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
also so sorry the user name is so long!! I’m working on changing it and I went and did it on the app, but I don’t know why it hasn’t updated, I read the notes about how to do it but just haven’t had luck 🤷♀️
Introduce yourself: I’m Elisabeth from Cape Cod, MA.
Due date? 8/15ish
How did you find out? Feeling out of sorts, late period, voilà. A surprise 4th baby.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) We are a very busy family of 5. My oldest girls are from a previous marriage (12 and 10). Our son is 3. I co-founded a SAAS company three years ago and We are pretty non-stop busy with it and the kids. Love yoga, cooking/baking with my girls and anything where I’m learning something new.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) I’m scared. So is my husband. My stress can be very high and I worry of the implications. I’m also 38. First appt will be just after Christmas.
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? Hmmm, make myself in to multiples so I can have more time? Isn’t that what most mamas would say?
Due date? 8/22 by LMP
How did you find out? We were trying so I took a test as early as I could and got a very faint BFP at 9 DPO
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?)
I live in south-central Wisconsin and my husband and I are both 34 and we have two kids, an 8 year old son and 2 year old daughter. I'm a COTA and he's a SAHD right now.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?)
No symptoms yet but still super early (3w5d)
*TW*
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be?
Being able to teleport would be pretty nice
Married: 4/5/13
"You know that place between sleep and awake,
that place where you can still remember dreaming?
That's where I will always love you.
That's where I'll be waiting."
~Peter Pan
*TW*
BFP #2: 10/29/17 MMC dx @ 9 weeks
BFP #3: 2/2/18 MC 2/7/18
BFP #4: 3/2/18 MC 3/9/18
RPL testing and hysteroscopy: all normal
BFP #5: 4/1/18 MMC dx @ 14 weeks ----> genetically normal girl :'(
Hysteroscopy to remove scar tissue 9/28
BFP #6 11/5/18 EDD 7/20/19
BFP #7 12/8/2021 EDD 8/22/2022
Due date? Based on LMP it is 17 August but pretty sure I ovulated on cycle day 17 so TBD
How did you find out? We were trying and was around when my period was due so I took a test and two pink lines showed up! Planned out an announcement for my husband that night and he was shocked!
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?)
I have a six year old daughter from my first marriage. Re-married just a couple months ago in October 2021 but have been together for about 3.5 years. We have 3 dogs who are great but a handful. I am a systems engineer for an avionics company and am thankful to be able to work from home. I love kickboxing but put it on hold for now. Also LOVE snowboarding when I get the chance
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) Pregnancy confirmation appointment this coming Tuesday. I’m excited but super nervous. I had a problem free first pregnancy but that seems like forever ago. No symptoms except sore boobs so far - hoping the morning / all day sickness will hold off for a while
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? Definitely being able to fly or teleport
Due date? August 23
How did you find out? My husband and I had a deep conversation this week about giving up the dream of baby #3, and considering expanding our family through adoption. The next morning I took a test just so I could rule it out and move on. You could have knocked me over with a feather, I couldn’t believe it was positive.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) I have a girl (5) and a boy (2), and one giant kid (38) at home. Married 11 years, together 19. I’m a freelance medical writer and a part-time SAHM. I love to cook, work out, garden, and knit. Big time homebody.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) I am feeling very positive about this pregnancy, even though it’s early. First appt will be end of January around 10 weeks.
GTKY Fun fact: I’d like super strength. My kids are getting so big it’s hard to carry them now! And just think what I could do with the groceries and laundry! 😂
Due date? Looking at the 1st week of August
How did you find out? We’ve been trying for a 3rd since moving a year ago. Needed a little boost from our fertility doctor, and here we are.
Tell us about yourself: Husband and I have 2 fantastic daughters who are 11 months apart. Our first came from a couple years of fertility treatment, and our second showed up on her own 4 months after I’d given birth! I’m an elementary school librarian, and I love reading, all things Disney, and spending time with family and friends.
How are you feeling? Many mood swings and the nausea is beginning
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? Teleportation because travel!
