Planning for magic

One mom’s journey of turning a failed engagement into her own true love story.

Being a sleepy girl with a busy life is hard. Sleep when the baby sleeps, they say. Well, are you lying down? Because now your sleepy little baby now has distinct periods of activity and rest, and may even react to loud sounds like your dog barking or fave workout music playing. (AWWW! ?) You may also be noticing your own body changing—stretch marks, weight gain and slightly swollen hands and feet. So take the break that you deserve from all this human-growing work, and schedule a Babymoon for the next 10 weeks. Rest and recharge, lady. Your baby will be here before you know it. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Worried about COVID? Here's everything we know so far.

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...

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

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would cancel nearly $1 billion in funding for two federal programs.

Rhimes helped adjust Pompeo’s schedule so she only needed to film one day a week after becoming a mom.

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.

The Chicago-based photographer and soon-to-be mom dropped this truth bomb while sharing what she's learned from the ultimate village-builder in her life—her mother.

“I pay my daughter to take naps. Not the baby, the toddler. And before you judge me, this s**t works.”

As the brushes spin and water cascades down the windows, his expression shifts from curiosity to awe to sheer delight.

The gates pose a risk because a child’s torso can fit through the opening between the gate and the floor.