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.




Kelly Blumenthal
Mom to Mason, age 2
and Finn, age 1
Stafford, VA
Nominated by Lauren Richards
Kelly Blumenthal is hands-down the
most amazing and strongest mother
I know. She is the mother of a sweet
27-month-old and a 13-month-old,
“Finn” who was born with multiple
complex health issues including CHD
(Congenital Heart Disease - Defect).

She has turned her hardship into a
wonderfully positive mission to help
others, raising thousands of dollars
for UVA Children’s Hospital and the
Charlottesville Ronald McDonald
House, while maintaining a Facebook
page, “Prayers for Finn,” documenting
not only her journey, but those in
similar situations. This page raises
funds, awareness and emotional
support for babies with CHD and their
families. She has made life-changing
relationships with other hospital
families, spearheaded the donation
of thousands of invaluable items for
patients, inspired countless strangers
with her strength, courage and faith,
and introduced the world to a precious
boy many pray for every day.

always learn something new from other
moms and enjoy exchanging battle
stories and magic moments with them.

It’s an indescribable understanding that
we all have among one another that
creates a special bond.

What’s the best parenting advice
you’ve ever received?
The best parenting advice I have
received is that silence is not always
golden. If your children are quiet,
it probably means they are up to
something! What advice would you give to new or
expectant mothers?
Cherish every moment, even the
tough ones that come along with
parenting, because you never know
what tomorrow will bring. Rock them a
little longer, hug them a little tighter and
laugh as much as possible.

How has motherhood changed
your outlook on life?
It took a long time to realize
everything really does happen
for a reason, but it truly does. We
experienced five years of infertility,
including failed IVF, but in the end,
we have two beautiful babies. Going
through these challenges in addition
to our youngest needing open heart
surgery has definitely given me strength
that I never knew I had, faith to get
through the toughest of times and a
true understanding of the moments in
life that really matter.

How do you think your children would
describe you?
I hope my children would describe
me as brave, kind and happy.

Who is your role model?
My role models are other moms. I
What goals do you have for yourself?
I would like to spread awareness for
Congenital Heart Disease and raise
money for UVA Children’s Hospital
in Charlottesville, VA, as well as their
adjoining Ronald McDonald House.

What goals do you have for
your children?
I just want them to be happy and kind
to others. If they are happy and kind,
then to me, I’ve done my job. Whatever
their definition is of that happiness, I
will always support them. Education is
also very important to me. I would love
to see them excel and graduate from a
good Virginia college like William and
Mary or UVA!
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