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
Due date is 10/9. I’ve been to my fertility specialist and was last there on 2/14, where I saw a little heartbeat ❤️
My boyfriend and I have been together 11 years and have a 10-year-old lab and a 5-year-old daughter. I work in social services with elderly adults.
I’m excited to have found this community and thread! I look forward to going on this journey with you all 💕
Sounds like you have a ton you’re going through, but this is a really supportive community!
My due date is October 22 and I found out right before we went to a super bowl party lol. I took a test before we left (it was the first day I missed my period) and when it came back positive, I took another test with me to the party and took that one there. My husband laughed at me that I took the test at the party but I couldn't wait! I'm just about 5 weeks and my first appointment is March 8th.
We have a 4 year old pointer mix and love being outdoors and traveling, but also don't mind a comfy night in!
We tried for years but my dad was given 1 year to live last spring so it's been the last thing on my mind since then. I was late and threw up which led me to take a test ( or 5 haha).
I work in Payroll/HR and my husband is a woodworker. We have a dachshund and a brussels griffon and love being in the forest or on the beach.
Symptoms have been minimal, I have nausea if I don't eat often, mild constipation, oily forehead, and craving for fruit and water. First appointment is Feb 24/22.
Our estimated due date is October 10th, but that has not been confirmed yet. I go in for my first appointment on February 22nd.
I took a test the day I was supposed to start my period (January 30th). I had no idea I was pregnant. Like I just knew that there was no way we’d get a positive. But my fiancé said he had known for days that I was pregnant.
The symptoms I’ve had so far are definitely fatigue. I feel like I’m sleeping half of my days away. I take a nap everyday and still go to bed at the same time. I’ve also had some mild nausea this past week. Mostly when I’m hungry. My boobs have also been super sore, but I’ve had the last few days off work and haven’t been wearing a bra so that has seemed to help.
My fiancé and I are super happy, but also super anxious until we hear a heartbeat. Which will hopefully be on Tuesday!
I had a chemical pregnancy last month, so I'm a little nervous this go around. Based on my lmp + average cycle length, due date is October 31 however with my chronic high blood pressure, I'll be induced 2 weeks earlier.
my fiancé and I have a LO who will be 5 next month! I can’t believe how quickly the time has flown with him. We’ve been together for 9 years and our newest baby is due one day before our anniversary. I’m a teacher, but I work from home so that’s been a lifesaver. We are very active, love hikes, kayaking, walks down to the beach and of course hanging out with our little one and my true first born (puppy age 10). I’m a vegan, but I went back to just being vegetarian during my last pregnancy for all the sweets!
I’m thinking this pregnancy will be really hard on me. We are going to be moving in a few months and aren’t currently living together. So it’s lots of transitions for my LO. I’ve already had to call the doctor for severe nausea and she gave me some over the counter medicine (b6 and Benadryl) to take till I can get into the office. I won’t have my first US till I’m 10 weeks so it’s a long way off. This is my third pregnancy, I lost my first baby at 7 weeks pregnant and was then blessed with my sweet little one years later.
Pregnant with first born. This was a planned pregnancy. I already had my first appointment in Jan. to confirm my pregnancy. I had another appointment in Feb. to hear the heartbeat for the first time.
Due date is October 10 (10/10) which is iconic because my birthday is March 3 (03/03). I'm just hoping I actually deliver on the expected due date. 6 weeks and 6 days long into the pregnancy.
I'm a document controller living abroad (middle east) but plan to move back to the states this year to give birth there as my baby will not automatically inherit my citizenship if she/he is born in the middle east.
Been having terrible morning sickness and have been taking medication for this. Just hoping this will go away soon so I can resume back to my normal eating habits as I have only been able to eat salty carbs. Also been having lots of bloating and constipation.
Other than that, I'm excited/nervous and would love to read about everyone else's experience and advice.
My name is Alex, I’m 7 weeks along today. Due date Oct 7th. My husband and I’s first
We found out in a walmart parking lot on our anniversary trip.
This is our first kiddo, and I am probably due October 1st based on my calculations. My first appt is on March 4th. We were “trying” for two years and finally accepted that it might not happen. Here we are. We found out at 5:30am on Saturday three weeks ago. I’d been sleeping hot for days and decided to use the pregnancy test that was laying around. Instead of “decisive nope” it was a “decisive YEP.”
In-laws know, my parents know, some close friends know for support just-in-case.
I am a high school teacher and my husband is changing careers to something more family friendly, which is scary but also exciting, and we have a 21-month-old rescue GSD/husky girl who we hope will be an amazing big sister.
We are 10000% scarecited.
Due date? Oct. 15th roughly
How did you find out? Period was late and I was having cramping.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?)
My husband and I have been married for 7 years next month. We have 3 kiddos (5,3,1). I work from home in social services.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?)
