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

The most rewarding part of being a mom to my baby girl shows up in the quiet moments no one else sees. It’s when she stops mid-cry the second I pick her up, like my arms are the off switch to the whole scary world. I get to watch her discover everything for the first time and I’m the one she looks at to check if it’s safe, funny, or amazing. Her tiny hand grabs my finger with a grip that feels way too strong for someone so little, and in that moment I understand what it means to be needed comple

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

The biggest lesson motherhood has taught me is that I’m not in control nearly as much as I thought I was, and that’s actually where the good stuff happens. I came into this thinking I could schedule, plan, and love my way around the hard parts. Then my baby girl arrived with her own opinions, her own timeline, and a talent for undoing every expectation I had. She taught me to loosen my grip. Some days the win is that we both cried and then figured it out together. I’ve learned to find peace in t

What would you do with $20,000?

If I were honored with the $20,000 as a super mom, every dollar would go toward giving Miracle the best chance to thrive with Pallister-Killian Syndrome while keeping my family strong enough to support her. I would buy specialized equipment and therapies that aren’t fully covered by insurance, like a custom seating system, feeding and occupational therapy tools, and in-home PT sessions that help her hit developmental milestones at her own pace. The rest would go toward safe nursery for Miracle.