What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

There is a kind of joy that belongs only to children — unfiltered, unself-conscious, complete. You see it in the way they run, the way they laugh, the way they find something ordinary and make it extraordinary. Watching my son, Jacob, always be in his purest form: bold, joyful, sweet, and courageous is beyond rewarding. It fills my cup, my heart, and gave me a new purpose to my life. Watching him with a real, all-in, whole-body happy that kids do better than anyone else is most rewarding.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Motherhood changes you in ways you can't imagine until you experience it yourself. But one of the biggest lessons is finding appreciation in the small moments. You expect the big moments to be the ones that get you, but it's a weekend at the playground, the excitement as he tries a new food, and a smile as he learns a new skill that hit you most. These moments of pure delight — especially when your son has no idea how much he's changed your life — are the greatest blessing.

What would you do with $20,000?

As a mom, the answer is simple — and it has everything to do with Jacob. Half goes straight into Jacob's future because watching him grow and setting him up for success in the future is my top priority. The rest? Experiences. Trips to the beach with family, an afternoon at a baseball game, or discovering somewhere new together. Memories he won't remember at first, but I'll never forget. Things are replaceable. Experiences aren't — and motherhood taught me that.