Katherine Heigl Dishes on Some of the Suprises of Motherhood

April 16, 2010 by tiffanyb
Filed under: Celebrity Baby News

Katherine Heigl, who became a mum last year after adopting a little girl who she named Naleigh, opens up about how motherhood has changed her and what her life is like now.

One thing that has surprised Heigl about motherhood is how strict she is with her daughter. She says, “I’m a lot more strict than I thought I would be. I really feel like discipline and manners, a good schedule, a good night sleep and a good nap are really important. I didn’t think I would be quite so like that.”

Another surprise that came with motherhood is how emotional she gets whenever she sees a mother-daughter relationship, even if it’s just a movie. Heigl explains, “It is so gut wrenching in a way that I could have never predicted. You have this empathy suddenly -– this compassion for a mother going through anything complicated or difficult with a child. It’s something that I understand now –- that unbelievable drive and instinct to protect.”

One thing that she is not surprised about is how great of a father her husband Josh Kelley is to Naleigh. “I really could not have imagined a better father for [Naleigh]. She’s the luckiest little kid. We call him “Disneyland Dad” because as soon as he comes in it’s just fun and happiness — and she rides around the room on his shoulders.” Katherine adds, “He’s [also] fantastic with diapers, food, naptime, playtime – he’s got it all.”

Naleigh, 16 months, is the only child for Katherine and Josh.