It’s been almost two years since Maria Menounos went in for life-changing surgery to remove a brain tumor. Nowadays, instead of worrying about the complications from the unformidable circumstance, the TV personality has something else on her mind. Maria recently opened up to Closer Weekly in the magazine’s newest issue, on newsstands now, about how “this is definitely the year” she wants to have kids.

“We kind of want to have twins and get it over with,” she joked, referring to her husband, Keven Undergaro, who she just celebrated her first wedding anniversary with on New Year’s Eve. “But we’ll see,” she added.

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The 40-year-old yearns for motherhood now more than ever after going through something that completely altered her life. “I realized that my health has to be first and that life is really short,” Maria admitted. “So many things have changed — just my perspective on what I will and won’t do. I really want to pursue the things that I feel passionately about.”

The Fantastic Four actress even shared that her mother, who also suffered from a brain tumor, is “doing amazing, thank God,” while adding that her own health is “great.” And bringing a little bundle of joy, or two, into their world would only add to her family and happiness. “I’m trying to enjoy time with friends and family more,” the brunette beauty stated. “I was so career-oriented. It’s such a big deal to put away the phone. Now every day is just a blessing.”

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Today I standup for my mom. We watched @standuptocancer2018 from her hospital bed after her brain surgery 2 years ago. Yesterday we got miraculous news that her tumor has shrunk almost to nothing. Like a crumb. So thankful to god, the doctors&nurses at @cedarssinai & @danafarber for their great care. Thankful to all of our friends&family for their love & support. Thankful to all of you for your messages of encouragement. Thankful to all of the amazing people who guided and assisted me in moms care. You are all true Angels. Dr. Jeff Golden you are one of those angels. I also standup for all of you fighting the fight. Sending you all love and light in your battle. Thank you to everyone who gave of their time or donated to @standuptocancer2018 . You help give us hope!

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And that’s exactly what Maria considers the unfortunate situation. “Would you believe me if I told you that the brain tumor is the best thing that ever happened to me?” she said in a previous interview with Women’s Health. “It’s freed me from all of that anxiety of having to be perfect. You can’t control everything; leave it to God and just say, ‘Okay, this is my journey.'”

For Maria, being diagnosed with a brain tumor taught her to take one day at a time and be thankful for all she has. “This whole thing has been such a gift,” she said. “This happened for a reason.”

For more on Maria Menounos, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more exclusive news!