As Hayley Erbert prepares to welcome a life into the world, she's remembering the time she was fighting for her own.
The professional dancer—who is expecting her first baby with Derek Hough—marked the second anniversary of the emergency brain surgery she underwent to treat a cranial hematoma in December 2023.
"Two years ago today, I was given a second chance at life through life-saving brain surgery," Hayley wrote on her Instagram on Dec. 6, alongside photos of herself cradling her bump. "In these two years, I’ve gone through every human emotion imaginable, the kind that cracks you open and the kind that puts you back together."
The 31-year-old continued, "I’ve reclaimed parts of myself I thought I’d never find again, rediscovered who I am, and moved through seasons of loss, triumph, joy, endless fear, grief, healing, and quiet hope. It was a whirlwind to say the least.. But I’m truly grateful for it all, and so incredibly proud of myself and my body for everything it has endured."
Hayley further reflected on the full-circle moment.
"What a miracle it is that two years ago I was fighting for my life," Hayley wrote, "and now, here I am creating life."
Derek—who had married Hayley months before her medical emergency—recently shared insight into his own journey to fatherhood, joking in an exclusive interview with E! News that he's "absorbed all of the pregnancy emotions" from his wife.
"I'm freaking out or I'm emotional or I'm crying," the 40-year-old said in November. "She has been the Zen Buddha, just at peace. She's been incredible."
Derek continued, "Honestly, it's been really amazing to watch, to observe and to just witness her being an incredible mother before she has this child."
As Derek and Hayley quickstep into parenthood, keep reading for a look at their love story...
October 2015: Hayley Joins Dancing With the Stars
Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert meet back in 2014 when she performed on his and sister Julianne Hough's tour. A Dancing With the Stars producer is impressed with Hayley and she is called to interview to join the show's troupe, getting the job the following year, according to the Hutchington News. Also in 2015, she and Derek begin dating.
July 2016: Derek & Hayley Step Out
The two begin going out to public events, including at the 2016 premiere of the Tony Robbins Netflix documentary I Am Not Your Guru.
September 2016: Creative Arts Emmys Governors Ball
The duo get glammed up for a star-studded night out.
August 2017: Red Carpet Debut
The dancers make their red carpet debut as a couple at the Television Academy's 2017 Choreography Peer Group Celebration at Saban Media Center in North Hollywood, Calif.
September 2017: Emmys Date
Hayley joins Derek as his date for the Creative Arts Emmys, where he was nominated for Outstanding Choreography for his work on Dancing With the Stars.
October 2017: Happy Halloween
The two attend the star-studded Casamigos Halloween Party.
November 2017: Christmas Tree Lighting
Hayley joins Derek as he hosts The Americana at Brand shopping mall's Christmas tree lighting event in Glendale, Calif.
May 2018: May the Force Be With You
The two attend the Hollywood premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story.
September 2018: Emmys After-Party Date
The couple steps out at HBO's post-Emmys celebration.
October 2019: They Are the Ones Who Hug
They aren't pumping the brakes as they attend the premiere of Netflix's El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie.
February 2020: Oscars Party Date
The two pose for pics at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's Oscar viewing party.
November 2020: Disney Holiday Singalong
Feeling festive, they dance on the special to ring in the Christmas season.
August 2021: Respect Premiere
The two are all smiles at the premiere in Los Angeles.
August 2021: Emmy Winner
The partners appear at the Creative Arts Emmys, where Derek wins Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming for his work on Dancing with the Stars.
March 2022: Oscars Party Dance
The two dance as they arrive at the 2022 Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars viewing party.
May 2022: Top Gun: Maverick Premiere
They look top tier on the red carpet.
June 2022: Engaged
Hayley flashes her engagement ring at the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
June 2023: Elemental Premiere
The two get cozy at the launch of the Disney-Pixar film.
August 2023: Just Married and Honeymoon
The couple honeymoon in Italy following their Aug. 26, 2023 wedding in California.
December 2023: In Sickness and in Health
Derek was by Hayley's side as she underwent emergency skull surgery due to a burst blood vessel. "It was a time filled with uncertainty and fear, going from living our dreams onstage, to a nightmare in an instant," he wrote on Instagram over a week later. "Her recovery process has been nothing short of a miracle."
October 2024: Road to Recovery
After being given medical clearance to get back to performing, Hayley and Derek resumed their Symphony of Dance tour in April 2024. In October, she made her triumphant return to the ballroom as she joined her husband for an emotional routine set to Benson Boone's "Beautiful Things."
July 2025: Baby on the Way
The couple announced they'd be welcoming a new addition to their family as they revealed they were expecting their first baby together. Alongside an Instagram video unveiling their unborn child's sonogram, Hayley wrote, "We can’t believe the biggest thing to happen to us could be so small."