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Alianna at 4 years old

08/18/2015

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Our Alianna is four years old and looking more grown up everyday. (She picked that “Mommy’s ‘lil Girl” shirt to wear on her birthday, as well as the rest of her outfit.) She’s smart, passionate, creative and sassy. She’s brave, athletic and out-going. She’s full of faith and quick to pray for healing for anyone with a hurt. She adores her baby brother and is eager to show him off to new people while we’re out. She has an excellent memory for music, names, places and promises. If she had her way she’s eat ice cream and candy for every meal. She loves her friends, soccer, beading, crafts, books and swimming. Swimming! She’s swimming like a little fish this summer: underwater, retrieving toys off the bottom of the deep end of the pool, floating on her back and diving/flipping in head-first off the side. We’re unofficially doing preschool homeschool this year, which basically just means a little more intentionality with reading, writing/drawing, following instructions, attitude/respect, exploring and learning about the world. Ali is an amazing, thoughtful loving girl. She also keeps us on our toes and continually puts our parenting skills (human skills? grace, patience, wisdom, consistency, etc.) to the test.

Happy birthday, sweet girl! We are so glad you were born and that you’re ours!

When I asked to take her picture for her birthday she insisted that I take some of her with her baby brother.

The big gift she really wanted was a rolling suitcase of her own. She can’t wait to go on a trip with Daddy!

A mermaid-themed pool party for our little fish!

Alianna at 3.5 Years Old

Alianna Mae at Three Years Old

Alianna at 2.5 Years Old

Alianna Mae at Two Years Old

Alianna at 18 Months

Precious: Monthly Portrait 12

Precious: Monthly Portrait 6

Leave a Comment » | Family, Family: Precious/Ali | Tagged: Ali, alianna at 4, birthday, daughter, four years old, precious | Permalink
Posted by mahlbrandt

Work Shoes

08/17/2015

Four years ago, I took a picture of Jason’s old shoes before throwing them away. I wanted to remember what they looked like because they represented so much to me. As disgusting as they were, I was a little sad to say goodbye. First, they show that my husband is so thrifty that he’ll wear his shoes until they’re completely falling apart and his wife insists on throwing them away. More than anything though, they represent hard work. He’s spent the past 20 years playing the heck out of guitars, fine tuning his gift. These shoes took him to school and band rehearsals and shows at first. But these shoes also worked for five years at Starbucks when we first moved to Nashville and were chasing hard after our dreams. Jason worked two or three jobs at a time while I finished my graphic design degree. After the barista days, these shoes spent many, many hours doing yard work and home renovations, building tons of sweat equity into our first two homes. He works harder than anyone I know taking care of his family, our home and his career. Jason Ahlbrandt, thank you for doing all that you do for us. I could not be any more proud of you. I’m so glad I get to be your one and only.

Leave a Comment » | Family, Family: Jason | Tagged: career, hard work, jason ahlbrandt | Permalink
Posted by mahlbrandt

So Many Changes

08/13/2015

Once upon a time, I wrote blog posts several times a week. I hardly missed a day. Not always deep thoughts but I’ve enjoyed this as a place to journal and keep records of our lives the past six years (even more if I count my previous blogs). I sometimes wonder if there’s any value in sharing all of this but then I get an email from a fellow foster mom looking for support, a potential adoptive parent thanking us for telling our story or a casual reader just checking in to say hello since this space has been so quiet. Two months ago I thought I was back to blogging and then the weeks quickly slipped by and I haven’t blogged much since then. I’m not sure how to restart without doing a general update post. Our family has gone through so much change in the past 6 months.

It started back at the end of winter as I was entering my third trimester. We were looking toward an unpaid maternity leave and what life would look like with two forever kids. An unexpected door opened as we prayed for provision. Jason auditioned for a new gig with a busier tour schedule that would translate to better income. He didn’t get it and we wondered why. It sounded like it was going to the perfect answer to our prayers. When he didn’t get the job, he started taking classes to get his real estate license. Then he got a call back; he got the gig after all. The timing was perfect for our finances. He entered a busy season of touring just a couple weeks before Isaiah was born and my unpaid time off work began. From his bunk in the tour bus he continued working hard on his online classes, studying and taking tests for his real estate license. It was a lot to juggle but once he’s got his mind on a goal there is no stopping him. He missed one weekend of shows—two concerts in Texas—for Isaiah’s birth and then he was back on the road two days after we got home from the hospital. His tour schedule was lighter in May, thankfully, because my recovery was much harder than I anticipated. But in June things picked up again. I started back to work full time, working mostly from home now—a huge answer to prayer! And also a new juggling challenge. Jason had 6 full days off/home in June and managed to fit his real estate licensing exam in there. He passed! He’s now a fully licensed real estate agent. His schedule for July was even fuller than June and it was taking it’s toll on all of us. Half way through the month he had a hard conversation with the band leader about needing to step away to focus on his growing family and his new real estate venture. He was willing to stick it out for a few weeks to help their transition but God made a way for him to be home within days of that conversation without putting anyone out or severing any relationships. He returned to his previous gig with a much lighter touring schedule and started full steam into his real estate business. And that’s just the big stuff. There were also soccer games, visits from out-of-town family, and so many doctors appointments for check ups, dentists, PT, OB, dermatology, radiology. Phew!

