💕
How far along are you//EDD: 29w3d / January 15
Size of the baby: A pomelo
Upcoming appointments: Just had another growth scan yesterday and will need another one in 4 weeks. Have a 32-wk appointment on 11/23.
How are you feeling?: Big and tired, although sleep is hit or miss. I'm easily winded and it's a process to get up out of bed/up out of my chair, etc.
Rants/Raves: Rave - baby shower this weekend! Although it's causing me a lot of stress, as all parties do. Also looking forward to the holidays and time off work. I get a sizeable amount of time off at the end of the year, and DH convinced me to work exclusively from home beginning in the new year until it's go time (although if you've been following the baby weight thread, I think we may have a December baby on our hands).
Questions: STM+, have you had to schedule an induction or c-section if baby was measuring too big? Right now at 29 weeks, LO is in the 84th percentile (they said her belly was chubby!) so I have to monitor with another scan in 4 weeks to see how she is progressing. I think they may tell me we'll have to go early.
GTKY: What do you love most about pregnancy? What are you most looking forward to post-pregnancy (besides meeting/snuggling LO)? Is it bad of me/selfish to say I like the attention? So far knocking all the wood, the pregnancy was been pretty easy - it's been wild to feel her kick (if not alienesque) and I love the bonding aspect.
Besides the usual of meeting my daughter and seeing my husband be a father (he will be the BEST), I am very excited for a spicy tuna roll, a bagel with lox, and a Bloody Mary (in no particular order).
How far along are you//EDD: 28+2
Size of the baby: no idea
Upcoming appointments: just had Tdap this am. OB in a few weeks
How are you feeling?: large. Out of breath. Sore after being on my feet a lot. Fatigue.
Rants/Raves: my husband is a damn trooper for putting up with me during this.
Rants?. See below.
Questions: nope
GTKY: What do you love most about pregnancy? What are you most looking forward to post-pregnancy (besides meeting/snuggling LO)?
Feeling baby move.
I'm looking forward to not being pregnant anymore, and never doing this again. I'm also looking forward to wearing my normal clothes (i have 4 socially acceptable shirts, and 3 pairs of maternity leggings. Aside from that, I wear my husband's Tshirts. I've ordered 2 cheap pairs of lounge pants from Amazon, so I'm hopeful for those. I hate having anything press into my belly. I'm so tired of underwear when I sit down and they put pressure on my belly. I should just live in moo moos at home. Also, the reflux is insane. I live on antacids, and always eat them proactively proactively bedtime so I'm not woken up with stomach acid vomit in my mouth.
In spite of all of the above, I'm trying to remain indifferent to pregnancy and just get through.
Omg yes. Sweaty crotch. And like, swollen. WHYYYYYYYYYYYY
I apologized to my pelvic floor physio because I was so sweaty.
Size of the baby: Winter squash (which just looks like a baby pumpkin lol) or acorn squash
Upcoming appointments: Just rescheduled mine, but Nov 8 for prenatal. I think I get the Tdap vaccine that day😵💫
How are you feeling?: I feel okay! Continuing to feel anxious 😬
Rants/Raves: Tmi here, but i’ve had an increase in bodily fluids. So not a fan of that. I have also had some “lightening crotch” which is pretty uncomfortable lol. More round ligament pain with some back pain. Trying not to think too deeply into any of It, as i’m sure it’s normal. I do have a human growing inside me so🤷🏼♀️
Questions: i feel like i’ve asked this before, but does Anyone else have anxiety about pregnancy/birth? How do I get myself to stop overthinking about every little thing? My poor dang husband. Such a trooper, but I feel so bad😵💫
GTKY: What do you love most about pregnancy? What are you most looking forward to post-pregnancy (besides meeting/snuggling LO)? Of course snuggling the little human i spent 9 months baking, but besides that… Sleeping on my gosh darn belly is what i’m excited for😂 As well as having my beers at the Brewery & margaritas🍻
@firewife_911 totally anxious about childbirth! I find some relief in looking for information about what to expect. Look up Bridget Teyler on YouTube. She is a doula and has tons of videos with great info.
How far along are you//EDD: 28w5d / Jan 20
Size of the baby: eggplant
Upcoming appointments: 30 week for tdap.
How are you feeling?: tired, heartburn continues, ever expanding.
Rants/Raves: Rave - I passed my GD test! But my iron levels are apparently low so I have to go on supplements. And maybe eat more steak?
Questions: breast pump recommendations? I will be returning to work at some point so a good pump will be necessary!
GTKY: What do you love most about pregnancy? What are you most looking forward to post-pregnancy (besides meeting/snuggling LO)? I love the kicks and elbow jabs and early morning boxing and gymnastics. Post-pregnancy, I am looking forward to not having heartburn, getting my body back, sleeping on my stomach, and eating sushi 🍣
@Lisa3379 pregnancy is so odd, i swear i can't tell what is a "normal" cramp or due to pregnancy. but i get weird things all the time right now.
@travistori My LO is still too young (IMO) for thankful turkey but i look forward to doing it next year for sure.
@fifilala516 I'm hesitant to give too much weight on the scans, mine was more than a pound off in the estimate. I wouldn't worry too much, glad they are monitoring it for you.
@firewife_911 fun halloween picture! i love it. This time i started following mommy.labornurse on IG and i find her information super helpful (way better than the one class we took last time). Also lists helped me focus on getting things done for what i had control over vs the other items that we have no control over.
@lilyfox 100% worth the upgrade to not be strapped to the wall.
How far along are you//EDD: 37+6 // January 29th
Size of the baby: head of cauliflower
Upcoming appointments: 28 week (tDap, Flu), will get covid booster soon.
How are you feeling?: it ebbs and flows. some days are great and others i just feel horrible.
Rants/Raves: I've been eating like crap the past two weeks. Starting on Wednesday i tried to get it under control and i'm doing better. I need to get some things crossed off my list soon!! I think we aren't going to get the dresser refinished in time so i might just move it into DS1's new room this weekend. I really want our garage to be cleaned out.
Questions: NATM
GTKY: What do you love most about pregnancy? What are you most looking forward to post-pregnancy (besides meeting/snuggling LO)? I love wearing tight clothes on my belly! it's fun to show it off. I do enjoy the alcohol so that'll be nice to have again. and a nice cold cut sandwich oh and caffeine. all the eating and drinking things.
How far along are you//EDD: 28 weeks on 11/08 🎉 Due Jan 31st! Dead last lol
Size of the baby: head of lettuce
Upcoming appointments: specialist appt on 11/11. They discovered a fibroid early on so I have 2 drs!
How are you feeling?: I really can't complain. Just minor hip pain and mostly tired, but exhaustion is exacerbated by anemia.
Rants/Raves:
Rants- planning my own baby shower. No one stepped up so just decided to do it myself...still makes me sad if I think about it too much. Another note.. since I have anemia (even pre pregnancy) if it drops any lower, might have to get iron infusions which means another dr to add to the list
Rave- my family will be able to fly in for baby shower and. My niece will be coming 😍 sister had baby in September and we'll be going to magic Kingdom! So excited 😁
Questions: Anyone else planning to working till they're basically in labor?
GTKY: What do you love most about pregnancy? What are you most looking forward to post-pregnancy (besides meeting/snuggling LO)?
I love that I am lucky enough to be pregnant (FTM). Love getting to feel her move even though it trips me out sometimes! Looking forward to sleeping on my stomach mostly! And of course a Huge Fat Margarita 🍹 😋