T21Mom-A Down Syndrome Podcast

In this episode, Mary shares memories from a magical summer adventure in Prague, Czech Republic with Ainsley and Dennis. From wandering cobblestone streets to surviving the metro with a stroller, the magical scenery, the wild water slides  and meeting up with an old university friend, this trip was one for the books! Join us as we chat about: Old Town magic-astronomical clocks, the Powder Tower, the John Lennon Wall and why Prague looks like a fairytale you accidentally stepped into The Beer and Beer Spa-nothing beats a cold beer on a summer day or bathing in it! Getting around-metros, trams and a little confidence Our top family moments-including what Ainsley loved most (it was a "wild" ride!) Whether you're planning your own European getaway or just listening with a cup of coffee in hand, this episode is warm, funny and honest peek into our summer abroad and travelling with our rockin kiddo and a family that loves to explore!

Summer may be over, but the new school year is just beginning-and for Mary and Ainsley, that means BIG transitions.  In this episode, Mary shares the highs and the lows of saying goodbye to daycare after eight years (yes there were tears), their fun-filled trip to the PNE, and what it was really like starting Ainsley's first week of high school. From emotional goodbyes, daredevil rides, and locker practice, to the ongoing saga of the 45 minute two block school bus ride, this episode is a mix of laughter, nerves and love. If you've ever faced a big transition with your kiddo, you'll know exactly what Mary means.  And if not-well, you'll probably laugh with her as she navigates this new chapter.  What stories or topics do you want more of on the podcast? Visit T21Mom.com to send a message or even a voicemail!

In this milestone 150th episode, Mary takes us on a rollercoaster of emotion, celebration, and cookie-fueled chaos as she shares all the beautiful-and bittersweet-moments from Ainsley's final days of school.  From surprise awards and handmade cookie trays to an incredibly thoughtful gift from Ainsley's EA (spoiler: tears were shed), this episode is a love letter to growth, community and motherhood. Plus, Mary dishes on the epic summer BBQ for her parent support group (water balloons + gourmet burgers = perfection), and gives a sneak peek into their upcoming trip to Prague-castles, Gravol and all!

In this fun, heartwarming, and very real catch-up episode, Mary shares what life has looked like lately-spoiler alert: it includes a lot of cookies, a masquerade-themed "non graduation" and yet another pair of Ainsley's glasses lost, this time to the deep, blue sea. Mary chats about: - Ainsley's upcoming transition to high school(!) -Midnight cleanups and post-celebration tummy troubles -Fundraising in a monsoon for the Run Up For Down Syndrome -Hosting her first ever T21Mom Mingler -The epic Boat For Hope even (and how glasses and water still don't mix) - Summer adventures, Prague plans and podcast reflections It's funny, honest, chaotic, and full of heart-just the way life is Listen now on Apple, Spotify of wherever you get your podcasts!

In this episode, Mary is joined by child author Jeana Atkison to talk about her new children's book How to Eat a Cupcake.  They discuss the inspiration behind the story, how it subtly and beautifully includes characters with disabilities, and why representation in children's literature is so important.  Jeana shares her thoughts on integrating inclusion naturally through storytelling and the message she hopes kids and families take away from the book. Order your copy of How to Eat a Cupcake at paperseedpress.com Follow T21Mom: Facebook: @T21Mom Instagram: @Trisomy21Momma X: @Trisomy21Momma

Please like and subscribe and even leave a review! In this deeply personal and heartfelt episode of the T21Mom podcast, Mary opens up about a heavy season filled with hospital visits, health scares, and the current challenges of parenting.  But through it all, one thing has kept her going-her tribe of Haunted Rocking Moms. These incredible women, all moms of children with Down syndrome have wrapped Mary in love, laughter, and support when she's needed it most.  From surprise gifts to heartfelt messages, they've reminded her that she's never alone. This episode is a love letter to her tribe-a warm thank you and a reminder of the power of community when life gets hard.  

Please subscribe and leave a review! In this heartfelt episode, Mary chats with Cathy Middlestetter, mom to 27 year-old Cassie, who has Down syndrome. Cathy received a prenatal diagnosis just 11 days before Cassie was born-without the support of social media or online communities. Mary loved hearing Cathy's journey-how her strength, determination, and how she found connection in those early days.  From breastfeeding to inclusion, Cathy was a true trailblazer for the Down syndrome community. Tune in to hear a story of courage, love and finding your people. Connect with Mary: T21Mom.com  Follow, subscribe and leave a review to support the show!

Happy World Down Syndrome Day! Today we are celebrating the incredible individuals who rock that extra chromosome-and yes, we're also rocking our mismatched socks!  In this episode we dive into the fun and the real talk of World Down Syndrome Day. World Down Syndrome Day is a day for joy, advocacy, and raising awareness, but let's be real-it can also be a tough day for some parents. Whether you're dancing in celebration or feeling all the emotions, this episode is for you! So grab you mismatched socks, hit play, and let's celebrate together-whatever that looks like for you today.  

