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: Tiernee Agricola
Children: Millie (2 years), Hank (14 weeks)
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Occupation: Stay at home mom
What’s a time in the last week when your heart has felt full?
Nothing makes my heart happier than watching my little ones bond. From the moment my son was born, my daughter has been the sweetest and most loving big sis. She loves taking care of him, and he finds her hilarious!
Tell us about your journey to motherhood.
My journey to motherhood was anything but easy. It took us a few years of infertility, loss, and failed IVF cycles before we brought each of our babies into the world. It was physically and mentally the hardest thing I've ever experienced, but I'd do it a 100x over for them. I feel incredibly fortunate to be a mama and share our infertility story openly, hoping it helps other women in the same season feel less alone.
Would you mind sharing more about your experience with IVF?
After just a few months of negative pregnancy tests, I had a strong feeling that something wasn’t right. It’s hard to explain, but my intuition was strong. However, as anyone facing infertility knows, doctors ask you to try for at least a year before exploring further options. So, we waited, and after one year, we began testing. Our diagnosis was complicated, but there was one potential solution – fertility treatments. We were hopeful that IUI would work for us. We tried three cycles, and though the final attempt was successful, we lost the pregnancy.
We then moved on to IVF and were incredibly fortunate that my first transfer worked. Nine months later, we welcomed our miracle baby, Miller.
Before Miller’s first birthday, we decided to try for a second baby. I kept reassuring myself, “It’ll be so much easier this time.” But I couldn’t have been more wrong. I went through three failed IVF transfers, another egg retrieval, countless tests and procedures, and a pregnancy loss before finally welcoming our sweet baby, Hank.
There were moments during our infertility journey when I seriously questioned whether I was worthy of motherhood. I’m so thankful we never give up.
Any thoughts on how loved ones can provide support and encouragement to mamas struggling with fertility?
Make sure to check in! Even if you’re worried about saying the wrong thing, it’s always better to say something than nothing at all. A simple example to start the conversation could be, “I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you. Is there anything I can do?”
If you’re able, small gestures like front porch drop-offs meant so much to me. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate—waking up to coffee, a little treat, or an encouraging note made me feel so seen and supported.
Lastly, and arguably most important, please avoid offering advice. No one in a difficult season of infertility wants to hear things like “everything happens for a reason” or “it’ll happen when it’s supposed to.” Even though these things are said with the best intentions, I’d rather just know that you’re here to listen.
How did you choose names for your babies?
Our oldest, Miller Catherine, is named after two of her great-great-grandmothers. As for our youngest, Henry Boone (who goes by Hank), his name doesn’t have any family significance—we’ve just always loved the name Hank!
Favorite piece of advice you’ve received about motherhood?
Your motherhood and their childhood are intertwined, and both deserve to be magical.
When do you feel at your best as a mom?
I'm the best mom for them when I'm the best version of me. For me, that means taking care of myself—getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, moving my body, and doing things that make me happy outside of being a mama.
First place you took your baby?
My first: on a walk around our neighborhood to my favorite coffee shop down the street. It was the most beautiful spring morning and it just felt like magic. My second: to Costco on a Saturday morning. It was memorable in its own way, ha.
What would you do with an extra hour in the day (other than sleep)?
Something that makes me feel creative! Probably learn to garden or sew.
Favorite thing about your Solly Wrap?
The snuggles. As a second-time mom, I now know how quickly this stage passes, so I'm soaking up every single second of cuddles.
First thing you ate after giving birth?
Pub Sub…if you know you know!
Three things in your motherhood starter pack:
- Iced coffee
- A good baby carrier
- A baseball cap
What Solly pieces(s) do you have? What’s on your wishlist?
I have two Solly Wraps, a Nursing Cover, a Sleeper, and a Crib Sheet. I just got the wrap in Bleu Toile and the print is darling! On my wishlist: a Bleu Toile Solly Dolly for my daughter—she would love to match!
Time for a round of rapid-fire favorites…
Indulgence: A corndog and cherry limeade from Sonic
Podcast: Kindred Conversations
Children’s book: Good Morning World, I Love You So by Olivia Herrick
Mama-time activity: Exercising or thrifting
After bedtime snack: Yogurt with berries, granola, and some chocolate chips