All the transitions have sent our finances on some roller coaster loopy-loops and been exhausting in other ways, too. But God is good. These changes are good and I can see His hand on us through every change. It has not been easy or painless but the blessings have outweighed the struggles:

We have two beautiful children. I was able to keep my full-time graphic design job of 8+ years and be home with my kids 6 days a week. Jason was able to add a realtor hat next to the professional musician one—both flexible jobs that allow him to spend a lot of time at home. I trust that life will feel less tiring soon, and in the meantime I have a newfound love of coffee.

The photo at the top, taken by our friend Beth Rose, basically sums up the past several months. But here are some other memorable moments, too:

Leave a Comment » | Faith, Family, Family: Froggie/Isaiah, Family: Jason, Family: Me, Family: Precious/Ali | Tagged: career, changes, Family, life, new job, newborn, transition, work | Permalink
Posted by mahlbrandt

Isaiah Jason – 3 Months

08/11/2015

I’m way behind on blogging. Let’s pretend for a minute that it’s 7/26/15.

Three months old! Biggest news of the past month: Zay started laughing! We still have to work pretty hard for it, but it’s worth it. At 3 months he’s getting stronger with tummy time, holding his head up for longer periods, putting weight on his legs with help to stand up. He’s sleeping so well I’m almost embarrassed to say. (We’ve sleep trained a lot of babies.) Zay is a good eater and snorts like a pig when he’s hungry. He kicks his feet when he’s happy. Isaiah discovered his tasty hands this month and drools as he chomps on his fingers. His left hand and foot seem to be dominate. He has also discovered how to get attention with his voice; boy can get LOUD! He rarely cries but he knows how to communicate what he needs and wants. One of my favorite times of the day is story time with big sister Ali. Zay will look at the pictures or at me while I’m reading, and smile and kick his feet.

14.5 lbs. and wearing 6 month size clothes!

1 Comment | Family, Family: Froggie/Isaiah | Tagged: 3 months, baby, Family, froggie, infant, isaiah jason, monthlyzay, zay | Permalink
Posted by mahlbrandt

Isaiah Jason – 2 Months

08/11/2015

I’m way behind on blogging. Let’s pretend for a minute that it’s 6/26/15.

Isaiah promises he’ll smile more next month. He didn’t smile for any of my DSLR pics. [Spoiler alert: he didn’t.] At 2 months old he’s making eye contact, smiling, mimicking facial expressions, cooing and almost laughing, especially if his cheeks or chin are tickled. He’s still eating every 3 hours during the day but is starting to sleep through the night. Last 3 nights he went 9:30/10:30 – 4:30/5:00. Then back to sleepy for another 3-4 hours. Woot woot! He’s working on tummy time. No rolling yet but he loves to sleep on his right side.

Two feet tall, 12 lbs. 3 oz.

Leave a Comment » | Family, Family: Froggie/Isaiah | Tagged: 2-months, baby, Family, froggie, infant, isaiah jason, monthlyzay, zay | Permalink
Posted by mahlbrandt

Isaiah Jason – 1 Month

06/18/2015

Next week he’ll be 2 months old so it’s about time I get this post published. I suspected time would get away from me so I shared this IG post on his 1 month birthday:

He’s now about 8.6 lbs [oops, way off, see below] and outgrowing newborn clothes because of his length. He’s a peaceful, happy, sweet little guy. He is starting to sleep longer stretches: 2-3 hours for naps and 3-5 hour stretches at night. He’s a good eater and he likes baths. He’s smiling at us daily. He’s slightly smothered by his big sister. If it sounds like he’s the perfect baby it’s because…yeah…he pretty much is! Oh, he does have one flaw. He’s not a fan of his car seat unless the van is moving.

At his 1 month check up he was 9 lbs. 4 oz. and 22″ long. (Up from 6 lbs. 13 oz. and 21.5″ at birth.)

