Another Mother: Ashley and Alannah
This is our final addition to our Another Mother series this year, and guys, let us warn you: this one is a doooooozy. These two women, their stories, and how they have overcome to not only love their daughter, but each other, is so heart warming we can hardly stand it.
Alannah and Ashley co-parent 7 year old Nora; Alannah’s child from a past relationship to Ashley’s now partner. In their interview, this mom and step-mom duo talk about their commitment to creating the best life for their daughter—no matter what.
Ashley shares,“I feel happy and willing to work on myself in whatever capacity is necessary to ensure that Nora is always healthy and happy. John, Alannah, and myself all work together to be the family she needs and deserves. We have chosen to prioritize Nora above all other things and so we work out our own shit in order to provide that.”
Learn about how their queen-like vibe drove the design of an epic Mother’s Day arrangement after the interview.
Ashley, can you tell us about Nora and your journey with motherhood?
My co parent and friend, Alannah and John made a baby but they split up when she was 1. At first it was just “my boyfriends daughter”, but now she’s 7 years old and she’s now definitely my daughter too.
It took awhile before I settled into the step mom role because I so badly didn’t want to step on Alannah's toes. She is Nora’s mother and they are very close, just how I would want it to be. I wanted to be respectful and considerate of that feeling threatening and I waited until Alannah started to call me that before I started calling myself that.
I feel complete being a stepmother. I feel happy and willing to work on myself in whatever capacity is necessary to ensure that Nora is always healthy and happy. John, Alannah and myself all work together to be the family she needs and deserves. We have chosen to prioritize Nora above all other things and so we work out our own shit in order to provide that. Curating a safe and loving home for Nora is the best thing I could ever do.
I didn’t think I’d grow up and be anything too great, or raise greatness but here I am and I couldn’t ever dream up anything better. I love her. I love being a stepmother. I love motherhood so much.
Alannah, Can you tell us about Nora and being her mom?
My daughter, Eleanor Danger, is 7 years old and her favorite animal is a kangaroo. She’s never met anyone she doesn’t immediately love and make smile. My daughter was born in 2014 following a very medically rough pregnancy and birth. I spent most of my life working with children but never thinking I’d have any of my own. Being Nora’s mom, despite the outward difficulties, has been the easiest and most natural transition of my life. It feels like she has always existed in tandem with me.
Seeing my daughter persevere and thrive despite the numerous obstacles thrown in her path has been my favorite thing about being her mother.
Second only to sticky kid kisses.
The way Alannah and Ashley’s love for their daughter overflows? The grace it takes to make it all work? It is, in our opinion, the very definition of poise and sophistication. That’s why She’s An *Artist* is our tribute to them, and to motherhood as a whole. Does this arrangement remind you of the queen who rules your world? Then this very special design is just for her.