Being a working mom has been a struggle for me over the past 8+ years, including the time during my first pregnancy.  In the beginning of my dual career of a mother and employee, I was anxious, but very excited to mesh the two, but still, I admit, too focused on my career. I just couldn't figure out how to do it! The over-achiever in me thought that I could go above and beyond at both, but those efforts were not meshed and only leaning in one direction.
 
Over the past 2-3 years I have rediscovered my Catholic faith, and with two remarkable, smart, caring and active daughters, ages 3 and 8, I have come to realize that my role of mother is more important than any career advancement or performance reward. My true reward comes with the smiles on the faces of my daughters when I come home from a long day at the office, give them a hug, and a kiss before anything else - even putting my purse and bag down.  I have those types of faith- and love-filled Aha moments daily with my girls and feel like it is very important to jot those moments down and share them.