Some highlights from his first month:

First morning at home

First family picture (lol!)

Check out these long feet!

Jason’s mini-me

First bath at home

Mother’s Day walk and picnic at Cheekwood

Baby blues

1 Comment | Family, Family: Froggie/Isaiah | Tagged: 1 month, baby, Family, froggie, infant, isaiah jason, newborn, zay | Permalink
Posted by mahlbrandt

#aliandzay

06/15/2015

I was sitting in the hospital bed holding Isaiah as Alianna and Nana (Jason’s mom) came into my room, with Aunt Ginger and cousin Eliza right behind them. Ali was quietly grinning as she came right up to say hi to her new brother and get a hug from me. “Do you want to hold him?” She nodded. She climbed up onto the bed and nestled in next to me so I could help her. “Look, Mommy, his bones aren’t too soft!” she said has she touched his forehead. I had explained before about being very careful holding little babies, especially being gentle with and supporting their heads and necks. The first picture of them together captured that moment.

I grew up with an older sister and brother. I can’t imagine growing up without siblings. While Ali has five biological half-siblings, we don’t see them often. I really wanted her to have a sibling to grow up with, under the same roof, with the same parents. Zay was the answer to that prayer. Since getting pregnant, I’ve prayed many times for their relationship and I continue to do so. I hope they grow up to be the best of friends. I pray for a strong, loving bond between them. Seeing it come to life fills my heart with so much joy. She adores him. He adores her. She reads books to him. She rushes to comfort him when he’s upset. She sings him songs and gives him his pacifier. She helps with baths and diaper changes. She hugs and kisses him and rubs her soft cheeks against his face. He turns his face toward her and smiles. He watches her. He reaches out toward her. She’s quick to tell anyone we meet, “I’m a big sister. He’s my little brother. His name is Isaiah.” She’s so proud of him and her role. Jason and I are so proud of her!

1 Comment | Family, Family: Froggie/Isaiah, Family: Precious/Ali | Tagged: #aliandzay, alianna, brother sister, isaiah, siblings | Permalink
Posted by mahlbrandt

Hello Again

06/11/2015

My six weeks of maternity leave ended yesterday and I returned to work full time (from home, thankfully). As much as I was dreading that day—the weeks seemed to fly by and I would have loved to have more time to just rest and enjoy my family—it feels surprisingly good to be back. I had some frustrating setbacks to my physical recovery and hearing my doctor say on Tuesday that I’m almost all healed and I can return to all of my pre-pregnancy and pre-birth activity now was a great relief. Our bodies are capable of some pretty amazing things! Returning to work feels a lot like returning to real life. I’m ready to return to my regular activities now… going to church, meal planning and grocery shopping, taking care of household responsibilities, freelance work, blogging. I’m sure it will still be a bit rocky as I’m transitioning back into these activities but I’m happy to be finally writing a blog post again.

My next post will be about Ali meeting Zay and the budding of their sibling relationship.

Leave a Comment » | Family, Family: Froggie/Isaiah, Family: Me | Permalink
Posted by mahlbrandt

Birth Story: Isaiah Jason

05/18/2015

Saturday April 25 was a restful family day. We had a big breakfast together, followed by a dance party in an attempt to shake the baby out. (Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” are our go-to dance songs.) Ali and I played together, had a picnic lunch outside and then went to the playground while Jason visited with a friend. Then we all went shopping and out for an afternoon treat at Chick Fil A. (Frozen lemonade and waffle fries with ranch for me—hello pregnancy craving!) When we got back home we visited with some neighbors for a little while.

That evening we went for a long walk in Shelby Park as we had done several times that week—the week of my due date. I was having some contractions while we walked but I wasn’t timing them because they often happen while I’m walking. When we got in the car I had a pretty long one and we decided we should start making a note of the time and intervals. It was 8:05 pm. We went to pick up a pizza and came home to eat it, all the while timing contractions that were coming predictably and getting closer together. We put Ali to bed but then decided we should have Jason’s parents come get her. They arrived around 10 or 10:30 pm. We finished packing up our things for the hospital and I took a shower and did my make-up.

We left for the hospital around 1:00 am but when the nurse checked me I was still just 1 cm dilated. She gave us the option to get admitted, wait/walk until I was 3 cm or go back home to rest and come back when the contractions got more intense. We went back home to try to sleep since it was getting so late. We got home at 2:30 am. Jason was able to sleep a little bit (maybe 45 min?) before I woke him up and said it was time to go back. We got back around 4:00 am and I was not quite 2 cm. They don’t like to admit before 3 cm generally. So we walked laps around the hall for about an hour, stopping every 5 min or so to get through a contraction. We were admitted around 5:00 am. I got settled into my labor and delivery room and the first thing I did was get in the gigantic tub for a hot bath and put on some relaxing music from my iPod. The water helped so much! Jason brought in the rest of our things from the van and rested on the sofa bed.