Shock, anxiety, a mixed bag right now. I had gone off the pill for awhile because we honestly were rarely having sex and I was trying to reset my hormones. So yeah not planned but welcome! Just feeling a bit overwhelmed as my other 3 were very planned! Haha
Due date is 10-8-22. I'm SO TIRED. I have never been this tired in any of my pregnancies.
Due date? Oct. 25th based off LMP. First OB Appt is March 16th.
How did you find out? I was a day late and felt similar to how I did my first 2 pregnancies. Took a test and it was a DARK positive right away.
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?)
My husband and I have been together 12 years, we have 2 children (10 and 8) 2 dogs. House full really, and adding another! Mostly SAHM. I do work part time only because I want too.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?)
This was a huge surprise. My husband thought no way and told me to stop thinking about it. I bought a test that night cause I couldn't. 🤦🏼♀️ we are excited, just planning out how to tell our kids. My bestfriend actually called me the morning of me taking my test and said I had told her I was pregnant. That pushed me to go buy 1 and take it. Turns out, my due date is her birthday. It's pretty weird and exciting!
Due date? October 29
How did you find out? We did an IVF FET on 2/10 and I started testing last Tuesday. I had a very faint second line that got progressively darker throughout the week and was confirmed with a blood test today!
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) DH and I have been married almost 10 years and together almost 16 years. We have two DD, ages 7 and 3. We did IVF for DD2 also. We've got 2 dogs and a guinea pig. I am a Labor & Delivery nurse and DH is a teacher. I love to read, bake, and do yoga.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) I am cautiously optimistic. *TW* we had a loss at 5 weeks back in November after a successful FET*. I have a repeat blood test on Wednesday and then in about 3 weeks I'll have an ultrasound. I've had a lot of symptoms but I'm also on progesterone--bloating, hungry all the time, exhausted, sore breasts, peeing every five minutes. I also started vomiting last week which is the earliest I've had morning sickness in my pregnancies so I'm hoping that's a good sign.
I'm excited to join my TTGP friends @tessiesmom26 and @bows22 !!
Married 07/2012
DD born 07/2014
DD2 born 10/2018
DS born 10/2022
IF history:
TTC #2 since January 2016
June-Aug 2017: 3 IUIs w/Clomid = BFN
Sept 2017: Dx w/Endometriosis
Oct 2017: IUI w/Letrozole = BFN
Nov 2017: IUI w/Letrozole = BFN
Dec 2017: pre-IVF testing
Jan-Feb 2018: IVF--17 eggs retrieved, 13 fertilized, 9 frozen and 1 transferred on 2/10 = BFP on 2/19!!! EDD 10/29/2018
FET Oct 2021: BFP on 10/31! MC at 5 weeks
FET Feb 2022: BFP on 2/15! EDD 10/29/22
Teo here from Canada. Second kiddo for us, just shy of 5 weeks. EDD Oct 26 but first appointment only in mid March.
We also have 2 cats and a doggo to keep us busy, and I have two jobs to top it all off because I like keeping busy (got a feeling I'll regret this one with the 1st trimester fatigue rolling in).
Happy to meet you all!
Due date? October 15 (not yet confirmed!)
How did you find out? I had taken an early detection that was negative, but my gut told me to take another one a few days later (I was super emotional, more than usual😂) and to my surprise — it was positive!
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?) No other children, just two doggies.
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?) I’m feeling excited but nervous after the miscarriage and I’m still so early (6 weeks). My first appointment is in a few weeks so hoping that’ll ease my mind!
Well this was in reply to someone's post above that I can't find and obviously the reply didn't work 🙄 I can't delete this post so sorry everyone!
@runwmusic Hey, were we in the same BMB before?
@shortstack930 YAY!!! I am so happy you are joining us!! So glad to see you here!
Married 10/28/17
Our TTC Journey
Team Green turned Team Blue 10/15/18
TTC #2 January '21
BFP June '21
MMC/Blighted Ovum that led to D&C July '21
Jan '22 - started IF testing
BFP Jan '22
MMC/Blighted Ovum that led to D&C Feb '22
BFP May '22
Our tentative due date is October 9, we laugh because we both have October birthdays.
I am very nervous because of my age and having type 2 diabetes, but I am also so excited and happy to be a part of this club.
Due date? October 1st
How did you find out? It was strange, I woke up knowing my period was due in about 4 days but had the urge to take a test. I didn’t have any symptoms just a gut feeling. I took 2 and the before the control line even appeared the test line was there and strong! I paced outside my husbands home office until I heard his call end and busted in the office with the tests in hand, it was a very happy moment!
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?)
I’m a makeup artist in Southern California and I absolutely love what I do! My husband and I love cooking together and spending our free time at the beach. We recently said goodbye to our 14 year old jack russel mix which was so devastating. I love reading romance novels and thriller/suspense books. Send me your reccs!
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?)
