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: Holly Lindwall
Children: 2 girls (4 years old and almost 2 years old) + baby due in May!
Location: Temecula, CA
Occupation: Stay at home mom
Pets: A lazy, sweet old Golden Retriever named Ruby!
When did you get connected with Solly?
I first found out about Solly when I became pregnant with my daughter in 2019. I received one as a gift and so began my journey!
What’s a time in the last week when your heart has felt full?
Watching my daughters step into friendship more and more everyday has been the sweetest gift. Yesterday I heard them giggling and I peeked into the room and saw them sitting together tucked into the reading chair. My older daughter was reading so tenderly to her little sister. They didn't see me, but the way I saw them look at each other—my heart could have burst on the spot! I never had a sister and have always dreamt of this type of bond for my girls, so to catch that magic little moment was something I will treasure forever.
What is your favorite thing about your Solly Wrap?
I completely love that it allows me to never miss a moment. I feel like my Solly Wrap allowed me to really see my toddler and engage with what she was doing, all while still soaking up those newborn cuddles from that tiny baby who needed me so intimately. My second daughter was actually given the nickname "Bug" from her love of the Solly Wrap! She would curl up like a tiny bug in the wrap and sleep so soundly on my chest. We still call her that to this day!
What’s your favorite time of day with your little one?
I really cherish our moments before bedtime. We all pile up and read stories, dream up wild wonderful imaginations, talk about what we are thankful for, share what's on our hearts, and pray for a night of peaceful sleep. Seeing them drift off into that peace is such a beautiful thing and I feel like I can see them even clearer as they lay still and I can reflect on our day and the difficult, ordinary, precious moments we had.
What do you consider a mother’s most important role?
I believe that helping my children see the wonderful and precious individuals that they were created to be is such an important role in motherhood. They were each created so uniquely, and guiding them to see their worth and showing them how it feels to have someone see you, know you and love you is something that I hope will translate into how they see others and the world. I pray that they one day have eyes to see the uniqueness in the friends they meet at school, the beauty in the earth and can love the people and moments they meet in life so honestly and tenderly.
How do you define your role as a mother?
As a mother I hope to be their safe place, their biggest fan, a listening ear, and an example of what it means to live in grace and to love others.
What about motherhood has surprised you?
I was surprised at how reflective motherhood has been. Having children really is like having tiny little mirrors following you around all day. Showing you pieces of yourself that you are proud of and some that you realize you need to work on. I think especially having little girls has been a chance to remember myself as a little girl and think about my childhood and what I wish was said to me or what was said to me that I still hold onto today. My girls are absolutely their own people, but they do show me a reflection of myself and sometimes what is going on inside of me. It feels like each phase of their growth is an opportunity to heal, grow, and see myself and them in a new light.
What’s something you loved to do before baby that you still do or would like to start up again (eventually)?
Before I had my girls I really loved to sing! I still sing these days and love it just as much, but it looks a bit different and my genre of music has changed some, haha! One day I would love to sing just for me again.
Favorite piece of advice you’ve received about motherhood?
My dear friend Bria once said:
"Remember, our daily grind is their childhood. While we're knee-deep in laundry, they're reveling in the magical fort made from unfolded clothes. Our cluttered living room is their grand adventure. So here's to embracing the chaos, and remembering that our 'grind' is the backdrop of their beautiful memories. May we treat it as tenderly and as full of magic as we can."
Those words ring in my head so often and truly give me vision for my motivation as a mother. Such perspective.
Words of wisdom would you share with other moms?
Remember that as much as your little ones are growing, you are growing, too! We're not just raising children, we're raising ourselves as mothers, as women, as humans. Lean into the same grace that you give to your children and be proud of yourself along the way.
What are three things in your motherhood starter pack?
Grace for yourself, a Haaka breast pump, and a secret candy stash!
What Solly pieces(s) do you have? What's on your wishlist?
I have a Wrap in Spelt and would love another in a Liberty print!
How about a round of rapid-fire favorites…
Indulgence: A good TV series to binge and sour candy
Podcast: I'm actually more of an audiobook gal! Currently in my Fantasy Era
Children's Book: The Chirri and Chirra books by Kaya Doi
Mama-time activity: You can find me in a giant bathtub listening to The Poor Clares of Arundel
Person to follow on social: @lorepemberton to be inspired & @itskatesteinberg for a laugh
After bedtime snack: Ice cream!
Want to share your story in an upcoming Full Heart feature? Email aly@sollybaby.com with your name and location. We'd love to hear from you!
