Becoming a Mother Again

One step, one breath, one day at a time.

Becoming a mom for the second time is such a unique experience—it’s both familiar and completely new all at once. I thought I knew what to expect this time around, and in many ways, I did. But the reality of juggling a newborn and a three-year-old has been a whole new kind of beautiful chaos (emphasis on the chaos 🙃).

💕 The Newborn Bubble (Round Two)

Our sweet girl, Ellie, is now six weeks old. I’ve truly soaked in the newborn bubble this time—the sleepy snuggles, the little coos, the smell of her tiny head. It’s been softer and calmer than my first postpartum experience, and I’m so grateful for that.

But even with that peace, this chapter has brought its own challenges. The biggest one? Navigating life with a “Three-nager.”

👦 The Toddler + Newborn Combo

No one can fully prepare you for handling a toddler and a newborn at the same time. My son absolutely adores his baby sister—he gives her kisses, helps grab diapers, and proudly tells everyone, “That’s my baby!”

But he’s also three. Which means we’re deep in the “big emotions over small things” phase. Add the change of a new sibling into the mix, and it’s a recipe for high highs and low lows—both for him and for me.

Some days feel like pure magic, like we’re finding our rhythm as a family of four. Other days, I’m running on caffeine, tears, and leftover toddler snacks.

And that’s okay. That’s motherhood.

🧘‍♀️ Moving My Body Again

This weekend, I started my Pilates workouts again for the first time since before giving birth—and wow, it feels good to be back.

I’m taking it slow, focusing on rehabbing my pelvic floor and rebuilding my core strength. The goal isn’t to “get my body back.” It’s to feel strong and connected again, one movement at a time.

Even after years of teaching Pilates, postpartum recovery has humbled me. It’s a reminder that strength isn’t about perfection or performance—it’s about patience, consistency, and grace.

⚖️ The Weight, the Recovery, the Grace

I gained 60 pounds during this pregnancy—10 more than with my first. But honestly? I’m not stressing about it.

This time, I’m taking a gentler approach. My body created and delivered a human being again. It’s been stretched, reshaped, and worked overtime. The least I can do is give it the compassion it deserves.

I know the strength, tone, and confidence will come back in time. Right now, my focus is rest, nourishment, and enjoying this season for what it is—fleeting, messy, beautiful, and raw.

💗 Final Thoughts: Grace Over Perfection

Every day feels different. There are moments when I feel deeply proud, and others when I feel like I’m barely holding it together.

But every day, I remind myself: I’m doing my best.

Motherhood isn’t about getting it all right—it’s about showing up with love, even when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or unsure.

So to every mama in the thick of it—whether it’s your first, second, or fifth time around—know that you’re not alone. We’re all just figuring it out together, one step (and one Pilates session) at a time.