Austin Moms adds Shani Montique-Ahmad to the team

Hi, I’m Shani Montique-Ahmad. I am an Austin native born to Jamaican parents and have always loved to overindulge in many comforts at once like watching a movie surrounded by pillows, while under a blanket, while eating a bowl of rice and curried chicken with coconut water followed by dessert. Life is just too short and I am here to experience most of it, but… without any insects around. Naturally, I am a fun-loving person, who loves to laugh and be around great company, but like most of you my life has built-in setbacks too.

There is one key distinction that I don’t have in common with everyone else at Austin Moms. I am not a mother, not yet at least, but this isn’t by choice. Regrettably, I represent countless women who have suffered with years of infertility and have invaluable experience involving miscarriage, IVF, surrogacy, and foster and adoption.

I’m sure you have tons of questions and want all the tea about my journey or the specifics of a particular step in becoming a parent like:

• How does infertility take a toll on relationships?
• Should I adopt?
• Which is better IUI or IVF?
• What to do when you initially find out you’re pregnant.
• Am I still trying to become a mother?

In time, I will divulge a little more, but first I want to keep things upbeat and lighthearted before peeling away the layers so you get to know me a little more.

Shani Montique-Ahmad

I met my husband, JP, in 2008 watching a live band in the garage of some condo on the east side of Austin, years ago. That night, it was all about having a good, solid carefree time with friends and then he showed up. Our relationship developed over time and got serious and now here we are married 9 years, co-own a business for over 10 years, but childless after almost 8 years of trying.

Coincidentally, my hubby and I still get to cultivate the growth, development, and education of children by way of our community as we co-own a small music business, Franklin Music Academy, in south Austin where we teach music to kids of all ages in-studio and online. Our business has been the lifeline in our marriage that always forces us to engage even when times are difficult. We are firm believers that life with music is a miracle worker in many ways.

Mostly everyone I know that wanted to be a mother is already. If I wanted to live my life and be completely miserable and bitter, I think my friends and family would give me some leeway. But what good would that do? Sulking is a temporary cure. At some point, you must move on, which is what I have done and continue to do.

A childless woman accepting the offer to write on parenting topics is unprecedented in the history of Austin Moms and I am delighted to be the first to represent and pave the way for others like me. I hope you stay with me as I share my knowledge about all things mom, parenting, and family from a unique perspective online and on social media.

~Shani Montique-Ahmad

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