Michelle was born in India and became a "Jersey Girl" at the age of 37. In between that she brought a little bit of New Delhi into New York and created a beautiful hybrid of an Asian-American family and life in America. 

New York holds a special place in her heart because this is where her life really began - she started her career in Media, became a dog-mom, met her husband, Rex (her #1 until he had to share his position with their daughter, Alexis), bought her first home, and made a small and special circle of the most wonderful friends.

Currently, when she isn't chasing around her 2 year old daughter and preparing for a baby boy to arrive (any day now), she works at Insider, Inc. while trying to maintain sanity within the madness and joy of parenthood.

When did you know you wanted to be a mother?

I don’t think there was a specific moment when I decided to be a mother. It was always something I thought would happen. Once I found my partner, Rex, I wanted to bring a mini version of him into this world because I truly believe he is one of the most kind-hearted people I know. And God knows we need more kindness in this world :)

Tell us about your mother and her influence on you.

Growing up in India, there were boundaries to my relationships with family members. My mother and I, for example, had a relationship of respect and love but not friendship. That part came later. But back then, we never discussed boys, dating, sex etc., topics which were completely off the table. Things changed when we moved to America. I was 21, and felt more confident starting a new life, and she was 46, and trying to rebuild her identity and her career as a teacher. She began to see me more as a friend and confidant. But the moment I truly understood motherhood and how lucky I am to have her was when I became a mother. I constantly learn from her as I watch her with my 2-year-old daughter, singing songs, reading stories, and teaching her through activities. Having her support in raising my daughter has been the most amazing and precious blessing.

What do you remember most about the moment you gave birth to your daughter?

I went through an emergency C-section and couldn’t see her for the first few minutes after delivery. So many emotions ran through my head but when I finally got to see her, after months of feeling her kick and move inside me, I was overwhelmed with love. That, and my husband and I were yelling at each other because there was some noisy equipment by the head of the operating table, and I couldn’t hear a word he was saying!

How did you choose the name of your daughter?

This was fun for us. We spent months negotiating a list of unisex names. Pocket vetos were used, side deals were cut, alliances were made and broken. But that list ended up going out the window. In the last few months of the pregnancy, we binged watched our favorite show - Schitt’s Creek - which has one of our favorite TV characters, Alexis. And it just struck us - Alexis. It was a simple, strong name that just flowed - and that’s how we decided.

How do you juggle work with the responsibilities of motherhood?

I make it a point to carve out time that I spend with Alexis. In the morning, it’s just us, brushing our teeth, eating breakfast and so on. After that, my day is largely blocked for work where I try to create some separation and focus on getting my work done quickly and efficiently. Once the work day ends, it’s back to being our time, where I try to focus on just her until bedtime. But I’m also blessed to have a nanny during the day, a husband that steps in when I need a break, my mother who basically co-parents with us on weekends and an employer that values family and encourages a work-life balance.

What’s the most difficult part about being a mother?

The most difficult part about being a working mother is justifying the time spent away from one’s child. That feeling that you’re passing on the responsibility to a daycare, nanny, grandparent...

What’s the best part about being a mother?

Not sleeping in two years. That. Is. Awesome. But seriously, it’s watching her develop and learn new things every day, finding wonder in even the simplest things, like how she dances to music, or has already figured out how to play songs on my phone.

What surprised you most about being a parent?

That you can 100% love your child more than anything or anyone else on this planet!

Tell us something unique about Alexis.

She has not yet played with a doll, does not have a favorite toy but is happiest sitting in the driver's seat, pretend-driving a parked car.

What advice do you have for your daughter and her children regarding raising kids? What do you want them to remember?

You can never learn the correct method of parenting from a book/blog. Each child is different and you can use advice as a guideline but your child will shape the rules of child rearing.

What do you want Alexis to remember specifically about you?

That I love her with all of my being. And she is the first person I think of when I wake up and the last person I think of before I fall asleep.

Is there anything else you want to say on this topic?

No, I’m still figuring this parenting thing out.

Publish date: May 24, 2021