Mom to Simon, age 3
and Gregory, age 1
Ashburn, VA
Jill DeLorenzo
Nominated by Jason DeLorenzo
In addition to caring for her children,
Jill works part time at Trinity House
Cafe and is a Jamberry consultant
to help with finances. But what
differentiates her as a “Mom of the
Year” is the support she gives to
other moms. Her role as La Leche
League Leader, founding www.

positivebreastfeeding.com, working
at her son’s cooperative preschool
and being instrumental in the passing
of Virginia state law allowing women
to breastfeed wherever they are
legally allowed to be, shows maternal
support is at the forefront of her
thinking. What’s the best parenting advice
you’ve ever received?
My mother was with me during the
early postpartum period with both
of my children. At about two weeks
postpartum with my first, I cried for two
days straight. I was very overwhelmed
at everything involved with being a new
mother, including changing diapers,
breastfeeding, nighttime parenting
and recovery from childbirth. I was so
thankful to have her there. In the midst
of the chaos, she told me five words
that will stick with me forever: “This
time is a gift.” I realized in that moment
that I would never get back the precious
moments with my children when they
were small. Hearing these words helped
me get through a dark time and have a
positive perspective on the chaos.

How has motherhood changed
your outlook on life?
I have become less reactive and
more proactive in the direction of my
family. I also channel my emotions in
different ways. When something went
wrong prior to having kids, I would get
upset easily but suppress my emotions
and avoid the situation. Now that I am a
mother, I no longer hesitate to voice my
18 May 2016 washingtonFAMILY.com
affection on his own terms – so I know
it was genuine.

How do you think your children
would describe you?
concerns and stand up for my family if
needed. Describe a favorite mom moment.

Nothing will ever top the moments
I met my children at their births, yet
every day offers a new memory to
cherish. I recently had an experience
with my youngest son that warmed my
heart. After he finished nursing, he told
me, “Thank you, Mommy” for the first
time. This brought me joy because he
showed me manners, appreciation and
My children would describe me as
a “juggler.” When I first became their
mother, I needed time and space
to breathe so I scrapped most of
my responsibilities and focused on
successfully keeping one ball in the
air (keeping my child alive) before
adding more balls to juggle. When I
found it easier to juggle that one ball,
I started to add more responsibilities
one-by-one. As my children continue
to grow and begin school outside the
home, I found that I can successfully
juggle even more responsibilities like
paid work, volunteer endeavors and
hobbies. It is a tough balancing act, but
I only take on as many responsibilities
as I feel I can successfully juggle. And
while juggling, I always remember that
the most important ball is my family; I
would never let that ball drop first.