What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

Hands down her smile. On those days where I feel like I’m failing or I’m so tired I can barely keep my eyes open, her smile snaps me back to reality and reminds me what’s important. She doesn’t see a tired mom who hasn’t showered in days or the pile of dishes or laundry that’s not done. She sees me, and just being there for her to help her learn and grow has been such a privilege. I can’t wait to see her become the best version of herself and hold her hand through all of life’s firsts.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

What it means to be selfless. I don’t think before getting pregnant I really understood how much of yourself you give to your children. From the moment you conceive you give a part of yourself to them. Through pregnancy to adulthood nothing is your own anymore. It really is the hardest, most demanding job you’ll ever do, but also the most rewarding. Time really does go by too fast. You want them to grow but at the same time you wish you could keep every version of them.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would put most of it away for her. For school, a down payment on a house, whatever she decides in her future. I don’t want her ambitions to be limited because I wasn’t able to achieve my dreams and provide her with opportunities. I want her to feel the freedom of choice and not be restricted by circumstances. I don’t want her to look back on her life thinking if things were different I could have followed my dreams. The rest I would use to make memories and fill her life with rich experiences.