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A Conversation on Motherhood

Shining a Light on the Moms of HVLG

May 06, 2022
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A Conversation on Motherhood

Shining a Light on the Moms of HVLG

May 06, 2022

From left to right, Malaina Matheus, Carrie Ducillo, Jennifer Dubas, Alexandra Echeverry.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, we want to turn the spotlight inward. We sat down with our President, Malaina Matheus, Vice President of Product Design & Development, Jennifer Dubas, Director of Business Development, Carrie Ducillo, and Senior Business Development Manager, Alexandra Echeverry to discuss motherhood, balancing family and work, and the importance of having a good support system. 

From left to right, Malaina Matheus, Carrie Ducillo, Jennifer Dubas, Alexandra Echeverry.

Q: Jumping right in, what's been the most rewarding aspect of motherhood for you? 

Malaina: “In my view, the most rewarding parts of motherhood are the small, day-to-day moments that I get to experience through their eyes from a new perspective. The awe and excitement that kids have for the “little things” in life is so magical.”

Jennifer: “I love being a mother, with all the highs and lows that come with raising children. The most rewarding part for me, though, is watching my boys discover new things.  They have such unique perspectives on every life discovery, and very often I find myself learning from them rather than the other way around.”

Carrie: “Unconditional love. Even if you must fully discipline and lose your cool at times, they always love you to the fullest. Also, hearing your kids laughing is the best sound in the world.”

Alexandra: “Enjoying all the firsts with my children- first adventures, new experiences, new passions, overcoming challenges, and being able to experience that pure joy with them for the first time is the best part.”

Q: What is something unexpected motherhood has taught you?

Malaina: “Motherhood has (recently) taught me to let go of control of things that aren’t important. This is very hard for me to do, and I still sometimes struggle with it, but I started to realize that I was sucking the joy out of things that should be fun because I was worried about inconsequential things (like my toddler’s clothes matching or mixing playdoh colors).”

Carrie: “You will be set up on blind dates by your kids in the form of playdates. You never know who you are going to get for the other parent. I’ve been fortunate lately that the parents at my kids’ school are great! I’ve heard horror stories from other mom friends who aren’t so lucky. Just be prepared! Parenthood is all about sacrificing for what makes our kids happy, which is worth every moment.”

Q: Being a working parent isn’t easy. What helps you manage both work and family life? 

Malaina: “A lot of help from my sitter and a supportive husband and family! Work–life balance is something that I have to consciously work on every day.  Some days I’m really good at it, some days I’m pretty terrible but I would like to think they even each other out in the end.  Also…lots of coffee.”

Jennifer: “Having an amazing husband/co-parent definitely helps.  I try to remember what is important, and to me that is to make the most of the time that my family spends together.  So when we are together, I put away my phone, clear my head of work, and focus on the beautiful, funny, smart little humans I am lucky enough to have in my life.”

Carrie: “I’m lucky to have the most amazing husband! He picks up where I leave off and vice versa. He’s a great cook these days, which is incredible after coming home from a long day completely exhausted. When I’m traveling for work, he takes on all responsibilities with flying colors! I am also super lucky to have a great family network that lives close by. There is always someone to help if life gets too crazy. Whether it’s a mid-week dinner invite or a few hours on the weekends to drop the kids off to get errands done, they are there whenever needed.”

Alexandra: “I am lucky enough to have an amazing leadership team at HVLG that understands the importance of family and being a mom. Having that understanding lets me keep my mind focused and present when I’m at work and when I’m home with my children, and this helps me truly enjoy both important parts of my life.”  

Q: Can you think of the most significant lesson you’ve learned since becoming a parent?

Jennifer: “Through being a mother, I have learned to be patient.  Or, at least, to try harder at being patient!  Sometimes giving things a little more time, or taking a moment out of our hectic schedule, helps me connect with my boys more.”

Carrie: “I want to say patience, but anyone who knows me knows I have no patience. Being flexible when it comes to planning is key. With kids, plans are delayed, change unexpectedly, and get canceled altogether. Because I have been a planner my whole life, this was a bit challenging initially, but 11 years later, I am finally getting the hang of it. Time check-ins are essential, so you aren’t screaming for everyone to get out the door last minute.”

Alexandra: “You hear it ALL the time — “it's ok to make mistakes” — BUT nothing is truer, especially for a mom. It is OK to make mistakes. I have made so many and will make so many more but being a mom has taught me to take a breath, take a step back, take in the mistake and learn from it. It will be ok.”

Q: What advice can you share with readers who are new or soon-to-be parents? 

Malaina: “Don’t feel bad about taking help that is being offered to you!  No one can do it alone and you should lean on your support system to help you through the bad days (and celebrate the good ones with them as well)!  Once you start talking to other mothers about your parenting challenges, you start to realize that many other people are going though the same things you are and can offer solid advice.”

Jennifer: “A friend gave me some advice when I had my first baby – Always remember the phrase “this too shall pass.”  It’s a great reminder to fully enjoy the good times, of which there are many, but it also can be a reminder during the rough patches that things will get better.”

Carrie: “Don’t overanalyze your parenting skills. You are crushing it or will crush it! Don’t base your child’s milestones on other children. Every child develops at their own rate. Comparing to your previous children or other children you know isn’t worth the time. Finally, as hard as it sounds, try to stay off the internet when there is a sickness or injury. The internet will have you convinced your child has a rare, untreatable disease. You will drive yourself crazy! Obviously speaking from experience.”
 

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