For All She Does: Celebrating All Mother Figures
For Mother's Day, we're celebrating all the mother figures in our lives who have been there for us every day. Today, we salute three different mothers, each sharing with us what motherhood means to them. Read more below.

Mother's Day brings so many emotions... I think about how my mom no longer has her mom (my grandma) here to celebrate. My grandma was one of the sweetest and most stylish - I got my love for shopping from her. Even though she is gone, I still celebrate that she gave me my mom, who has made so many sacrifices for me and still does to this day! A mom's job is never done... and the love is one that keeps giving even after our kiddos leave the house! Now that I am a mom I now realize why my mom was so tired, exhausted, and can now see the daily sacrifices she made for me. I also can see how our children bring us joy, laughter, and tons of fun memories. I am so grateful and feel honored to be a mom! - Shay Sweeney (@shaymone)

[Since becoming a mother, my life has] changed in the best way. Being a mom has always been the biggest dream of mine. I wasn't sure I would ever be able to be a mom. Going through infertility was the hardest path I've had to take. We were so fortunate when my mom stepped in and offered to be our surrogate and carry for us.
I think it's important as a mom, to make time for yourself. Being a mom is the most rewarding but demanding job. I think it's important to make sure you are still making time for something you personally enjoy, it's easy to forget about yourself when you are taking care of everyone else!
On discovering something about motherhood now prior to becoming a mom:
I think someone would have told me that I'll never stop worrying about this little one. My every thought is taken making sure she is healthy and safe. You no longer have a peace of mind in a way?
On defining motherhood:
Moms are nothing short of rockstars! I always say, "Mamas make the world go round!". We are the behind the scenes chaos coordinators! It's the best job in the world.
-Breanna Lockwood (@ivf.surrogacy.diary)

Since becoming a mother, I've learned to reprioritize what is important in life. Before, I was focused on work and advancing my career. Now, I focus on quality time with my family. I want to be fully present for my girls.
When shelter in place first began, I found joy in creating new experiences with my daughter. Each day we would try something new - a new craft, a new recipe, a new project. Spending this precious time with her was the light that I needed. Also, as someone who has struggled with postpartum mental health, I find it crucial that I do something for myself each and every day...no matter how small. Whether it's going for a walk, or journaling, or brewing a cup of my favorite coffee. You have to keep yourself going.
On discovering something about motherhood now prior to becoming a mom:
I wish I knew how difficult it would be to maintain a sense of self once becoming a mom. It's something I really have to work at. After my first daughter arrived, I slowly felt myself slipping away, as if my life had become all about the baby. I had to perform a lot of self care and mindfulness work to realize that I'm still here. Yes, I'm a new mom, but I'm also still the same person I was before kids.
On defining motherhood:
When a baby is born, so is a mother. Not only do you grow, nurture, care for and mold this little human...but you have to learn a whole new way of doing the same for yourself. Motherhood is an inexplicable, unwavering, unconditional love. It is THE most difficult, yet most rewarding job you can ever be blessed to have.
-Nina Simone Lawrence (@missglamourkitty)
For Mother's Day, we're celebrating all the mother figures in our lives who have been there for us every day. Today, we salute three different mothers, each sharing with us what motherhood means to them. Read more below.

Mother's Day brings so many emotions... I think about how my mom no longer has her mom (my grandma) here to celebrate. My grandma was one of the sweetest and most stylish - I got my love for shopping from her. Even though she is gone, I still celebrate that she gave me my mom, who has made so many sacrifices for me and still does to this day! A mom's job is never done... and the love is one that keeps giving even after our kiddos leave the house! Now that I am a mom I now realize why my mom was so tired, exhausted, and can now see the daily sacrifices she made for me. I also can see how our children bring us joy, laughter, and tons of fun memories. I am so grateful and feel honored to be a mom! - Shay Sweeney (@shaymone)

[Since becoming a mother, my life has] changed in the best way. Being a mom has always been the biggest dream of mine. I wasn't sure I would ever be able to be a mom. Going through infertility was the hardest path I've had to take. We were so fortunate when my mom stepped in and offered to be our surrogate and carry for us.
I think it's important as a mom, to make time for yourself. Being a mom is the most rewarding but demanding job. I think it's important to make sure you are still making time for something you personally enjoy, it's easy to forget about yourself when you are taking care of everyone else!
On discovering something about motherhood now prior to becoming a mom:
I think someone would have told me that I'll never stop worrying about this little one. My every thought is taken making sure she is healthy and safe. You no longer have a peace of mind in a way?
On defining motherhood:
Moms are nothing short of rockstars! I always say, "Mamas make the world go round!". We are the behind the scenes chaos coordinators! It's the best job in the world.
-Breanna Lockwood (@ivf.surrogacy.diary)

Since becoming a mother, I've learned to reprioritize what is important in life. Before, I was focused on work and advancing my career. Now, I focus on quality time with my family. I want to be fully present for my girls.
When shelter in place first began, I found joy in creating new experiences with my daughter. Each day we would try something new - a new craft, a new recipe, a new project. Spending this precious time with her was the light that I needed. Also, as someone who has struggled with postpartum mental health, I find it crucial that I do something for myself each and every day...no matter how small. Whether it's going for a walk, or journaling, or brewing a cup of my favorite coffee. You have to keep yourself going.
On discovering something about motherhood now prior to becoming a mom:
I wish I knew how difficult it would be to maintain a sense of self once becoming a mom. It's something I really have to work at. After my first daughter arrived, I slowly felt myself slipping away, as if my life had become all about the baby. I had to perform a lot of self care and mindfulness work to realize that I'm still here. Yes, I'm a new mom, but I'm also still the same person I was before kids.
On defining motherhood:
When a baby is born, so is a mother. Not only do you grow, nurture, care for and mold this little human...but you have to learn a whole new way of doing the same for yourself. Motherhood is an inexplicable, unwavering, unconditional love. It is THE most difficult, yet most rewarding job you can ever be blessed to have.
-Nina Simone Lawrence (@missglamourkitty)