Welcome to The Little Journal (and to the beginning of something I care deeply about)

Hi, I’m Melissa—occupational therapist, mom of three, breakfast enthusiast, and the founder of The Littles Society.

If you had told me years ago—while sitting on living room floors in early intervention sessions, surrounded by toys, burp cloths, and very tired parents—that I’d one day create a space like this, I probably would not have believed you… but I wouldn’t have realized just how much it would come from the heart.

Because this isn’t just a business.

It’s something I couldn’t not create.

How This All Started

For years, I’ve worked as a pediatric occupational therapist, supporting babies and families in some of the earliest stages of life. I’ve seen a lot—developmental concerns, feeding challenges, sleep struggles—but what stood out to me the most wasn’t just what babies needed.

It was what mothers needed.

Support. Reassurance. Someone to say, “this is normal.”

Someone to say, “you’re doing a good job.”

And often… that piece was missing.

Appointments are short. Questions come up later. Google gets overwhelming (and slightly terrifying). And somewhere in the middle of it all, moms are left trying to piece everything together on their own.

Then I became a mom myself. And let me tell you—nothing humbles you quite like a newborn at 2 a.m. when you’re Googling something like, “Is it normal for my baby to make this sound?” for the 14th time.

Even with my background, there were moments I felt unsure. Overwhelmed. Like I was supposed to have it all figured out… but didn’t.

And I kept thinking: How is anyone supposed to navigate this without support?

Why I Created The Littles Society

The Littles Society was created to fill a gap that so many moms experience—but rarely talk about. The space between doctor’s visits, late-night questions, “Is this normal?” moments, and the quiet emotional weight of becoming a mother.

I wanted to create something that felt different. Not clinical. Not overwhelming. Not another place telling you what you should be doing. But a space that feels calm

supportive, thoughtful, and real. A place where you can learn, ask questions, connect with other moms, and maybe even exhale a little.

Because motherhood isn’t meant to be done alone.

What I Want This to Be

I want The Littles Society—and this journal—to reach as many moms as possible. Because the gaps in maternal support are real, and they matter. Moms deserve more guidance, more connection, more reassurance, and more spaces where they feel understood.

If you’re in the newborn stage, in the thick of figuring things out, or somewhere in that first year wondering if what you’re experiencing is normal…

You’re exactly who this was created for.

A Little Bit About Me (Outside of Motherhood + Work)

The Zahradka crew! Drew (my husband), Penelope (5), Mateo (3), and our newest addition Romeo.

I was born and raised in Long Island, New York, and made my way down to Wake Forest, North Carolina in 2021 with my husband Drew and our three kids. We’ve fallen in love with life here—the community, the pace, the beauty of everyday moments.

I love slow mornings, baking something sweet, trying a new coffee shop, and spending time with family and friends.

And yes—breakfast is, without question, the best meal of the day.

I Can’t Wait to Meet You

Whether you’re reading this at 2 a.m., during a contact nap, or with a reheated cup of coffee in hand—I’m so glad you’re here.

This is just the beginning.

I can’t wait to meet more moms in our community, hear your stories, support you in this season, and build something that truly makes a difference in how motherhood is experienced.

Because you shouldn’t have to figure this out alone. And you don’t have to.

This is your journey, with our support.

—Melissa