The past few weeks I’ve felt surprisingly good! A bit of nausea here and there and I’m so tired I nap everyday. This is actually my second introduction, as I was initially in the September 2022 group with an estimated due date on 9/30. We had our first scan today and met our baby! It was so overwhelmingly incredible to hear the heartbeat and see the baby for the first time. My husband and I have been TTC since July 2020, we were worried that we were not going be able to conceive naturally and saw a fertility specialist. In November I had a sonohysterography, which is a procedure where they inject saline into the uterus and watch the natural flow via ultrasound. The doctor mentioned they see a lot of women conceive naturally the following 3 months after as the saline gives a nice flush. Two months after we received our BFP and couldn’t be more thrilled!
Due date?: October 4th - I am around 8 weeks, confirmed at the ultrasound this morning.
How did you find out?: I was complaining about sore boobs and being hangry. My husband suggested I take a test, and boom - positive. I think I finally believed it after another 7 tests - this is my first pregnancy, so it was a pretty unbelievable feeling. I had recently gotten off birth control (Lo Loestrin pill) after being on some form of birth control for around 14 years - I was ready to take a BC break, and we decided we'd be open to pregnancy if it happened. It did!
Tell us about yourself (Other children/pets? Job? Things you like to do? Spouse/partner?): I am 29 and have been married a little over 2 years to my husband. He has a son from a previous marriage that I ADORE, and we coparent as 2 separate couples pretty happily - kiddo runs around telling folks that he has 4 parents. I also have two dogs (husky/rottie mix, cattle dog mix), 3 ducks, and 5 chickens. I love animals and have been reading fantasy romance novels lately, lol. For work, I lead a team of data scientists at a financial services firm, and my husband is a software engineer. He's likely going to quit to be a stay at home dad, which we are both so excited for!
How are you feeling? (First appointment? Any symptoms? Emotionally?): Fatigue and queasiness are my biggest complaints, but it comes and goes. Also, SO BLOATED! First appointment was today, and it eased so many anxieties to just get confirmation that it is going okay and I'm doing the right things.
On your book note - I have been binge reading the series The Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Mass. It is a little campy but I am obsessed.
Congratulations to everyone. I am a mom of 1 precious 2 1/2 year old girl. She is my little miracle. My due date is Oct 20. My spouse and I have been trying on and off since March of last year. It has definitely been a rollercoaster of emotions as we have had 2 miscarriages since having our daughter at the 9 week mark. Prior to having her we had 2 as well, both were around 11 weeks so I am just trying to stay as positive as I can. This time around I am having very different symptoms than all my previous pregnancies. I honestly would not have known I was pregnant if it wasn’t for having a dream that I was so I decided to test. I’ve had food aversions to everything cooked, and just a bit of nausea through the night. Nothing crazy. Before I was craving everything sweet and citrus, and had extreme morning sickness pretty much all day, so I keep testing periodically to make sure I’m still pregnant. All seems well and I have my first ultrasound next week! I haven’t been able to let myself fully feel all the emotions I am feeling because I am currently studying for my NCLEX-RN exam while working and want to be the best mom I can be to my daughter so just trying to stay as stress free and continue to be hopeful and positive throughout this pregnancy. I have a lot of support from my spouse and we have a huge support system which is nice going into this pregnancy. We shared the news with our parents who really have been amazing throughout our journey.
Married 07/2012
DD born 07/2014
DD2 born 10/2018
DS born 10/2022
IF history:
TTC #2 since January 2016
June-Aug 2017: 3 IUIs w/Clomid = BFN
Sept 2017: Dx w/Endometriosis
Oct 2017: IUI w/Letrozole = BFN
Nov 2017: IUI w/Letrozole = BFN
Dec 2017: pre-IVF testing
Jan-Feb 2018: IVF--17 eggs retrieved, 13 fertilized, 9 frozen and 1 transferred on 2/10 = BFP on 2/19!!! EDD 10/29/2018
FET Oct 2021: BFP on 10/31! MC at 5 weeks
FET Feb 2022: BFP on 2/15! EDD 10/29/22
Due date? I’m 5 weeks and 5 days so our due date is a October 22nd!
I’m a psychologist and my husband is a lawyer. We’re high school sweethearts and have been together 20 years! I enjoy roller skating, listening to music (preferably vinyl) and reading!
I haven’t had any symptoms to date. My first appointment was Friday in which they did a blood draw to confirm pregnancy and check my HCG levels which were on the lower end. I went back Monday and they tripled in 48 hours so yay!!! I’m going back today for my third and hopefully final draw.
Married 10/28/17
Our TTC Journey
Team Green turned Team Blue 10/15/18
TTC #2 January '21
BFP June '21
MMC/Blighted Ovum that led to D&C July '21
Jan '22 - started IF testing
BFP Jan '22
MMC/Blighted Ovum that led to D&C Feb '22
BFP May '22