Raising A Glass & Two Kids: Brie Garcia’s Honest Take on Motherhood
Hey mama,
We are diving into the beautiful chaos of transitioning from being a mom of one to a mom of two. This week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Brie Garcia, a former professional wrestler, reality TV star, winemaker, and podcast host. Brie shares her raw and real experience of making this transition, filled with invaluable advice.
Did You Always Know You Wanted More Than One Child?
Brie candidly admits, "Honestly, I thought I’d only have one. I’ve always wanted to be a mother, but with my busy lifestyle, I thought all I could handle was one child." It wasn't until Birdie, her firstborn, turned one that Brie started daydreaming about a second child. Reflecting on her own sibling relationship, especially with her twin Nikki, she realized how special it would be for Birdie to have a sibling. "Being a twin, I really don’t know what it’s like to be alone; I’ve always had Nikki by my side since the womb. The moment Bryan and I decided that Birdie needed a sibling was really special. It’s something we planned together as a couple," she shared.
The Biggest Adjustment: Balancing Everyone’s Schedules
Transitioning from one to two kids is no small feat, and Brie’s biggest challenge was balancing everyone’s schedules. "I was so exhausted trying to give everyone one-on-one time. My doula told me to put my self-care in that schedule, and I thought, no way, there’s no time." However, Brie soon realized the importance of asking for help. She started with her little Bird, then 3 1/2 years old. "I told her I needed her to help me with diapers, burping, cleaning the nursery—the list goes on. She loved helping me!" Brie also highlighted the importance of sharing tasks with her husband, Bryan. "He would create Daddy-Daughter dates so I could have guilt-free rests with Buddy. Life with two became a whole lot easier when I finally asked for the help I needed."
The Easiest Part of Transitioning to Two
Despite the challenges, some aspects of the transition were smoother for Brie. "Definitely knowing everything from the time you get home from the hospital—the sounds, the cries, a schedule for an infant, breastfeeding, and even the peace of mind that your baby is breathing through the night. I was a nervous first-time mom. Now I was a confident mom."
The Best Advice for Parents of Two
Brie received a gem of advice that she swears by: "You won’t parent your kids the same. They will have different needs, different personalities, they will handle situations differently, and they will need your love differently. Honestly, it couldn’t be more true."
Additional Advice for Moms-to-Be
One of the biggest fears for moms transitioning to a second child is whether they will love their second baby as much as their first. Brie reassures, "You definitely will. You will hold that baby when it’s born and feel everything you felt holding your firstborn. I’ll always remember the first time Birdie met Buddy, it was beautiful!"
Transitioning from one to two children is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. Brie Garcia’s experience is a testament to the strength and adaptability of mothers everywhere. Remember, it's okay to ask for help, take time for yourself, and embrace the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
Here for you,
Follow Brie on IG: @BRIE
Enjoy her wine: BONITA BONITA WINE
Listen To Her Podcast: The Nikki and Brie Show