@coco2787 eeeeek! Congratulations! I am so happy for you.
Due date? 8/3/22 as of now according to my last sonogram last Wednesday. I have a feeling it’ll change once the baby gets bigger & a more accurate measurement can be taken.
How did you find out? I started feeling really tired, and my period was late. So I took 3 tests and they all came out positive 🙂
Tell us about yourself: My name is Jasmine I am a mother of 3 (this will be my 4th). I am happily married been with my husband for 16 years. I am the owner of a professional organizing company here in Long Island, NY. I am also an assistant teacher for our district’s UPK center. I love both my jobs for different reasons.
Things you like to do? I really enjoy decorating my home, taking my adorable golden doodle (she just turned 1) for long walks, and of course spending time with my family ❤️
How are you feeling? I had 2 appointments & 2 sonograms already. My doctor see’s you right away, a blessing and a curse. I’m so early there isn’t much to see. But according to blood work and last sono baby is growing 🙏🏼
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? I would love to be able to fly. Hopefully to heaven so I can visit my dad & grandparents 🥺
Due date? 8/24
How did you find out? Tested Sunday before we headed out of town, it was 8DPO which I knew was too early. But BFN. Took both tampons and a test on my trip, woke up at like 4am today, period still MIA… and bam. Really quick, dark positive.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) I’m 34, a small business owner. We have a daughter who turns two on 12/24, a dog and cat. My husband and I have been married for 9 years, and together for sixteen. Precovid we were really avid travelers and concert goers. It’s been nice starting to do some of that again.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) Sense of smell is through the roof, some crampy zingy feelings. Alcohol did not sit well with me over the weekend, which is how my first pregnancy was before I knew I was pregnant. But that’s it. **TW** Waiting on my OB to get back to me, I had a loss in Sept so she had said she’d want to do labs **END TW**, but first appt is way, way far away! January 20th!
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? Oh man, I’m gonna go with teleportation. The time saver aspect would just be magical.
How did you find out? Took a test when I was two days late.
Tell us about yourself. I have two bonus kids-16 and 19, who have been excited every time my husband and I have found out we’ve been expecting. I have two amazing pups. Jaxson and Luna. My husband is amazing. I’m so thankful for him. I’m a mental health therapist at a middle school. And I love crafts and traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
How are you feeling? I was feeling great until I took the second test and saw the line was lighter. The fertility doctor checked hcg and progesterone and everything looks good. She also said “stop testing. The line color doesn’t matter anymore. Let’s monitor and do blood draws.” Second one is tomorrow. I was hesitant to even post here.
GTKY Fun fact: to tell the future.
Due date? Aug 9-13.
How did you find out? My period was even later than usual so I took a test. We’d been trying for a few months and we’re ready to pause on trying until Spring. I’m also a runner and the week before I tested, I could not catch my breath. That was my first symptom.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) No kids yet. One dog that’s about 9. I love to run and workout, although it’s been difficult lately. I work remotely for a nonprofit. Been married for a little over a year and husb and I have been together for 4.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) I’m ok. I’m frustrated that doctors basically leave you out to dry until you cross so many weeks. I have so many questions and feel lost. Random cramping too, which is scary sometimes. Sore breasts. Fatigue. No morning sickness yet.
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? I would have the power of persuasion.
Due date? 8/8
How did you find out? We were "trying" so took a test the day of my period and were absolutely floored to see it turn positive!
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?)
First time pregnant so feeling very overwhelmed and not sure what to expect. Married to my husband for 6 years.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?)
Very excited, but also very nervous (for no real reason lol), constantly worried about "when the other shoe will drop", and frustrated that my first in person appointment isn't until January 18th! Some fatigue, but morning sickness has been the star of this show so far.
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? Reading minds
Due date? Around august 12th
How did you find out? We have been TTC since around June/July. Really didn’t think it was going to happen this month due to testing I did showing my progesterone levels were lower than they should be… staying hopeful!
