Happy + healthy + getting pregnant

Start where you are."A grand adventure is about to begin." Thus spoke Winnie the Pooh. And girl, we promise you, that isn't the last time you'll be quoting children's cartoon characters in the years to come. (What's up, Paw Patrol? ) It feels really good to take small, practical steps toward becoming a parent, like discussing 10 key questions with your partner, eating well to boost your fertility and getting your financial house in order. You responsible adult, you!XO, Diana + TeamMotherlyP.S. Responsible adults stay hydrated, and hydrated adults have healthy amounts of cervical mucus?. We dig S'well water bottles—the stainless-steel containers are chic + fertility-friendly (no BPA!).

Getting pregnant can be hard, so if you're in need of a little reminder of all the wonder to come, here are our favorite things about babies.XO, TeamMotherly

Find the silver lining. Mind if we take a moment to tell you about why we're here? We created Motherly because motherhood is hard—and beautiful!—and when we were dealing with ovulation signs, morning sickness and first-time momlife, we found ourselves wishing we had a community of women who just got it. So we created Motherly from nothing more than a twinkle in our eyes. Women are powerful creators. (In fact, we're sort of the original 3D printers. Get it?) Wishing you inspiration and confidence for whatever you're creating this week. We're so glad you're here. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Have you created a budget for baby? We've got a printable guide to that cash money .

“You are in charge of how you react to the people and events in your life." Get it, girl. The journey to motherhood is all about taking ownership of what you can control, and having confidence and trust in the rest. So much of motherhood is making peace with what is out of your hands. Deep breaths, mama. You've got this. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Check out the products that Motherly's mamas used to conceive.

Cupcakes are muffins that believed in miracles. By now you've probably figured out that getting pregnant, much like motherhood, is a journey. A journey that requires faith (in an invisible process that unfolds right below your belly button), hope (come on, baby!) and so much love. And honestly? Stress cupcakes. Absolute requirement. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. We're not saying you should FedEx Georgetown Cupcake's world-famous treats to your house, but we're not not saying you shouldn't, either.

She who is brave is free. How's your partner handling the TTC process? Is he loving all the action—or stressing about his fertility? We checked in on common men's fears when trying to get pregnant. Long story short: He wants to know if his boys can swim, if you're happy and healthy, and how he's going to afford all those diapers. Your job? Remind him that these worries are so normal, and that you're in this together. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. These are the 10 questions you should discuss as a couple before getting pregnant. We asked the experts, rounded up their answers and even put them into a printable format to bring to your next date night. If only we could answer them for you, too...

So, what's the wackiest thing you've done while trying to make a baby? Held your legs up for 30 minutes post-sex? (Us too.) Squeezed in a quickie while your other kids watched Wonder Pets? (Guilty.) Run home between work meetings for a little afternoon delight? (Sames.) Gone for it in your childhood bedroom because you were ovulating while staying at your parents' house? (We're not judging.) Who knew creating human life could be so weird and wonderful? XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Make sure you're using sperm-friendly lube when you're getting down to baby town. We've successfully conceived using Pre-Seed—now with antioxidant support to keep those sperm nourished for their big journey.

You've got this. It's so tempting to play the comparison game when TTC: She got pregnant right away, she needed to see a fertility specialist and can you believe that SHE'S having a kid? Pro tip from the team at Motherly: Every woman is different, so don't waste time comparing your experience to someone else's. Some women have awful morning sickness, while others barely notice they're pregnant the whole first trimester. Some rock maternity jeggings like pregnant glamazons, and some off us swear off pants until our kids are in kindergarten (long live maxi skirts ♀️). You do you, mama. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Motherly is a judgment-free zone. We think you're amazing just the way you are.

Her return has reignited a familiar conversation about the impossible expectations placed on women in leadership.

In her viral video, TikTok user @makenzie.athome shares the creative system she’s developed to teach her four and six-year-old children about finances.

I'm not telling you it's going to be easy, I'm telling you…

I'm not telling you it's going to be easy, I'm telling you…

I'm not telling you it's going to be easy, I'm telling you…

My house isn't messy. It's custom designed by a toddler. What goes up must come down. All that laundry you folded? Your toddler prefers it on the ground. That amazing organic homemade baby lunch you made? Your little one wants to see how it looks on the kitchen floor. Motherhood humbles you. But that's also when you learn that the simple things are all that really matter—and that less is so much more. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Baby this week: You might have noticed that your little one's favorite game is "drop it on the floor." It's annoying—but it's a great sign that your little scientist is aiming to understand his world. Try this: Encourage the behavior (at least anytime other than meal time!). Baby will feel confident and supported by you.

I'm not telling you it's going to be easy, I'm telling you…

Strive for progress, not perfection. Manage those #moneygoals. (Damn you, student loans.) Reconnect with your partner. And make way for baby—you only need a tiny space, promise! The good news about becoming a mom is you can take it one adorable, tiny step at a time. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Did you have a pre-conception checkup yet? We've got the 10 questions to ask your OB-GYN or midwife before you conceive. Print our list, ask away and then get busy.