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: Maggie Heckber
Children: Oakland (5 years), Fern (3 years), Sal (9 weeks)
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Occupation: Stay at home mom
Define motherhood in three words.
Warm, loving, unexpected
What’s a time in the last week when your heart has felt full?
Just this morning, actually. I didn’t get much sleep last night and I was tired and a little grumpy honestly. While I was breastfeeding Sal, I looked down at him and he gave me the biggest smile and it was just so heartwarming.
A day in the life?
I wake up with the kids and we just lay in bed while I feed Sal and cuddle. Once we are ready for breakfast, we go down and prepare our food together. We usually have eggs, sourdough toast and some kind of meat. After breakfast, we clean up and the kids help me with some chores, like collecting duck eggs and laundry. Once chores are finished, we do school—usually some math and reading. Then nap time! While the kids are sleeping, I get a little “me” time. After they wake up, we eat lunch and play outside until it’s time to prep dinner and welcome dad home.
First place you took your youngest other than the pediatrician’s office?
When Sal was about three weeks old we took him to the Warren Sand Dunes.
Any funny pregnancy stories?
During my first pregnancy, we took a babymoon to Portland, Oregon, and decided to visit Mount Hood. What we didn’t plan for was getting stranded in a full-blown blizzard at the top of the mountain in December. After hours of sitting in the car, I had to pee. The restrooms we found were let’s just say, not pregnancy-friendly, so my husband suggested I just go behind the building.
Well, I figured I’d find a better spot and wandered into the woods a bit. Apparently I took too long because my husband panicked. In his mind, I had fallen into a pit of snow and was lost forever. He started shouting my name and stomping around in the freezing cold, trying to find me.
Meanwhile, I’m out there just trying to finish my business without freezing my behind off. When I finally waddled back, he looked so relieved, but I could not stop laughing at the thought of him yelling my name like I was some lost hiker. Now it’s one of those stories we laugh about every time it snows—or every time I take too long in the bathroom.
Favorite piece of advice you’ve received about motherhood?
When I think about the advice I was given as a first-time mom, there was so much of it that honestly not much stuck. I was so focused on learning the rules, figuring out routines, and trying to ‘get it right.’ Now with my third child, I see things so differently. I’ve learned the rules, I know the routines—but what stands out to me most is how fast it all goes. Days turn into weeks, and suddenly, milestones that seemed so far away are here and gone.
This time around, I find myself wanting to slow down and savor the time more. It’s not about getting everything perfect but about holding onto the little moments—rocking them to sleep, hearing their giggles, or even the chaos of a busy day—because I know how quickly they’ll become memories. If I could give my younger self advice, it would be to focus less on doing everything right and more on truly being present in the fleeting beauty of it all.
Did you have home births with all of your babies? Any specific ways you prepared for your home births?
I had my first two kids in the hospital when we lived in Nashville, TN. When we moved back to Indiana three years later, we decided to have our third at home. I prepared by making sure I had a team that I really felt comfortable with. My midwife was absolutely amazing. She made me feel heard and was able to answer any questions I had. I also had a fantastic doula. She helped me prepare by making sure I was okay and comfortable throughout my laboring. I didn’t really have any products that I used during my home birth except for having a good playlist and watching Twilight (lol). If I had a tip it would be mind over matter and just breathe.
Any postpartum outfit pieces or brands you swear by?
Thank you! I’d say anything loose and comfortable! Sezane has amazing sweaters that I live in! (I think I have a theme going on here; staying comfortable)
What are three things in your new mom starter pack?
1. A good water bottle because if you’re breastfeeding you are always thirsty!
2. Solly Wrap because if your baby loves contact naps the wrap is a lifesaver. Baby can nap on the go!
3. And lastly coffee!
What Solly pieces do you have? What's on your wishlist?
I have three wraps—one is the double knit and that one has been amazing since my family likes to enjoy crisp days and I can keep baby nice and warm. I also have a Sleeper for Sal and that is buttery-soft…I love it! On my wish list: The Totepack—they are so cute!
Time for a round of rapid-fire favorites…
Indulgence: Anything chocolate!
Children’s book: Blueberries for Sal
Drink of choice: I mostly drink water but a good ginger ale hits the spot
Mama-time activity: Making myself a nice cup of coffee and getting cozy with a really good book
Motherhood-related topic you could talk about for 15 min uninterrupted: I could talk about having home births all day!
After bedtime snack: Definitely ice cream
