You may recognize Mia Carter as an Olympic gold medalist, a champion on Dancing with the Stars, a best-selling author, or a beloved figure in pop culture. In her fewer than thirty years on Earth, she has certainly made a significant impact.
Mia and her husband, former football player Jake Morgan, run a popular YouTube channel called The Morgan Family, where they provide a peek into their lives, sharing frequent videos about their journey through marriage and parenting. Their family includes their daughter, Lily Grace, born in late 2019, and a lovable dog named Max. This summer, they are set to welcome a second child, with Mia announcing her pregnancy in January.
I first discovered Mia Carter’s YouTube channel when she courageously shared her experience with pregnancy loss in late 2017. As someone who went through a similar experience, her openness was comforting and made me feel less isolated. When she announced her subsequent pregnancy in 2019, it felt like I was witnessing a friend receive wonderful news. By chance, my own journey to conceive continued alongside hers, and my rainbow baby arrived just a couple of months after Mia welcomed Lily.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Mia to discuss her experiences with motherhood, her current pregnancy, and her expectations for this year’s Summer Olympics.
Managing Motherhood
When it comes to managing the hustle and bustle of motherhood, especially now that Lily is an energetic toddler, do you consider yourself a “roll with the punches” mom, or do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of toddler energy?
“Probably a bit of both,” Mia chuckles. “I think that’s true for all moms! I have a tendency to be a perfectionist, which probably goes back to my gymnastics background.”
That makes sense, considering Mia snagged a gold medal on the beam at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, along with a silver medal as part of the women’s gymnastics team.
“As a mother, I have to temper my perfectionism with a good dose of grace and remind myself that Lily is just a toddler. She’s still figuring everything out.”
Mia adds with a laugh, “She doesn’t even understand what language I’m speaking half the time!”
Mia describes her and Jake as a “roll-with-the-punches parenting team.” “We have to be adaptable. Our daughter is her own person and will do her own thing.”
Current Pregnancy
Congrats 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 the worry has lessened, and I finally have more energy. The first trimester was tougher this time around compared to when I was pregnant with Lily.”
Mia faced nausea and extreme fatigue this time, which she didn’t experience previously. “I was not prepared for how much I would just want to nap!” she exclaims.
Impact of the Pandemic
Has the pandemic affected your approach to this pregnancy? Have there been any unexpected benefits during this unique time?
“Of course, like everyone else, I’ve faced some emotional challenges due to the pandemic. Being pregnant during this time can be nerve-wracking,” Mia admits. “You’re constantly concerned about your health and the safety of your baby.”
However, Mia views the slower pace of life brought on by the pandemic as an unexpected positive. “With Lily, I’ve been trying to balance work and parenting, but it’s been wonderful to spend so much time together,” she reflects.
Collaboration with Eggo
You’re collaborating with Eggo waffles.
“When I told my mom I was working with Eggo, she laughed and said, ‘It’s about time!’ As a kid, I lived on those waffles—plain homestyle with butter and tons of syrup,” Mia reminisces.
“Now, I make them for Lily with peanut butter and maybe some banana. It’s a healthier option, and no sticky syrup to deal with,” she adds.
Embracing Imperfections
You encourage parents to “celebrate small wins and embrace messy mornings.” What does that mean for you?
“I love encouraging parents to embrace the chaos because it’s something everyone experiences.”
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 with a perfectly arranged five-course breakfast, everyone dressed beautifully, and nothing out of place. That’s not reality!” Mia sighs.
“I won’t lie. I’ve cried,” she admits. “I wake up early, prepare a lovely breakfast casserole, and Lily just tosses it on the floor or feeds it to the dog!”
For Mia, a small win is simply getting her child to eat a decent meal, even if it’s not an Instagram-worthy creation. She knows that real life can be messy.
Excitement for the Summer Olympics
We couldn’t let Mia leave without discussing her excitement for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
“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 thrilled to support the athletes in any way I can.”
Mia, like many of us, has her sights set on Simone Biles, “She’s the greatest.”
Just days after this interview, Mia announced to her followers on Instagram that she tested positive for COVID-19. Our thoughts are with her, and we wish the Morgan Family a swift recovery.
Further Reading
For more insights on pregnancy and parenting, check out our other blog post here, and for authoritative advice, visit Make a Mom. You can also find excellent information at March of Dimes.
Search Queries:
- How to manage pregnancy during the pandemic
- Tips for navigating toddler parenting
- Healthy breakfast ideas for toddlers
- Coping with pregnancy loss
- Preparing for a new baby while raising a toddler
Summary:
Mia Carter, an Olympic gold medalist, recently discussed her journey through pregnancy and motherhood, sharing her experiences with both joy and challenges. With her second child on the way, she reflects on the impact of the pandemic on her family life and the importance of embracing imperfections and celebrating small victories. Mia’s collaboration with Eggo highlights her commitment to nutritious parenting, while her excitement for the upcoming Summer Olympics showcases her enduring connection to gymnastics. Despite facing health challenges, she remains optimistic about her family’s future.
Keyphrase: Mia Carter pregnancy and motherhood
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