Connect What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

My children's first anything is the most rewarding part of being a mom. Hearing my autistic child say "mommy" was a milestone I wasn't sure we'd reach. Seeing practiced skills, like "thank you" or potty training, emerge with consistency is incredibly rewarding. Each developmental step, big or small, is a success in my book.

What is one memory of your kids that you will never forget?

Hearing my son, after years of practice, burst into my room with a bright "Mommy, good morning!"; that's a moment I'll never forget. Finally I get a, "good morning" before tablet requests. As for my daughter, our late night snuggles, though me being sleep-deprived, are equally precious to me.

What would you do with $20,000?

First, I would love a mid-size SUV! My 2003 Corolla is cramped; no room for grandparents on outings, and groceries sometimes sits onto my or my kids laps or under our feet. An SUV means more family-time. Second, I would get our broken dishwasher fixed. No more handwashing dishes sounds like a dream to me. The money would bring us some much-needed comfort, space and relief.