ESP: Tell us about you and your husband’s love story and what it has been like building your life together.
Ashlie: James and I had just started our freshman year at Auburn University when we found ourselves at the same party. We were instantly drawn to each other and we quickly bonded over our love for Auburn football.
Even then, I knew I had met the man who would make me happy for the rest of my life. We truly complete each other, and somehow, our love continues to grow with each passing day. This October, we’ll celebrate five years of marriage.
James loves his children, and me, so well. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world, and I’m so proud that he’s mine.
ESP: Did you ever imagine that you would become a mom to multiples? What was your reaction when you found out you were expecting three?
Ashlie: Twins actually run in our family, and I am a twin, so there was always a little joke that I would end up having twins. Of course, I ended up having triplets!
I was absolutely overjoyed when I found out I was expecting three. God answered my prayers to start a family in a way far greater than I ever could have imagined. I’ll never forget that moment. Three tiny heartbeats. Three miracles.
ESP: What has this first year of triplet motherhood taught you about yourself, motherhood, and life?
Ashlie: This first year has taught me that I am capable of so much more than I ever imagined. My days are often chaotic and exhausting, but they are filled with so much love and joy.
Life with three babies has reminded me to be present, trust God through every season, and appreciate the little moments. I remind myself often to soak up every moment because my three little babies are growing far too quickly.
ESP: What has surprised you most about raising three babies at the same time?
Ashlie: I honestly thought it was going to be much harder than it has been. Instead, I’ve been pleasantly surprised! Three babies is definitely a lot of work and there are some things that are harder when you’re a mom to triplets. However, there are also things that are easier than I expected. For example, all three of my babies are on the same schedule and do things at the same time. Having them on the same routine has made things feel much more manageable than I originally imagined. We found our rhythm and it’s such a sweet experience.
ESP: What is something you wish you could tell the mom who is in the thick of the overwhelming season of raising little ones?
Ashlie: I would tell her to give herself grace. Motherhood can feel exhausting and overwhelming, and some days you may feel like you’re barely keeping your head above water. But you’re doing better than you think you are and you don’t have to do everything perfectly. What matters most is loving your babies and being present with them.
ESP: What is one “little thing” in this season of life that you never want to take for granted?
Ashlie: The little moments with my babies. The cuddles, their smiles, the way they look at me, their little laughs, and watching them sleep. Even on the busy and exhausting days, I try to remind myself how incredibly blessed I am to have three healthy and happy babies. These are the days I prayed for and I want to soak them all in because I know they won’t be this little forever.
ESP: How has your faith and your support system helped you navigate this unique season of motherhood?
Ashlie: My faith has been such a huge part of getting me through this season. I believe God handpicked me to be the mom to my three babies, and He knew from the beginning that I would need to lean on Him in ways I never had before.
My support system has also been such a blessing. My husband, mom, sister, mother-in-law, and grandparents are always there to help with the babies. I truly don’t know what I would do without them.
ESP: Looking ahead, what are you excited about for your family?
Ashlie: I am excited to watch my babies grow and see who they become. I love watching them reach new milestones and seeing their little personalities develop. Watching them grow up together and experience life side by side is the greatest gift. There is so much to look forward to, but more than anything, I’m excited to watch God’s plan unfold for my children and see where He leads them.
Rapid Fire:
Favorite Eastern Shore family outing? Fairhope Park
Go-to family dinner? Pizza toast
One thing you always have in your diaper bag? A burp cloth
One word to describe this season of motherhood? Fun!
Your favorite way to spend a rare kid-free moment? With friends
James and Ashlie Holladay, have spent the past decade building a life filled with love, adventure and, most recently, becoming mom and dad. They are proud parents to one-year-old triplets Dawson, Jameson and Emerson. The Holladays are embracing the beautiful chaos of raising three little ones while James works full time as a project manager and Ashlie balances motherhood with nurse practitioner school. Through it all, they’re leaning on their faith, their family and a strong village of support as they make memories and soak in this extraordinary season of life.
