Can a mom be sexy? Well, yeah . How do you think most end up becoming a mom in the first place? Seriously, looks and a bod are nice, but combine those with commitment, patience, brains, care-giving, sacrifice, humor, and love -- qualities often developed en force after the kids come along -- and that lady becomes damn irresistible. And we think it's time the world recognizes that.

After scouring the globe, we put together our inaugural list of the THE Sexiest Moms Alive . From politicians to pop stars, bloggers to athletes, our list includes 22 moms who've proven they can tackle parenting challenges, overcome adversity, and change countless poopy diapers while still looking outrageously feminine. Below you'll see half of our handpicked list -- but don't miss the rest of our sexy moms in the slideshow, 11 Totally Sexy Moms , including Sarah Palin , CafeMom member Katie Olson , Kerri Walsh , Bethenny Frankel , blogger Kristen Chase , and more!

Time to count down the Sexiest Moms Alive ! Our apologizes if their total hotness smokes up your computer monitor ...  

Photo from Splash News 11.  Jennifer Lopez -- Twins at home and a Back-Up Plan ? J.Lo has said she's not the same person she was before kids, but she's still tearing up the big screen, radio, and fashion industry. Forget that famous (amazing) ass, Lopez is a powerful, sexy mom.

Flickr photo by LGEPR 10. Maggie Gyllenhaal -- She may be a proud breastfeeding mom who knows boobs are for babies, but we can't get the Sex-etary out of our minds. Yes, Ramona, your mommy is hot.

Photo from Splash News 9. Jessica Alba -- FHM once called her the Sexiest Woman in the World, and that was before the birth of her daughter, Honor. Is it just us or has motherhood made those chicklet teeth smiles glow brighter?

Flickr photo by DBKing 8. Michelle Obama -- First Lady mom sexy! This mother of two sweet girls knows how to dress and how to speak, and she's got the most powerful man in the world eating out of her hand. Plus, those amazing guns don't hurt either.

Photo from Splash News 7. Candace Parker -- Sometimes called the female Michael Jordan , this WNBA star has a model body (she's 6'4") that dominates the court for the Los Angeles Sparks. Bringing her daughter to work and taking just six weeks of maternity leave , she might be more than a head taller than us, but she's a down-to-earth "real" mom, and that's sexy.

Photo from Splash News 6. Giada De Laurentiis -- It's a toss-up which is more sensuous -- the Italian cuisine in Giada's Food Network kitchen or the host herself. We could watch Jade's mom for hours -- all while munching on some of her spinach bruschetta .

Flickr photo by keithwills 5. Kelly Ripa -- She corrals three kids, not including Regis, makes laundry look like a dream gig, and manages to stay on the cute side of ditzy -- which is just further proof that this mom is as cunning as she is fit. (Have you seen those abs?)

Photo by David Stone 4. Stephenie Meyer -- Can Mormons be sexy? This mother of three proves they can. She managed to write Twilight as a stay-at-home mom and it turned out to be the sexiest sex-free novel ever. We're just wondering ... is she Team Jacob or Team Edward?

Photo from Splash News 3. Jennifer Hudson -- A mom who's seen both tragedy and triumph, Hudson makes singing the blues red hot. With her decision to join Weight Watchers to be a better example to son David, she proves healthy is sexy.

Photo from People 2. Sandra Bullock -- Sandy's had her share of ups and downs over the last few months, but having 3 1/2-month-old Louis Bardo by her side must be a comfort. We love her laid-back approach to life, her ability to laugh at herself, and her natural beauty. Congratulations on the adoption and welcome to motherhood, you sexy mama.

And, drum roll please ... the #1 Sexiest Mom Alive is ...

Flickr photo by Nick Step 1. Tina Fey -- Go Tina! Go Tina! She's got the whole package: Funny, smart, gorgeous. And those big brown eyes don't hurt either. The 39-year-old mom behind 30 Rock , Mean Girls, and the best Sarah Palin impersonations on the planet -- all the while chasing 4-year-old Alice -- has our vote for world's wittiest woman and the Sexiest Mom Alive.

In case you missed it, here are 11 More Sexy Moms .