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
Aww how sweet! My favorite part of the pregnancy so far was the look of awe on my husband’s face when he saw our baby the first time!
I'm hoping so. She would always say how she "doesn't like babies" but I think it's more she hasn't really been around them much so doesn't really know how to handle them and is afraid of breaking them, lol. Also she's had a bit of a rough experience with having a sibling as she has 2 step sisters and a half brother and that's been very challenging for her. Let's just say she has very rocky relationship with her dad. I think she'll be fine, I plan to make every effort to make sure she's doesn't feel pushed aside again. She's my boo! That'll never happen.
Hubby is beside himself right now. He's been waiting for this moment for a long time, sometimes I think he got baby fever worse than I did. There's a bit of an age gap between us as well (he'll be 30 this spring), so this will be his first. He's amazing and can't wait to see him as a daddy!
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How did you find out? We did an FET so I did a blood test at my clinic! A phone call is not quite as exciting as the little stick but we were so shocked it was still pretty great!
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) This is my husband and I’s first child! We have one sweet dog who loves both babies and pregnant people so that will be fun. I’m a biology professor and classes just started, but we’re online for at least a couple more weeks. We watch a lot of movies and I also really like to sew (mostly clothes but starting to try quilts).
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) Because we were at a fertility clinic I have had lots of appointments already, and every time I see the heartbeat I feel a huge sense of relief. My husband and I have been trying for 5 years, and after multiple failed rounds of IVF (at different stages), we decided to use donor eggs. We did our first transfer and it is working so far! Honestly it still doesn’t feel real, but as we’re nearing the second trimester it’s getting there.
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? Probably like instantly looking at an exam and assigning a score without actually having to grade?
Hi all,
Now that I’ve entered the second trimester, I figured it was a good time to join the community.
Due date? ~8/2
How did you find out? I was few days late and took two tests.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) - I’m a first time mom. My husband and I are both lawyers (met in law school) who got married this past September. We moved to Houston from Boston in fall of 2020. We love to travel and spend free time with our family/friends.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) - I just had my 14 week checkup and everything looked great. I have had debilitating all day nausea so it’s nice to see a healthy baby moving around. The pregnancy happened very quickly and I’ve struggled adjusting with my move. It’s been hard to accept that I’m going to have to go through this major life experience away from my closest family and friends.
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? - I would love to be able to read minds.
Hi everyone! I'm Stephanie. My user name will eventually reflect that lol
Aug 23rd!
We had been trying. I knew i was, but I was so anxious to find put I took 2 tests too soon. They were neg. The third was positive!!
I'm an at home baker and stay at home momma to a beautiful 3 yo lady. My better half works really hard to make that possible. He's such a wonderful human. I'm very lucky to have him.
I'm a nervous wreck! I had a Mc back in September. It completely changed my whole life. I was really sick from weeks 5-10, but now I'm feeling better. It scares me so much! The morning sickness was a nice reassurance things were going well. My 1st appointment is Monday!
Right now, I'd like to see the future!
Introduce yourself: My name is Haylee, I’m 30 and I live in Palm Beach county FL. This is my first pregnancy and I’m very excited!
Due date? 8/15/22
How did you find out? I was a day or two late on my period and decided to take a pregnancy test… then I took a few more haha all positive :)
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?): This is my first pregnancy, my husband and I have no other children. We do have 2 large dogs and 2 chickens though :) we got married last May after being together since college and we are both excited for this new chapter in our lives! We both work from home and love spending time outdoors whenever we can!
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?): The baby was measuring small at my first appt, but I’m also very small (5’2”, 100lbs) so I’m not too concerned. I haven’t had many symptoms other than being tired, a bit more hungry than usual and my boobs have definitely grown LOL
I’m Heidi! My due date is 8/6, though I will deliver a bit earlier due to other medical conditions. We were on our way home from my parents after Thanksgiving, and I told my husband I thought I was pregnant- it was just a random feeling. I took the test the next day and it was positive!
My husband and I have been married for almost 2 years. We have two cats that are spoiled like crazy. I think one of them knows I’m pregnant because he changed how he lays on me and always covers my belly now. Im a high school ESL teacher and instructional coach.
if I could have any super power I would want the ability to speak and understand any and all languages!!
Introduce yourself: I am *Riki*, 39, I have been married for 4+ years.
