Originally appeared on E! Online
Eva Longoria’s life unfolded just as it was meant to.
The Desperate Housewives alum—who shares 7-year-old son Santiago with husband José Bastón—recently explained why becoming a mom at age 43 was the right move for her.
“You have so much more wisdom and patience when you become a mother in your forties,” she told The Times in an interview published Nov. 24. “It was all about me for so long. Forty years of me was enough time, so I was really blessed to have my child later in life because I had travelled, I’d done everything I needed to do for my career.”
As she put it, Santiago makes this era of her life extra special. “Now everything I do is just icing on the cake,” she continued, “and I get to do that with my son.”
And while Eva, who celebrated her 50th birthday in March, conceded, “I want to have my 20-year-old body with my 50-year-old mind,” she’s also made deliberate choices to ensure she can be a mom on the go for as long as she possibly can.
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“We’re all aging,” she said. “It’s happening, so you have no choice but to embrace it. I just want to age well. I want to be able to move, hike, get up and down stairs. I’m still carrying my son and he’s 7.”
Eva also shared how it’s the promise of time with Santiago that has her so discerning when it comes to taking on new projects.
“My family is my priority,” the Only Murders in the Building star said. “So, if I’m saying yes to something and it’s taking time away from them, it’s got to be something I’m really going to enjoy and people I really want to work with.”
Thankfully, Eva—who was previously married to Tony Parker and Tyler Christopher—has the perfect partner in José.
“I’m busy and my career is very important to me, but I’m really fortunate that I met my match in that,” she said of her husband of almost 10 years. “He’s totally supportive of my dreams and my goals and what I want to get done.”
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Eva has previously shared insight into splitting her and her family’s time between the United States, Mexico and Spain—and how much the lifestyle works for Santiago.
“He loves it. He’s well-traveled,” she said of her son to E! News in April. After all, she added, “For him, home is where I am. He just loves being with me.”
For a closer look at Eva’s most cherished role—that of mom—read on.
Travel Buddies
“Summer where are you?” Eva Longoria wrote on Instagram as her son wore a matching set from the Kaavia James Union-Wade x Janie and Jack Collection. “We are ready!!!!”
Snuggle Time
“Post-Mother’s Day snuggles,” Eva wrote on Instagram while wearing matching Peregrine Kidswear with her son.
Messy Mom Buns
“Hey @chrissyteigen is this the official hairstyle of breast feeding?” Eva joked as she rocked a messy bun while cuddling her newborn son.
Santiago Goes to Work
“First day back to work and look who is my assistant director! He has a desk and everything!” the star joked with baby Santiago on Instagram.
6 Month Birthday
Eva posted this sweet moment between her son and her son in honor of his six-month birthday. “My sweet angel, you are 6months today and it feels like you were just born yesterday!” she wrote. “Although I can’t remember my life without you. Your laughter melts my heart in ways you will never know.”
Learning Politics Early
“It’s never too early to learn about your candidates,” the actress joked on Instagram while reading a voting pamphlet with her 11 month-old son, urging her followers to educate themselves for the midterm elections.
Poolside Hangouts
“Ready for a dip in the pool!” the actress posted alongside a photo of her and her son wearing similar hats on Instagram.
Directed by … Santiago!
“I think I found our next director,” Eva joked while on the set of Black-ish.
Birthday Kisses
Eva posted this heart-warming photo on her birthday adding, “Thank you all so much for all the birthday wishes!! I’m having the best day with my loved ones and getting a lot of kisses from my Santi baby!”
Nap Time
“Will he always hold me like this?” the star jokingly asked while sharing a photo of nap time with her son.
Travel Buddies
“Ya’ll like my new carry-on?” Eva joked on Instagram.
Snack Time
The Grand Hotel executive producer shared this adorable photo of her “Santi” eating bread together. “Us. Just chilling and eating bread. #Moments,” she wrote.
Beach Baby
Eva posted this cute picture of her and her son sitting poolside on vacation.
Sunset Dances
“Dancing to the sunset!” Eva shared on her Instagram while on vacation with her son.
Smiley Saturday
“Ma’ boy!” the world-renowned actress shared on Instagram.
Foot Kisses?
The Jane the Virgin actress shared this hilarious, and maybe unsanitary photo with her 6.7 million Instagram followers.
Strolling Through Italy
The Desperate Housewives alum wandered through the streets of Italy with her newborn son, adding “Most of Italy is so beautiful, it looks like the backlot of a movie studio!”
Spaghetti for Mother’s Day
“My first Mother’s Day! I don’t even remember life before this little piece of love entered it,” Eva shared on her first Mother’s Day as a mom.
Vacation Time!
Eva posted this adorable photo on her Instagram, adding “Vacation Mode!”
Meeting Victoria Beckham
Eva introduced her newborn son to friend Victoria Beckham in Paris prior to Fashion Week.
First Christmas
The Telenovela star got into Christmas spirit by dressing up baby Santiago in an adorable festive outfit for his first Christmas.
Cannes Moments
“My ray of sunshine!” the actress posted on Instagram while in Cannes for the Cannes Film Festival.
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