INTO THE UNKNOWN

Dancing with the Stars pro WITNEY CARSON MCALLISTER opens up about her incredible journey into motherhood after welcoming son Leo last year.

UNKNOWN

photography by AMBIT CREATIVE

MINI | Can you tell us what has surprised you most about motherhood thus far?

WITNEY CARSON | The amount of work! Haha no, and yes. It’s been an absolute whirlwind of emotions but nothing like I expected. Truly amazing, magical, and so worth every sleepless night! My forever little sidekick and it’s just incredible.

MINI | What is most important to you in raising your children?

WITNEY CARSON | The importance of family and sticking to what you believe is right. I think in this day and age it’s so easy to be persuaded and I really would love to instill moral values and how to verbalize how they feel about a situation. Having courage in standing firm in what you believe is right!

MINI | How are you and your husband a great parenting team?

WITNEY CARSON | We are completely opposite, which really serves us well when we are parenting as a team. I’m more paranoid and uptight about things, and my husband is great at just enjoying life and letting Leo be a kid. It’s a great combo and I’m so grateful for such a hands-on dad like Carson!

MINI | How was your transition from a mom of zero to one? What would you tell yourself in those early days?

WITNEY CARSON | It was a transition for sure! It’s harder than I expected but so much more amazing. I’d say to just take it one day at a time and

not be so hard on yourself. Celebrate in the small successes and enjoy the moments because it goes by quick!

MINI | What was your first thought when you learned you were pregnant?

WITNEY CARSON | I was so incredibly overwhelmed with emotions. I was so happy, but also very nervous. Maybe it’s something about your first, the unknown, or maybe just trying to figure out what’s happening to your body. I’m not sure. I loved being pregnant even though I was pretty sick. It’s such an amazing process. I’ve never been more proud to be a woman!

MINI | How about when you learned it was a BOY? Were you surprised or did you have any inklings of what the gender might be?

WITNEY CARSON | I was completely surprised! Carson and I were so convinced it was a girl. We were seriously shocked when we found out it was a boy. I was very happy and so was Carson.

MINI | Tell us how you decided on your son’s name.

WITNEY CARSON | Our son’s name is very special. My father-in-law passed away before he was born so we named him exactly his: Kevin Leo McAllister.

MINI | How would you describe your pregnancy? Did you have any wild cravings?

WITNEY CARSON | I was very sick at the beginning, but not as bad as some people, so I was grateful I could at least keep food down! I only had a few weird cravings: Slim Jim and blue Slurpees. I would have Carson pull over at pretty much every gas station we saw.

MINI | How about your birth experience? Was it what you expected it to be or was it surprising?

WITNEY CARSON | It was so amazing. Nothing like I expected, but I loved every second. Even though it was rough and we ended up with an emergency C-section, I wanted to do it over and over again.

MINI | The postpartum stage can be an equally chaotic time. How have you felt going into this “fourth trimester” after welcoming your son?

WITNEY CARSON | I had a little bit of anxiety while I was breastfeeding. It’s a crazy, emotional ride that you can’t really explain unless you experience it. I feel I was more myself after I stopped breastfeeding. It was just really emotional for me and Leo wasn’t getting enough milk so when I stopped, I felt much more capable of taking care of him with my whole self.

MINI | As a dance pro (Hi, DWTS!), can you tell us what your current fitness routine is like? What do you do day-to-day?

WITNEY CARSON | I always try to be active everyday. Whether it be playing outside with Leo or going to the gym, boating with my family, skiing, or anything that gets me up. I feel mentally and physically better if I just get up and get out and move my body.

MINI | What has been your proudest career moment to date?

WITNEY CARSON | I have a lot of moments that I’m proud of that most people wouldn’t think of right off the bat. I’m most proud of the struggles I’ve had to overcome to be where I am. My proudest moment was the season after I had Leo. Performing on the stage since having a baby, I didn’t think I could do it. I’m so proud of myself for working hard to be able to do that again and to share it with my son.

MINI | We all experience mom guilt, especially juggling a busy career! When do you find you experience it most and how do you get past it?

WITNEY CARSON | I definitely feel it most when I’m in the season. It’s a very vigorous and time consuming job that I love, but it’s still work. I always look forward to coming home and being with my family. I try to keep things in perspective as much as I can while working. Mentally, I can be a more present mom if I’m having a good balance of work and family. Anytime I feel that guilt creep in, I remember that taking care of myself is crucial for Leo to have a present, loving mom!

MINI | What do you love and look forward to about raising your kids in Utah?

WITNEY CARSON | I love Utah and always have. It’s something about the environment and the outdoors that just feels safe and like home. Like I said, we love to get out and be active. We can’t wait to take Leo on the lakes, ski, hike, and be outside together. WITNEY ON THE CLOCK

KIDS BOOK The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle ($5; amazon.com)

ON MY NIGHTSTAND

KIDS MOVIE “Luca, Encanto, and Tangled.” “Phone charger, diffuser, and water.”

NOW PLAYING

BEFORE KIDS “I never thought I would listen to Baby Einstein.”

“Pretty Please by Dua Lipa.”

IN MY FRIDGE “Meat and cheese.”

DATE NIGHT “Movie and popcorn or candy.”

COFFEE ORDER “Vanilla frap, no coffee!”

FAVE RESTAURANT “Tsunami Sushi.” 1616 W Traverse Pkwy, Lehi, UT