*You are not alone. Our blog series, Motherhood Untold, tells the stories of real moms navigating the real challenges and triumphs of motherhood.
Motherhood Untold: Pride in Motherhood, Part 2
FIT4MOM
At FIT4MOM, creating an inclusive space for all families is at the heart of what we do. We believe love is love—and that families come in every shape, size, and color. No matter how a family is formed, all deserve to be celebrated, supported, and seen.
Previously, we sat down with Cecilia (affectionately known as Cookie) and Ashley, a same-sex couple who openly shared their experience navigating the path to parenthood as gay women. Their story was full of hope, love, and the honest questions that come with stepping into motherhood.
Now, six months into parenting their sweet little boy, Cookie and Ashley are offering an update on what life looks like as new moms. Spoiler: it’s been beautiful, messy, surprising, and filled with growth.
Six Months In: What They’ve Learned
Over the past six months, Cookie and Ashley have quickly learned that parenting is a constant evolution. Just when they think they’ve settled into a rhythm, everything changes again.
"Nothing stays the same," Cookie shared. "The moment we figure out his nap schedule or routine, it shifts. But what’s been amazing is how much we’ve fallen even more in love with each other by seeing each other as parents."
Ashley, who admitted she was initially nervous about her parenting abilities, now feels a deep sense of confidence. "I’ve realized I’m actually a great parent. I used to look at myself and wonder, ‘What am I doing with a baby?’ But the truth is, nobody ever feels completely ready. It’s all trial and error, and I’m enough for him."
They’ve also learned to trust their instincts. Cookie noted that while parenting books and expert advice can be helpful, sometimes those “rules” just don’t apply to their baby—and that’s okay. "At first, we felt like we had to do everything ‘right’—but now, we’re following his lead."
The Sweet Surprises
Parenting has brought both expected challenges and unexpected joy. Ashley reflected that although some parts of motherhood have been harder than she imagined, many have also been easier—mostly because of how deeply she loves her son. "Even the moments I dread—like putting him down for a nap—end up being sweet when he starts giggling or playing. It turns into something I look forward to."
Cookie has been pleasantly surprised by how in sync she and Ashley are as parents. "I thought it would be harder to communicate, but we’re actually great teammates. We’ve had deep, intentional conversations about how we want to raise him, especially about breaking cycles from our own childhoods."
One thing they both didn’t expect? The overwhelming protectiveness they feel. "We’ve always been protective of family, but with him—it’s next level. We would blow up the world for him."
The Toughest Parts
Cookie shared openly about how challenging the newborn stage was, especially postpartum recovery. "The hormones, the anxiety, the sleep deprivation—it was really, really hard. I thought I was just experiencing the ‘baby blues,’ but I came to understand it was more serious. Thankfully, I’ve worked through it, and it’s true what they say—you start to forget just how hard it was as time passes."
For Ashley, the hardest part has been the mental load. "I overthink everything. I find myself worrying about things far into the future, like whether I’ll be able to take care of him when he’s grown. I really have to remind myself to stay present and not let my thoughts spiral."
New Worries and Hopes for the Future
As they look ahead, Cookie and Ashley shared that one of their biggest concerns is how the world will treat their son as a Black and Mexican boy. "We’re less worried about him having two moms and more concerned about the biases he might face because of his race."
They hope he will grow up to be someone who confidently speaks up for others, someone who doesn’t feel the need to overcompensate or fall into toxic masculinity. "There’s so much we’ll have to guide him through as he navigates being a boy in this world, but our biggest wish is for him to be kind, humble, and respectful. That’s what matters most."
Reflections on LGBTQIA+ Parenthood
Looking back, Cookie and Ashley feel grateful for their journey but recognize that their experience isn’t universal. They acknowledge that living in California provided them with more accessible pathways to parenthood, especially when it came to Ashley’s adoption process. "We know that for many LGBTQIA+ families, the journey can be much harder. For us, it was a privilege to go through the legal steps smoothly and without the barriers others might face."
Their story is a beautiful reminder that while every family’s path looks different, love remains the heart of it all.
Meet More Moms
