Full Heart with Alana Yuskin

Our favorite thing about Solly Baby is you—the community of moms and dads doing the beautiful, messy, important work of raising little ones. In our weekly Full Heart Series, we’re sharing stories from our Solly Community that resonate, inspire, and remind us we’re never alone. Join us as we savor these everyday moments that leave our hearts full.

Let’s start with a quick introduction. Tell us the facts.

Name: Alana Yuskin
Children: Perry (4-months-old)
Location: Tustin, California 
Occupation: Pilot 

What’s a time in the last week when your heart has felt full?
When he started to laugh! I try to make the silliest noises and he finds it so funny. It makes me melt.

A memorable outing with your son?
We took Perry on his first road trip to Utah for our annual ski trip! I was super nervous for the drive but he did so well. It feels really special taking him to a place my husband and I have been going to for years, and now we get to enjoy it even more with our son!

What is your favorite thing about your Solly Wrap?
It is SO SOFT and anytime my baby gets fussy, he’s down for a nap in about five minutes when I put him in it. It’s also so compact. I can take it with me anywhere I go! 

What’s something about motherhood that has surprised you?
The fact that you can be up with your baby all night and still have the energy to be up during the day. I swear we develop some type of superpower after having a baby that gives us the energy to keep going.  

When do you feel at your best as a mom?
When we can get out of the house! I started going on walks at the beach with Perry. He’s been known to have fomo and doesn’t typically take long naps, but when we started getting out for walks, he sleeps as long as I’m walking! Getting movement helps me mentally, too. 

What would you do with an extra hour in the day (other than sleep)?
Read! I have a list of books I want to read this year but it’s a little challenging with a newborn. I’d also like to finish the blanket I started to knit when I was pregnant with Perry. 

Where was the first place you took your baby (other than the pediatrician’s office)?
Our first outing was to a Christmas tree farm to cut down Perry’s first tree! It was so fun picking out the “perfect” tree. We ended up not having the energy to decorate it, but it’s the thought that counts right?! 

First thing you ate after giving birth?
SUSHI. I think it was 30 minutes after delivering and my husband knew how hungry I was because I had a 30-hour labor and got my epidural maybe halfway through. So I devoured those rolls, haha. 

What’s something about motherhood that you wish people talked about more?
It’s hard to admit when you need help. As a mother, I wanted to be able to do it all. When my husband went back to work as a pilot, he’d be gone for four days at a time and I would try to take care of Perry, our dogs, and our house—but the one thing I wasn’t doing was taking care of me. That’s when I reached out to my family, and it’s been a game-changer. It seriously takes a village. 

What has the fourth trimester been like for you? 
I’ve had really good days and some really bad days. Luckily I have an amazing support system. My best friend also had her baby 10 days after me, so we try to get together as often as we can! I’m learning so much and sometimes it can be overwhelming, but it’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. 

Favorite piece of advice you’ve received about motherhood?
Everyone’s experiences are SO wildly different. It’s easy to compare yourself to other moms and babies. It’s especially easy to do that with social media being at our fingertips. When I start to compare myself, I put my phone away and try to focus on the positive. I’m so lucky and have a really good support system. You’re doing the best you possibly can, and that is good enough!! 

What Solly pieces(s) do you have? What’s on your wishlist?
I have two wraps! My wishlist has a crib sheet and a sleeper on it!

How about a round of rapid-fire favorites…

Indulgence: A bath—but not just any bath…one with five candles lit, epsom salts or a bath bomb, and incense burning. I know, it sounds insane, but I love romanticizing bath time for me.
Podcast: Huberman Lab! I learn so much listening to him. I also listen to Hot Mess because…duh?! 
Children’s book: The Hungry Caterpillar 
Mama-time activity: Scrapbooking or getting on my reformer for some movement! 
After bedtime snack: At the moment…chocolate-covered cherries!