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) DH and I got married in November 2020. We have two GSP pups at home but this will be a first baby. I work as a School Counselor (formerly elementary teacher)
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) I’m SO nervous. I’ve always had very regular cycles and LH surges. But after months of trying I decided to buy progesterone testing strips which scored my ovulation not too well :( yet- here I am! I’m scheduled to see the Dr. on the 27th so for now I’m just trying to ease my anxiety and nerves of all things miscarriage, ectopic, or chemical.
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? I would love to teleport. I can run late to things and I’m so bad at adding in my travel times
@ced45 welcome! I'm from the DC area as well! I know, 8 weeks does seem really far away, but it'll come!
Due date? August 6th
How did you find out? Was 3 days late and felt pregnant so I took a test. We had retried for 4 years and gave up.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) I have two boys, 8 & 5. My husband is praying for a girl.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) super emotional and a little nauseous.
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? Invisibility
Due date? August 15
How did you find out? We were TTC so I took a test a few days early. There was a really faint line, so I took 2 the next day and both were positive!
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?)
This is my first pregnancy. I work remotely as a children’s ministry consultant for an Episcopal seminary. My husband also works from home and we have one dog. I love coffee shops and board games.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?)
I have not felt much physically- some bloating and a little queasiness. We had a pregnancy confirmation appointment which was basically to answer questions. Definitely has some anxiety.
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? Flying!
Due date? Aug 28
How did you find out? Tested early because we were trying, so now just peeing on all the sticks and collecting the BFPs in a ziplock as you do.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) I have a 5.5 year old daughter who is autistic and a 39 year old husband who likes cookies. One cat, one dog. I am a creative person in a non-creative field, so I also write and create a lil comedic content here and there.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) EXCITED. ANXIOUS. bloated. First appt is 1/19.
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? i would like to be able to clean up any space with the wave of my hand because i am a lazy slob.
5.5.16 | 8.14.17 | 1.30.19
Due date? Aug 25
How did you find out? I took a test on Tuesday, 12 DPO, and had beta's done today to confirm.
TTC: Sept 2016-Oct 2017
BFP Oct 2017. DD born July 2018.
TTC: March 2020. BFP March 2020
Due date was Nov 2020
DS born Sept 2020. DS passed away Nov 2020 due to prematurity and birth trauma.
TTC: March 2021
IUI #1 Nov 2021, BFN
IUI #2 Dec 2021 BFP. MC Jan 2022
IUI #3 Aug 2022 BFN
IUI #4 Sept 2022 BFN
AMH test came back at .081. Was going to move on to IVF with DE, but have decided not to. Will be leaving it up to the universe now.
Due date? 8/27ish
How did you find out? DH and I decided we would try for a few months before calling it quits because of my age (40), and I thought for sure I was out when I didn't ovulate until CD29 this month. I took a HPT at 9DPO to make sure I was okay to have a glass of wine with dinner and was shocked to see a vvfl.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) DH have been together for 10yrs and married for 7. We have a crotchety 13yr dog from Turks & Caicos and 2 daughters: DD1 (Aug 19) and DD2 (Dec 20).
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?): anxious about complications because of my age. I'm still having some intermittent cramping, which is reassuring. I have my first ultrasound scheduled 1/7 and I'm hoping the chaos of the holidays makes the time pass quickly.
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? I'd love to be able to stop time or to teleport - my sister lives overseas and I'd love to be able to see her more often.
TTC: Sept 2016-Oct 2017
BFP Oct 2017. DD born July 2018.
TTC: March 2020. BFP March 2020
Due date was Nov 2020
DS born Sept 2020. DS passed away Nov 2020 due to prematurity and birth trauma.
TTC: March 2021
IUI #1 Nov 2021, BFN
IUI #2 Dec 2021 BFP. MC Jan 2022
IUI #3 Aug 2022 BFN
IUI #4 Sept 2022 BFN
AMH test came back at .081. Was going to move on to IVF with DE, but have decided not to. Will be leaving it up to the universe now.