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 Full Heart Series, we share stories from real parents in our Solly Community that resonate, inspire, and remind us we're never alone.
Let's start with a quick introduction. Tell us the facts.
Name: Samantha Vanderpool
Children: Henry (6 years), William (4 years), George (1 month)
Location: Delray Beach, FL
Occupation: Content creator
What’s a time in the last week when your heart has felt full?
It’s a holiday week and having all my kids home and husband means the world!
You’ve introduced two big sibs to new babies at this point. What are some things you did to help with the transition?
- Involve them: I let Henry and William help with simple tasks like picking an item for George or holding a diaper. It makes them feel important and connected. Also, I let them hold George, which makes them feel so proud and big.
- Celebrate them: Give them big sibling shirts or a small gift to mark their new role and make the transition exciting. I made "Big Brother" and "Bigger Brother" bags filled with a few small treats and toys (less than $10 each!), so it doesn't have to be an expensive gift.
RELATED: How to Help Big Siblings Adjust to a New Baby
What’s your feeding journey been like?
I formula-fed Henry and William, which was the best choice for us at the time, but with George, I’ve found I’m in a better mental space to manage exclusively pumping. It’s been a different experience, and I feel so grateful for this journey!
Favorite memory in your Solly Wrap?
My first Solly Wrap was pink and wearing my first son in it made me feel like a mom who could still have her girly moments!
Something about motherhood that has surprised you?
How much joy can be found in the little, everyday moments. I never expected how much I’d learn about myself through raising my kids—they teach me as much as I teach them.
Define motherhood in five words or less.
Love, sacrifice, growth, chaos, joy.
When do you feel at your best as a mom?
When I’m fully present, sharing laughter with my kids, and seeing them happy, loved, and thriving in the little moments of everyday life.
Walk us through a day in your life.
Wake up, get the kids ready and dropped off at school. I spend the day working and caring for my newborn, then pick the older kids up from school. Evenings are filled with sports, dinner as a family, and ending the day with bedtime routines.
You magically get an extra hour in your day. How do you spend it?
Enjoying uninterrupted quality time with my family!
First thing you ate after giving birth?
Sushi
What Solly pieces do you have? What's on your wishlist?
Lots of wraps! On my wishlist: Sleepers (always)
Time for a round of rapid-fire favorites…
Indulgence: Chocolate-covered strawberries
Children’s book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Drink of choice: Iced caramel latte
Mama-time activity: Scrolling IG and TikTok
Motherhood-related topic you could talk about for 15 min uninterrupted: Sibling dynamics
After bedtime snack: Milkshake
