Parenting in the First Year

A year ago, there was anticipation. Now there's a baby crawling across the floor and a mom reflecting on what she didn't see coming. In this conversation Amy Flattery sits back down with Emmy Nolasco for a one-year follow-up after welcoming baby Ezra. They talk honestly about the emotional whiplash of the first year — how big joy and big overwhelm can exist in the same moment. The newborn trenches. The guilt. The sleep deprivation. The realization that asking for help isn't weakness — it's wisdom. Emmy shares the rhythms she's built into her days: intentional family time, slow showers without guilt, calling grandparents, and praying over Ezra each morning—even before he can fully understand words. There's something powerful about speaking identity and fruit of the Spirit over a child from the very beginning. They talk about daycare guilt, teamwork in marriage, learning to communicate differently as parents, and the importance of taking care of your own soul so you can pour from something healthy. There's practical wisdom here too—baby proof earlier than you think, stop comparing milestones, and let the dishes wait if it means you get one more moment on the floor with your baby.  The first year is exhausting. It stretches you. It exposes insecurities. It teaches you to release your child to the Lord again and again. But when Jesus is invited into the process, survival slowly becomes something closer to thriving. ---------------------------------------------- TIME STAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome Back One Year Later 00:02:30 Asking for Help & Releasing Guilt 00:04:00 Family Rhythms & Praying Over Your Baby 00:08:00 Daycare Guilt & Trusting God 00:09:00 Marriage Shifts & Teamwork 00:12:00 Milestones & Comparison Pressure 00:14:00 Boy Mom Emotions & Trusting the Lord 00:15:00 Self-care Without Guilt 00:16:30 Calling Grandparents & Building Support 00:19:00 Scriptures for the Newborn Trenches 00:22:00 Letting the Dishes Wait & Being Present 00:25:00 Final Encouragement ---------------------------------------------- Follow Ignite Parenting Instagram | @Ignite.Parenting Facebook | Ignite Parenting Website | www.igniteparenting.com