Hayley Erbert, the talented dancer and former star of *Dancing with the Stars*, is opening up about the profound and often contradictory nature of motherhood following the birth of her daughter, Everley. Sharing her thoughts in an emotional Instagram post, Erbert reflects on the beautiful yet complex journey that comes with being a new parent, revealing how she fully embraces the dualities that motherhood brings.
A Mother’s Reflection
In a touching series of photos posted on Instagram, Erbert, 31, can be seen enjoying precious moments with her little girl on a sunlit blanket outdoors. The images are accompanied by a heartfelt caption that encapsulates her feelings about motherhood. “My love. My girl. My world,” she begins, before diving into the emotional whirlwind of being a mother.
“Motherhood is even more complex and contradicting than I could have ever imagined,” she writes. “It feels like living in two places at once, where joy and heartache can both be true, all of the time.” Erbert expresses the bittersweet emotions she experiences as she celebrates each milestone while simultaneously mourning the fleeting moments of her daughter’s early life.
The Beautiful Dichotomy
Erbert continues, describing motherhood as the ultimate paradox: “I find myself celebrating every little bit of your growth, while quietly grieving the version of you that existed just moments before.” Her musings capture the delicate balance of wanting time to stand still while also eagerly anticipating the future.
“I’m welcoming the dichotomy of motherhood with open arms,” she asserts, as she navigates the highs and lows of raising Everley, who was born in December. “Soaking in every little detail, every version of you, every fleeting moment we have together,” she concludes, with a sentiment that resonates deeply with many parents.
Derek Hough, Erbert’s husband and a fellow *Dancing with the Stars* alum, expressed his admiration for both his wife and daughter in the comments section, referring to them endearingly as “My girls.”
Overcoming Life’s Challenges
Erbert’s journey to motherhood has not been without its challenges. Just two years prior, she underwent emergency brain surgery after a burst blood vessel during a tour. This life-altering event occurred just four months after the couple married, a time that was filled with uncertainty and fear.
Reflecting on her health scare, Erbert shared her gratitude for her recovery on social media, stating, “I was given a second chance at life through life-saving brain surgery.” She describes the emotional journey as one of rediscovery, stating that she has experienced a range of emotions that have ultimately shaped her into the person she is today.
A New Chapter
The couple announced their pregnancy in July 2025 with a joyous social media reveal featuring their sonogram. “We can’t believe the biggest thing to happen to us could be so small,” they shared, highlighting the excitement of their expanding family.
As they navigate this new chapter in their lives, both Erbert and Hough continue to support one another, celebrating the milestones while reflecting on the challenges they’ve overcome together.
Why it Matters
Erbert’s candid reflections on motherhood resonate with many, as they highlight the universal experience of balancing joy and sorrow, growth and loss. Her story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the profound love that can emerge from life’s challenges. In an age where the pressures of parenthood can often feel overwhelming, her openness about the complexities of raising a child is both refreshing and encouraging, fostering a sense of connection among parents everywhere.