Due date? 8/24 (real due date is 8/31 but because of my grandma age, they will induce me at 39 weeks)
How did you find out? We were trying so I was testing at 12 DPO.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) I have a 23 month old daughter. We're excited to give her a sibling. I like to be outside as much as possible but right now I am hibernating due to being tired and the weather being cold.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) Still feeling nauseous at 11 weeks. First appointment was at 8 weeks and everything looked good. I am anxious for the 12-week appt because the baby will have the shape of a baby and move around. My DD was kicking like crazy at that time (only visible with an ultrasound machine).
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? I would like to teleport.
10/2018: MFI (2 SA under 9 million/ml)
11/2018: HSG shows right Fallopian tube slightly damaged
1/2019: Husband diagnosed with grade 3 varicocele
4/05/2019: varicocele repair surgery
6/13/2019: BFP!!! EDD: 2/22/2020
7/18/2019: Total Motile Count at 3 months post surgery = 51 millions!! (number must be >20 millions to conceive naturally).
TTC #2
9/07/2021: BFP - CP: 9/10/2021
10/07/2021: BFP - CP: 10/23/2021
12/23/2021: BFP! EDD: 08/31/2022
How did you find out? Took a test with nooo symptoms, I was shocked!
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) This is my first pregnancy, I have two dogs, and I love spending time with my husband hiking and going to the beach.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) I’m so excited and a little nervous of how our lives are going to be rocked.
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? I would love to be able to chat with my dogs 😂
Due date? Aug 16th 🥰
How did you find out? I threw up 😂 was a unexpected surprise!
Tell us about yourself: I’m a first time mom-to-be but have the best pup (her name is Billie)! Moved to FL for my husbands job from NYC. I love indoor cycling and seeing live theatre.
How are you feeling? I’m feeling super overwhelmed about what will I need, will natural instinct kick in…but so excited to meet our little girl 💗
How did you find out? Took a test after I was a few days late. Then freaked out (this was an oops).
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? Instant sleep-- point your finger at someone and they immediately fall asleep. Bedtime takes seconds instead of hours! Tired of everyone? Naptime! Tossing and turning in the middle of the night? Knock yourself unconscious!
Due date? 8/20
How did you find out? Tested at 10DPO at the instruction of the fertility clinic. After 6 years of trying we got pregnant on our own in August but miscarried in September. We were doing a medicated cycle before doing IVF in early 2022….
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) We have a daughter who is almost 7 that took 3 years and IVF to have. My husband and I are thrilled to finally be expanding our family.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) I am going to be 14 weeks tomorrow and am finally starting to feel less nervous.
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? Would probably like to be able to make my self invisible - lol it would come in so handy some times!
ETA: we are due date twins!
Due date? August 10th but I will be a scheduled c section at 39weeks
How did you find out? I downloaded the app.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) 3 older kids 9 yr old girl and 7yr. Old boy/girl twins. 2 dogs. Married to my husband will be 14 years in July.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) Starting to finally feel normal again nausea was awful my first trimester.
GTKY Fun fact: My super power would be to clone myself so i can keep up with all my kids sports schedules
5.5.16 | 8.14.17 | 1.30.19
Due date? August 24th
How did you find out? Complete surprise, I felt some symptoms mid December but I kept ignoring them, thinking it was another false alarm and I would get my period any day (I'm irregular due to pcos). 2 weeks later and I knew I just had to take a home test, had to stop being in denial... and sure enough, test came back positive.
Tell us about yourself : I am mom to 2 kitties and 1 German Shepherd. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer a year ago, and had to have a full thyroidectomy. I was advised against pregnancy for 6 months post radiation. Which is why I'm so shocked we got pregnant within a month after stopping my birth control.
How are you feeling? Feeling a lot more positive lately, had a rough last 5 weeks due to the nausea. But it seems to be going away now.
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? I would love to travel in time.
Due date? August 6th
How did you find out? Ultrasound
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? I am an RN in an ER.. Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) just got engaged over the weekend, been with my fiancé for 4 years.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) nervous, excited, nauseas, always hungry
GTKY Fun fact: Tell us what your super power would be? Be able to fly, and to teleport!
5.5.16 | 8.14.17 | 1.30.19
5.5.16 | 8.14.17 | 1.30.19