Watching a person you love become a mom will never not be wild to me. It could be a friend, a cousin, or an older sister. But to know someone as one person and then see them transform — physically, of course, but also emotionally — into someone new is not really something you can prepare for. It’s normal in some ways, but also kind of takes your breath away.

In honor of Mother’s Day next weekend, I’m talking to my mom and soon-to-be-mom friends, Courtney (she’s 24 weeks pregnant) and Jordan (she’s a new mom to an almost one-year-old baby girl), about their respective transitions into motherhood. We get into pregnancy, postpartum, body changes, style changes, what’s been hard, what’s been joyful, and what they actually want for Mother’s Day.

Of course, I want to preface this by saying, if you’re sensitive to conversations around pregnancy or motherhood, you might want to skip this top section. Both Courtney and Jordan are honest and real about their own blessings and challenges with pregnancy and motherhood, but if you’re not in the headspace, feel free to skip ahead — there’s more BS at the end.

Courtney and I met years ago when I got booked for a photoshoot with C Magazine, where she was a styling intern. She got to chatting with my mom, who tried to set her up with my brother lol. That didn’t work out, but Coco and I became close friends. Now, she’s pregnant and I love watching her evolve in this new chapter of her life — also, she has the coolest pregnancy style (which we talk about).

Hailee: Courtney, this is your first baby (!). How are you feeling? What’s been the most surprising thing about pregnancy so far?

Courtney: I’ve had a very enjoyable pregnancy, so I’m blessed for that. But the extreme fatigue has been pretty tough. As for what’s surprising…I wasn’t expecting to feel this much responsibility about growing a human inside me. I’m constantly researching and trying to make all the right decisions. As happy and calm as I feel, it can sometimes be an isolating and anxious time. I have found it’s important to be vulnerable with my loved ones and talk honestly about all the feelings that come with pregnancy. You are not alone.

H: I’m sure you have so many questions! Who do you call when you need support or advice?

C: My sister was the first person I called when I found out I was pregnant. I had no clue what to do next. My mom is an ICU nurse, so I text her constantly when I’m having any weird symptoms (like a neck rash, etc.). My friend, Katie, who just had her second baby, has really helped me with my baby registry, and I literally ask her 1,000 questions about pregnancy and newborns.

H: I love your pregnancy style! How have you approached getting dressed as your body changes?

C: I am fully embracing my bump peeking out of my tops and having it be an accessory. I’m 24 weeks pregnant and have only bought a few new pants, because I grew out of mine quickly. Your body changes so fast! At the moment, my go-to outfit is: comfy trousers, fitted tee, oversized blazer, and comfy flats/sandals. I constantly remind myself that I am growing a human and to be patient and embrace my new body. It’s easy to judge yourself and feel down about your changing body, but I’ve tried to stop that part of my brain from speaking too loudly and just remind myself how grateful I am for this little baby girl.

H: Love that! Have you felt emotional? What was the last thing that made you cry happy tears?

C: Whenever I think about this baby for more than two seconds, I start tearing up in the best way. It is extremely surreal knowing there is a little miracle growing inside me, that is half my husband (the love of my life). I am so grateful and can’t wait to bring her into this world.

H: What about self-care? What’s something you do for yourself every day that fills your cup?

C: My skincare routine, a walk outside (30 min. minimum) to clear my head and get some exercise, and my prenatal vitamins. Also, there is nothing like a little girls' night to fill up your cup!!!

H: What’s one thing another mom told you about pregnancy that you’re grateful to have heard?

C: “You are going to get a lot of advice, hear a lot of stories and different experiences – but remember that your journey is unique and to take everything with a grain of salt. You are doing great!”

H: It’s technically your first Mother’s Day next weekend! What do you want your day to look like?

C: I just want to spend time with my mom and mother-in-law and share gratitude for all they’ve done for me. Since it’s my first Mother’s Day…a foot massage from my husband couldn’t hurt:)

Jordan and I have also been friends for years. She’s the type of friend who will fly across the country to surprise you at a launch party. I’ve loved watching her come into her own as a mother and a person.

Hailee: I can’t believe Monroe is about to turn one! What has surprised you most about motherhood so far?

Jordan: I am an immense lover girl, always have been. But I’ve never felt a love like this one. The moment they put her on my chest, I was overwhelmed with a type of love I didn’t know existed. The simple fact that this type of love exists surprised me the most.

H: Do you have a favorite stage?

J: Walking and waving! She’s a mini human now. I love watching her explore and see where her little feet take her. It has taught me more about how her mind works and the way she sees things. Walking through the door and seeing your baby smiling, waddling towards you — it’s one of the world's greatest wonders. I feel like when she started walking, she started showing new parts of her personality and interests.

H: As an athlete, how has your relationship to fitness changed postpartum?

J: For as long as I can remember, my life has revolved around sports and fitness. When I found out I was pregnant, I also learned I was high risk and had to quit soccer, move to Buffalo, finish my master's degree online, and stop working out immediately. After giving birth, I had gallstones and had to get my gallbladder removed, so I postponed working out again. Once I was finally cleared and started exercising, I  felt this sense of peace I’d been missing. Now postpartum, I’ve never been more grateful for fitness.

H: You’ve been through so much! What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from this first year?

J: There’s never a set “wrong” or “right” answer, and mother's intuition is real. Listen. I’ve also learned to take what I see online with a grain of salt, especially with parenting tips that are not evidence-based.

H: On a lighter note, what was the last thing that made you laugh?

J: Monroe. During bath time, we play this game where I put a cloth on her head and say, “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair.” She rips it off and starts screaming and laughing. I start laughing, then crying, thinking about how the littlest things bring her so much pure joy.

H: What about self-care? What’s something you do for yourself every day that fills your cup?

J: Five minutes of stretching in the morning and before bed, and nightly gratitude texts to my dad. We started them last year, and it gives me time to reflect on the little blessings throughout the day that I may have overlooked in the moment, especially if it was a bad day. A bad day doesn’t equal a bad life!

H: What do you really want for Mother’s Day?

J: A beach day with my baby, sunflowers and roses, and cards. Words mean a lot to me, actions do too, but a heartfelt card would make me just as happy as a man on a golf trip with Tiger Woods.

Thank you, Courtney and Jordan, for sharing your stories. If anything resonated with you, let me know. I’d love to dig deeper into some of these topics in future issues. Now onto some more BS…

TO WATCH: Will & Harper. It shows a softer, but still very funny, side of Will Ferrell.

TO READ: If you’ve ever asked, How do I trust myself? This advice column gets to the root of it. 

TO TRY: I’m obsessed with this mascara. Comes in black and brown.

TO SHOP: Wear-around shorts. Love the navy terrycloth.

TO REMEMBER: “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” -Wayne Dyer

Love, 

Hailee (Beau)

Highlighting your comments on the previous week’s issue. Today, we hear Josie’s response to Watcha reading?.

“Thank you so much for sharing what you have been reading! I’m currently three weeks away from finishing my first year of college, and it’s been so nice out, my friends and I have been reading outside on the hammocks around campus. It’s such a nice way to escape reality for a few hours! We’re planning to rotate our books once we’re all finished. Hope everyone has an amazing day!” -Josie