Motherhood causing Hayley Erbert's heart to 'break into a million pieces' and 'burst open'

Bang Showbiz on Apr 11, 2026

Published in Women

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Hayley Erbert's heart keeps "breaking into a million pieces" and "bursting open" as she grapples with the wide-ranging emotions of motherhood.

The 31-year-old dancer and her 40-year-old husband, Dancing with the Stars judge Derek Hough, welcomed baby girl Everley Capri Hough into the world on December 29, 2025, and since then, Hayley has been stuck in two minds about the tot's rapid development.

She took to Instagram on Friday (10.04.26) and posted adorable shots of her and Everley bonding with the lengthy caption: "My love. My girl. My world.

"Motherhood is even more complex and contradicting than I could have ever imagined. It feels like living in two places at once. Where joy and heartache can both be true, all of the time. My heart is constantly bursting open, while also breaking into a million pieces.

"I find myself celebrating every little bit of your growth, while quietly grieving the version of you that existed just moments before.

"So excited for all the 'firsts' and the life ahead of you/us, yet wishing I could freeze time and never have any 'lasts'."

However, Hayley hailed the ups and downs of motherhood as "the most beautiful contradiction".

The performer continued: "This pull between holding on and letting go, between wanting time to slow down and knowing it never will.

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

But, ultimately, Hayley adores every second of raising her and Derek's bundle of joy.

She ended her heartfelt caption: "I love being your mom. I love you beyond, Everley. I have truly never felt a love like this."

Hayley's fans sympathised with her on motherhood being bittersweet.

One follower penned: "So so true and you stated so beautifully. My children are out of college and doing well. Yet, I miss the baby days and all the in between.

"It's a beautiful journey though, and I'm blessed to be on it! Enjoy your precious moments with your girl (sic)."

A second supporter typed: "Love this. My baby girl graduates from high school this year. Hold on tight to her but enjoy it all too! It all flies by way too fast! (sic)"

And a third fan wrote: "So so true!! Soak it all in mama, its a wild and beautiful ride!! (sic)"

In January, Hayley and Derek took to Instagram and announced the arrival of Everley after having experienced a miscarriage previously.

The couple shared a sweet black-and-white photo of their hands cupped around their daughter's tiny feet, and captioned the joint post: "December 29, 2025. Everley Capri Hough.

"Every step of our lives has led us to you. Our hearts have been cracked wide open and our world is forever changed."