Full Heart with Aubrey Ways

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 Full Heart, a new weekly Solly Series, we'll be chatting with community members and sharing stories that resonate, inspire, and remind us we're never alone. Join us in savoring these everyday moments that leave our hearts full.

Let's start with a quick introduction. Tell us the facts.
Name: Aubrey Ways
Children: Willow, 10 months
Location: Chicago, IL
Pets: Two dogs: Luna (Ridgeback / Weimaraner mix) and Maggie (Yorkie)
Joined the Solly family in: 2023

What’s a time in the last week when your heart has felt full?
Willow has started giving kisses and was giving them to me unprompted when I got her up from her nap. Truly the sweetest feeling to receive her love back.

What is your favorite thing about your Solly Wrap?
How easy it makes contact napping, being out and about with a new baby, and how it gave me my hands back! They’re also so fun to style and make a great statement accessory.

Tell us more! What’s your favorite way to style your wrap?
I love styling it with jeans/trousers + an oversized blazer or cardigan! My favorite outfit is probably an all black look with the Retro Black Chequer Wrap because it’s such a statement accessory.

What’s your favorite time of day with your little one?
Our morning nursing session. It’s usually still dark out so it feels like just the two of us. It’s so peaceful and I know our time together like this won’t last forever, so I’m soaking up each one!

What do you consider a mother’s most important role?
Loving on your baby in the best way you know how!

What about motherhood has surprised you?
How different every baby is!

When do you feel at your best as a mom?
After 7-8 hours of sleep, post skincare with no plans but to be with my little family.

Walk us through a typical day in your life.

6 am | I wake up and get ready for the day
6:30 am | Willow wakes up and nurses
7 am | Morning playtime and breakfast
8:30 am | I nurse Willow, then put her down for a nap
10 am | Our nanny arrives. I manage a sales team so I work while Willow is with the nanny
10 am-12:30 pm | Willow wakes up from her nap and eats lunch
1:30 pm | I nurse Willow and put her down for a nap
3:30-4 pm | Willow wakes up from her nap, the nanny leaves, and I do some end of day admin while Willow plays (Miss Rachel helps keep her occupied)
5:15-6:30 pm | Willow eats dinner, takes a bath, nurses, and goes down to bed
7:00 pm | Hubby and I eat dinner, I do some more work, and then we unwind from the day
10:00 pm | Bedtime

What would you do with an extra hour in the day (other than sleep)?
Create content. Life can be so busy that this often gets pushed to the side even though it is my favorite creative outlet.

Where was the first place you took your baby (other than the pediatrician’s office)?
To get mama a margarita and some queso!

What’s something you loved to do before baby that you still do or would like to start up again (eventually)?
Eating and drinking around Chicago. Willow does great, but mom and dad are exhausted these days and often opt for a nap or relaxation on the weekend.

We’re always looking for fun restaurant recs! Favorite spots in Chicago?
There are truly too many, but The Dearborn (brunch and espresso martinis), Cindy’s (drinks and views), Ramen San (ramen and buns 22/10!), or Il Porcellino (amazing Italian and vibes).

Words of wisdom would you share with other moms?
You’re doing amazing. Just because you don’t feel good enough or like you’re not doing enough doesn’t make it true. Give yourself some grace!

What are three things in your motherhood starter pack?
Iced coffee, matching comfy sets, hot mom walks

What Solly pieces(s) do you have? What's on your wishlist?
The Iconic Pink Wrap + Swaddle, Stormy Houndstooth Wrap, Retro Black Chequer Wrap and Sleeper, Driftwood Stripe Wrap, Wildflower Sleeper, Swaddle and Wrap. I am loving the Happy Days and Good Vibes prints with Karrie Locher—the Sleeper and Crib Sheets are on my list!