Celebrating Mother’s Day!

Bachelor Nation fan favorite Deanna Stagliano is mom to her two kids Addison and Austin, who she shares with her husband Stephen Stagliano.

Since her time as the Bachelorette, Deanna has kept fans updated with her adorable family on social media.

And now, Deanna is stopping by to chat with BachelorNation.com exclusively about Mother’s Day and what it means to her to be a mom.

Check out Deanna’s full interview below!

Bachelor Nation: Happy Mother’s Day, Deanna! What does being a mom mean to you?

Deanna Stagliano: Thank you so much! Being a mom, to me, is my most important job that I have. One of the greatest gifts is being able to raise my two children. To show them love, grace, compassion, while also teaching them to be good, caring, and loving human beings. They will always be my greatest accomplishment, Addison and Austin.

BN: That is so sweet. What is your ideal way to celebrate Mother’s Day?

DS: My ideal way to celebrate Mother’s Day is a little time alone, as well as time together as a family. The day off helps too! No chores, no dishes, no laundry… Just filled with joy and love and a much-needed break! A little wine is a nice touch too!

BN: Love it! How would you say motherhood has changed you?

DS: Motherhood has softened me. Motherhood has taught me the true definition of unconditional love. Motherhood has taught me to be better too. To make better choices, to love better, to forgive better, to try to do better always. Motherhood has made me a better woman.

BN: That’s so beautiful, Deanna, thank you for sharing that. What has surprised you most about motherhood?

DS: The lack of sleep LOL. It’s amazing how little sleep moms are able to survive on!

BN: So true! Moms are pretty amazing. Best piece of advice for fellow parents?

DS: Do what works best for you and your family! Judgment of others is never a good look in any form. I can only do what I think is best for my family. And feel good about that!

BN: That’s really great advice. How would your kids describe you as a mom?

DS: My kids would say I’m their “favorite mommy.” It’s a little thing we do at night… I tell Addison she’s my favorite girl and I tell Austin he’s my favorite guy. They both respond by saying I’m their favorite mommy. :) They think I’m a pretty darn good cook too!

BN: Oh my gosh, that is so sweet! Do you have a favorite part of motherhood?

DS: One of my favorite parts is to see Addison and Austin show acts of kindness without being told to do so. I don’t care if they make straight A’s in school or are the best players on their teams, but when a teacher or another parent tells me how kind and polite my children are, my heart explodes because I work tirelessly at that.

BN: That must be so rewarding! As a mom, what else do you hope your children learn from you?

DS: I hope my children learn to be strong. I hope they learn how important grace and compassion are. I hope Addison learns to be a strong woman who loves herself and loves the Lord. I hope Austin learns to be a loving and dedicated man. I hope they both take on my loyalty because I am loyal to a fault.

BN: Absolutely! Do you have a proudest moment as a mom?

DS: I have far too many proud moments! One that comes to mind for Addison. In school there was a child who didn’t speak English in class, and, as a result, didn’t understand the teacher’s instructions. Addison took it upon herself to stop what she was doing and help the child, who she barely knew. I sobbed when her teacher told me this because this is the definition of grace and compassion, and Addison did this of her own will without being told to do so. Good humans — that’s what I’m aiming for!

BN: That’s such a special story! One last question for you, would you let your kids watch your Bachelor Nation journey one day?