I had never planned on being a mother. So after a few days of not feeling so great without anything to blame, I took the test and started the journey that has changed my life (and my outlook on what’s important in life) forever.

It has changed my life in many more good ways than bad, although I can't deny that there have been some things I've given up. But those are the CHOICES you make as a working mother.

I love my job in public relations -- meeting new people every day and telling my organizations’ stories in new and compelling ways -- but somehow I've had to learn balance between time spent at work and time spent with both my son and husband, who each require different types of attention. Spending more time at work may mean a promotion, and yet spending more time at home helps improve my son's development, not to mention improve my relationship with my husband.

It's all about choices: Do I work this weekend instead of spending a day with the family? Do I go home when I'm supposed to at four to pick up my son instead of finishing up a project? Do I take the job in another state that is the best career choice, but not necessarily the best family choice?

The answers change depending on the situation as I work to not let work down nor my family. And thankfully I've been lucky to work with co-workers and bosses that understand the ever-changing needs of family. I’ve also been even luckier to have a wonderful husband who has helped make these choices easier despite his own career. I can’t imagine doing it alone. I will work hard to make it as far to the top as I can, but I've also conceded that the "top" is not as high as I'd anticipated earlier in my life, but a top that allows me to spend time with my family while being a successful careerwoman.