The on-call doctor arrived around 9:00 am and offered to break my water to get things going faster, and we agreed. We had one scary moment about an hour later when Isaiah’s heart rate dropped and the nurses came rushing in as the alarm on the monitor went off. In a matter of seconds, they rolled me onto my side, plugged in my IV and strapped an oxygen mask on my face. It’s amazing how much more a contraction hurt when I was scared! Thankfully, it was no big deal—just by changing my position his heart rate returned to normal. They said the umbilical cord sometimes gets pinched by his/my position and just moving is enough to fix it. By noon I was 6 cm dilated. (10 cm is the goal – that’s when you can push.) But I got stuck at 6 cm. The contractions were getting so intense and painful that I was having trouble not pushing, which is not helpful because it made my cervix swell at the top instead of dilate. Even with the help of nitrous oxide to relax and Jason’s coaching to breathe and relax through the contractions, I was in a lot of pain and getting exhausted. After being stuck at 6 cm for 4 hours I asked for an epidural.

I like to say I did 2/3 natural childbirth and 1/3 with an epidural. The epidural was amazing! Instant relief and ability to rest. My sister is an OB/gyn and my brother is an anesthesiologist so I asked Jason to send them the above picture. It was wonderful to go back to looking forward to seeing and holding our son, rather than just thinking about making it through the next contraction. I could watch the contractions on the monitor but I didn’t have any pain. I went from 6 cm to 10 cm and ready to push in 2 hours. Then, I ended up pushing for another 2 hours. It’s an interesting thing to push when you can’t feel your whole bottom half. At right about the 2 hour mark, which the doctor warned was about the max he would let me push without looking into other intervention (like foreceps or suction), I used every last bit of strength in my body and pushed that boy out. Jason was instantly in tears, just totally in awe with our son, with what I was capable of doing, with the whole process of childbirth. (It looks like he’s crying in the picture below but he never actually cried the whole time we were at the hospital, just little squeaks when he was upset.)

The nurses took Isaiah to the corner to check him out. Typically they hand the baby straight to the mother to do immediate skin-to-skin but he had passed a little meconium during pushing and they just wanted to make sure he hadn’t ingested any. Jason watched as they checked him out, weighed him, cleaned him off and wrapped him up. Meanwhile I got stitched up. (I had a little tearing and an episiotomy.)

When they put him against my chest a couple minutes later, I was overcome with tears of joy, finally getting to see his precious face and hold him in my arms. I cry every time I look at this photo. It was such a sacred moment. Isaiah was born almost exactly 24 hours after my contractions started. We missed an entire night of sleep so we were exhausted and starving. As soon as things were stable Jason ran out to get some carry out dinner from Five Guys because they were minutes from closing and the hospital cafeteria was already closed. The sweet server saw his hospital band and gave him one meal free. He was back before it was time to move up to our postpartum room.

We got settled up in our postpartum recovery room around 1:00 am. I can’t remember all the details of the first night since I was so tired but I know we did get several good chunks of sleep that first night. At one point I think I had asked the nurse a breastfeeding question (we were having a hard time getting him to go to sleep) and she offered to take him to the nursery for a little bit so we could rest. She said he fell right to sleep once he got down there. She brought him back as soon as he woke up. The nurses at St. Thomas Midtown were absolutely amazing! So kind and helpful, with humble, servant hearts. They took really good care of the three of us. I am so glad we decided to deliver there and would definitely recommend it.

2 Comments | Family, Family: Froggie/Isaiah, Family: Jason, Family: Me | Tagged: baby froggie, birth, birth story, childbirth, delivery, froggie, isaiah, pregnancy, zay | Permalink
Posted by mahlbrandt

He’s Here!

04/28/2015

Isaiah Jason Ahlbrandt was born Sunday 4/26/15 at 8:07 pm, measuring 21.5″ long and 6 lbs. 13 oz. We are so delighted with him. Zay and I are both doing well. We’re all catching up on our sleep after a pretty long labor (we missed a whole night of sleep). He’s doing great with eating and sleeping. He’s a very sweet, easy-going, adorable little boy. Our hearts are so full. Big sister Ali got to meet him yesterday. I’m looking forward to all of us being home together later today.