Just three weeks after giving birth to her third child - and first daughter - Kristin Cavallari was dealt a devastating blow when she learned of the death of her brother Michael.
The star, who rose to fame for her parts in reality television shows Laguna Beach and The Hills, opened up about the tremendously difficult time during a launch party in New York this week.
The mum-of-three, whose brother's body was found in his car in December last year, admitted that she now takes every day as it comes, telling People magazine: "I'm okay. I'm going to have good days and bad days."
Like many parents who have lost a loved one, the 29-year-old star admitted that she seeks solace in her children, continuing: "I've really found a lot of strength in my kids, especially Saylor. "
Referring to her newborn baby daughter Saylor, the California-native acknowledged the role her baby played in helping her to stay on an even keel following the family tragedy, saying: "I couldn't just fall apart - I had a baby to look after."
Kristin, who welcomed her first son, Camden, in 2012 followed by his younger brother Jaxon just two years later, insists that she wants to use her brother's passing as way of recognising the good in life.
Reflecting on her own personal journey, Kristin, who revealed she could always count on her brother to make her laugh, said: "When you lose someone, it really makes you realise how precious life is, and so I'm just thankful that I have my babies and I'm thankful for everything in my life."
We're wishing Kristin, who married husband Jay Cutler in 2013, all the very best as she continues to navigate this difficult period in her life.
