Hannah Ann Sluss Shares the ‘Most Unexpected’ Aspect of Motherhood (Exclusive)
Hannah Ann Sluss is astonished by how well she’s adjusting to motherhood, sharing the “most surprising” and “rewarding” aspects of being a first-time mom after welcoming her son, Lucas, with her husband, Jake Funk, last month.
“The biggest surprise for me about motherhood is realizing how much we, as women, can handle—physically, mentally, and emotionally. You experience the most profound physical and emotional changes in your life, and then you immediately have to care for another human being,” Sluss, 29, told Us Weekly on Monday, December 8, while promoting Hallmark’s Keepsake Ornaments ahead of her first Christmas as a mother. “I’ve been amazed at how much I can endure pain and truly thrive on very little sleep.”
The Bachelor alum expressed her pride in her parenting journey, noting that it has given her a newfound appreciation for other mothers out there.
Sluss revealed to Us that “extending our family” has been the “most fulfilling” aspect of becoming a mother.
“This is the first grandchild on both my side and my husband’s side,” she shared. “Seeing our son with his grandparents has been the greatest joy. Watching the traditions and values we’ll pass on to him, which our parents taught us, feels like the biggest blessing in both of our lives.”
Sluss, who welcomed their first child on November 20, feels she had their son at “the perfect moment.”
“We’re relishing in our newborn bubble. We’re at home enjoying Christmas movies, and this Christmas will be all about our little family,” the reality star shared, expressing her excitement for family traditions with baby Lucas.
“Every Christmas Eve, we would open a present from my grandmother, who gifted us a Hallmark Keepsake Ornament for the tree, along with our favorite bath wash and a Hallmark card. I want to continue this with him since it was such a joy looking back at decorating the tree and reliving those memories every year,” Sluss told Us, adding that Lucas’ ornament is a baby’s first Christmas decoration featuring his picture.
“It’s going to be so enjoyable to have a tree that tells our family’s story,” the new mom remarked.
Sluss isn’t the only one discovering new strengths since becoming a parent. She described Funk, 27, as a “very hands-on” father, mentioning his enthusiasm for washing bottles has been an unexpected delight.
“He enjoys cleaning bottles and loves tummy time. He treats it like his own little workout. That’s been great because tummy time can be challenging when they’re crying,” she revealed about Funk’s bonding moments with their son. “I usually leave that responsibility to him because he enjoys it. It’s amazing to see how much Lucas has already progressed in just two weeks.”
Sluss humorously noted that Lucas might follow in his dad’s NFL footsteps.
“At our first doctor’s appointment, the doctor mentioned that Lucas had a running back’s neck—he had a really strong neck— and Funk beamed with pride,” she laughed. “I can already tell they’re going to be best friends.”
Sluss — known to Bachelor fans from Peter Weber’s season 24 in 2020 — announced their engagement in January 2023 and married in Italy in June 2024.
On November 25, they shared Lucas’ birth through a joint Instagram post and elaborated on the special meaning behind his name.
“His name lived in our hearts long before we ever met him. Lucas was chosen in Cabo San Lucas, where we got engaged. 🤍 James is for Jake’s dad—a piece of him now lives on through our son🕊️,” the couple captioned their first family photos after his birth. “Lucas James, you are a dream come true. We’ll support you for the rest of our lives. We love you, big boy!!”
