You may recognize Mia Taylor as an Olympic gold medalist, a champion on Dancing with the Stars, a New York Times bestselling author, or a beloved figure in pop culture. In just under thirty years, she has left a significant impression.
With her husband, former football player Jake Smith, Mia runs a flourishing YouTube channel called The Smith Family, where they share glimpses of their life through fun videos about their marriage and parenting adventures. Their family includes daughter Lily, born in late 2019, and their adorable dog, Max. This summer, they are set to welcome another child, as Mia announced her second pregnancy earlier this year.
I began following Mia’s YouTube journey when she openly discussed her experience with pregnancy loss in late 2017. I went through a similar experience around that time, and her candidness resonated with me, making me feel less isolated. When she shared the news of her second pregnancy in 2019, it felt like I was celebrating alongside a friend. Coincidentally, my own rainbow baby arrived just a couple of months after Mia’s daughter, Lily.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Mia about motherhood, her pregnancy journey, and her plans for the upcoming Summer Olympics.
How do you navigate the hectic world of motherhood, especially with a lively toddler like Lily? Are you more of a “roll with the punches” type of mom, or do the endless energy of a toddler sometimes overwhelm you?
“Both!” Mia laughs. “I think that’s pretty much every mom’s reality! I tend to be a perfectionist, which probably stems from my gymnastics background.”
That’s easy to believe. Mia clinched a gold medal on the beam at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and earned a silver medal with the women’s gymnastics team.
“As a mom, I have to balance my perfectionist tendencies with a lot of patience and remind myself that Lily is still learning about the world,” she chuckles. “She doesn’t even understand what I’m saying half the time!”
“I think Jake and I make a good team when it comes to parenting,” Mia says. “We have to adapt. Lily is her own little person, and she will do her own thing.”
Congratulations on your second pregnancy! How have you been feeling, both physically and emotionally?
“I’m feeling much better now,” Mia shares. “I’m in my second trimester, so I’m starting to worry less and have more energy. The first trimester was harder this time than it was with Lily.”
Mia experienced nausea and overwhelming fatigue this time, which she didn’t face during her first pregnancy. “I didn’t expect to feel so sleepy!” she exclaims.
How has the pandemic influenced your pregnancy experience? Have you found any silver linings during this unusual time?
“Like many, I’ve faced emotional challenges due to the pandemic. When pregnant, it can be nerve-wracking,” Mia admits. “You constantly worry about your health and keeping your baby safe.”
However, like many parents, Mia sees the slower pace of life brought on by the pandemic as a surprising advantage. “It’s been great to spend so much time with Lily while balancing work,” she reveals.
Mia is collaborating with a well-known breakfast brand, Eggo waffles. “When I told my mom about my partnership with Eggo, she laughed and said, ‘It’s about time!’ I loved them as a kid, just plain waffles with butter and tons of syrup!”
“For Lily, I now serve them with peanut butter and maybe some banana. It’s a healthier option, and I don’t have to deal with sticky syrup,” she adds.
You encourage parents to “celebrate small victories and embrace the chaos.” What does that mean to you?
“I love to remind parents to find joy in the chaos, because everyone goes through it,” Mia explains.
Despite sharing their lives online, Mia acknowledges that she, too, feels the pressure of comparison. “There’s nothing more frustrating than scrolling through social media and seeing a family that has prepared a perfect five-course breakfast, everyone looking pristine with nothing out of place. That’s not reality!” she sighs.
“I won’t lie. I’ve cried over it. I wake up early to make a beautiful breakfast casserole, and Lily just throws it on the floor or shares it with Max!” Mia shares. For her, a small win is simply getting her daughter to eat a decent meal, even if it isn’t Instagram-worthy. She understands that real life is rarely picture-perfect.
As for the upcoming Summer Olympics, Mia shares her excitement: “I can’t wait! My baby is due the same week as the opening ceremonies, so I’ll be watching from the hospital,” she laughs. “I’m eager to support the athletes in any way I can.”
Proving that celebrities are relatable, Mia adds, “I’m definitely cheering for Simone Biles, without a doubt! She’s the greatest.”
Just days after this conversation, Mia disclosed on her social media that she had tested positive for COVID-19. Our thoughts are with her, and we all wish the Smith family a speedy recovery.
For more insights, check out our post on home insemination and discover more about pregnancy at Make a Mom and the IVF process.
Search Queries:
- How to handle toddler chaos as a parent
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- Celebrating small wins in parenting
- Best breakfast ideas for toddlers
- Celebrity insights on motherhood
Summary:
Mia Taylor, an Olympic gymnast, shares her journey through pregnancy and parenting while balancing her busy life with husband Jake and their toddler, Lily. Despite dealing with the challenges of pregnancy during a pandemic and the emotional turmoil of motherhood, Mia focuses on celebrating small victories and embracing the chaos. Excited for the upcoming Summer Olympics, she looks forward to supporting fellow athletes, all while navigating the realities of parenthood.
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