Quote from Oladosun Joshua Segun on April 11, 2026, 9:52 AM

The highs and lows of parenthood are discussed by Hayley Erbert. The Dancing With the Stars alum described the wide range of emotions she has gone through since giving birth, three months after she and husband Derek Hough had their first child together, a daughter called Everley.

“Motherhood is even more complex and contradicting than I could have ever imagined,” on April 10, Hayley posted on Instagram. “It feels like living in two places at once. Where joy and heartache can both be true, all of the time.”

She went on to say, “My heart is constantly bursting open, while also breaking into a million pieces.”

Hayley, who married Derek in 2023, also spoke directly to Everley, stressing that she is "quietly grieving the version of you that existed just moments before" while appreciating "every little bit" of her development.

“So excited for all the ‘firsts and the life ahead of you/us yet wishing I could freeze time and never have any ‘lasts,’” the 31-year-old added. “It’s the most beautiful contradiction. This pulls between holding on and letting go, between wanting time to slow down and knowing it never will.”

Hayley made a vow to her daughter, whom she referred to as "my world," despite the conflict in her feelings.

“If this is the dichotomy of motherhood, then I’ll try my best to meet it with open arms,” she revealed. “Soaking in every little detail, every version of you, every fleeting moment we have together.”

Hayley came to the conclusion, “I love being your mom. I love you beyond, Everley. I have truly never felt a love like this.”

Derek, for his part, also expressed his emotions by posting "My girls" in the comments area along with a heart and sobbing emoji.

Naturally, the Dancing With the Stars judge is encouraging Hayley at home in addition to on social media.

“I tell her every day, ‘You're amazing. You were meant for this. You're such a great mom,’” in February, he informed news reporters. “I'm even more in love with her. I'm just so in awe of her. It's amazing.”