Be sure to give a rating and leave a review!   Hey friends, it's your friend Mary, and yes-I'm back! Life threw a few curveballs (because of course it did) and I needed a minute.  But I missed you all, so let's catch up!   In this episode, I'm sharing all the chaos, laughs, and real talk about what's been going on.  From my aunt's health scare, to Dennis bravely tackling Costco (on a Saturday no less), to Ainsley's latest adventures -including her ongoing mission to break every iPad screen ever made.   Tune in to hear: - Why my house feels like a circus with aging parents, Ainsley and family responsibilities  -Ainsley's ever-changing vocal stims (from wailing on a plane to grunting-I'll take it) - How we accidentally joined Special Olympics and why I'm so glad we did - The very real anxiety of high school transitions (spoiler: there are zero childcare options) - Some unexpected wins-like Ainsley rocking swim physio, actually wearing goggles, and improving her reading skills! My attempts at self-care (running, reading and knitting my "Paris socks"_ Let's be real-some days are just HARD. But there are always  bright spots and I'm holding onto those. Links & Resources: Book I'm reading: I Don't Do Disability  and Other Lies I've Told Myself by Adele Purdham Have topic ideas or want to share your story? Leave me a message at T21Mom.com Thanks for listening-l love you all! Keep on lovin' on your rockin' kiddos and I'll see you next time! 

Please like and review the T21Mom podcast on Apple or Spotify! It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we're back with the annual T21Mom Podcast Christmas Special! I'm Mary, mom to Ainsley, my amazing 12 year-old with the dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism, and I'm thrilled to share all the holiday fun, chaos and traditions with you in this episode. This year's Christmas season has been a mix of festive joy and well, exhaustion! Between tackling 72 Advent Cookie Boxes (yes 72!), decking the halls a bit last, hosting our 2nd annual Haunted Rockin' Moms Christmas Zoom and gift exchange (which included wine, laughter and more wine), there's never a dull moment. We also carried on our beloved traditions, like our annual cookie decorating party, which has grown to include nieces, nephews, friends and even Zahra, who insists it's now part of her tradition, too! I love seeing how these little moments become cherished memories for everyone. In this episode, I also share some of our favourite holiday traditions, like Christmas Eve mass, a visit to my friend Marcie's for food and wine, and one of my favourite parts of the season-seeing the dazzling light displays at Capilano Suspension Bridge and Trinity Street. We also chat about gift-giving struggles (anyone else have a kiddo who's tricky to shop for?), how Canada Post's strike led to creative Santa letter solutions and a bit of reflection on the podcast's future as we head into the new year. So grab your Christmas bells (do you have them?!) and join us for some holiday cheer, heartfelt memories and a little holiday hilarity. What are your favourite holiday traditions? Let me know-I'd love to hear how you celebrate!    

Please leave a rating or a review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Join Mary for another heartfelt chapter in the Down Syndrome Diaries: Diagnosis Stories.  In this episode, Mary sits down with Rockin' Mom Colleen Johnson who courageously shares the raw and emotional story of her son Luke's diagnosis. Colleen opens up about the grief that consumed her in the early days-grief so profound she wondered if she'd ever be able to "not see ."  But through time, love and the unwavering support of her family, Colleen found her way to an unshakable bond with her son and a profound appreciation for the joy he brings into their lives. One of the most touching moments Colleen shares is her mother's immediate acceptance of Luke's diagnosis.  Her mom's calm reassurance and steadfast love became a guiding light for Colleen, reminding her that Luke was, above all else, her baby, a gift to love and cherish. Be sure to follow Colleen and her family's story on Instagram at "Our life with Luke."  Thank you for tuning in to the T21Mom podcast.  If this episode touched your heart, please share it with others who need a little inspiration today.

Please rate and leave a review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Hold onto your wine, because this week Mary takes us to the Rockin' Moms Retreat in fabulous Las Vegas!  It's an episode filled with friendship, laughter, and just a little bit of ghostly mischief. Mary spills the tea (and maybe some cocktails) about how taking time away with her Haunted Rockin' Moms crew is the ultimate reset.  Think poolside relaxation, late-night heart-to-hearts, and plenty of shenanigans that only a Vegas trip could inspire. Highlights include: Zak Bagans' Haunted Museum: Where Mary stared fear in the face...and probably laughed nervously. Tiny Jesus: A small statue with a big story that will leave you inspired and giggling. Hell's Kitchen: A dinner so amazing, even Gordon Ramsay might approve of the table manners. Moms Night Out: Glamourous outfits, unforgettable memories, and zero regrets.  The Legendary Haunted Rockin' Moms Pub Crawl: Because what happens in Vegas stays...mostly in this episode. There's laughter, inspiration, and maybe one or two questionable beverage choices-because let's be real, it's Vegas, baby! Tune in for the fun, stay for the feels, and don't forget: what happens in the podcast might just stay with you forever. 

Join Mary, Ainsley and Dennis on an epic journey to the Paris Olympics! This week's episode dives into the highs (and hurdles) of making it to Paris, from battling extreme motion sickness to a last-minute dead iPad.  But once they arrived, the Games were an unforgettable adventure!   From the pool to the trampoline, and track to race walking, Mary covers it all! Get an insider's view on a jam-packed schedule that brought her up close with the world's greatest athletes.  Hear Mary's thrilling accounts of iconic races, including the electric men's 100 metre final, Canada's unforgettable gold in the 4x100 metre relay, and cheering on Canadian stars Mo Ahmed and Marco Arop in track. When they weren't at the Games Mary, Ainsley and Dennis explored some of Paris's most iconic sights, including the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysees.  Mary describes seeing the iconic Mona Lisa up close at the Louvre and other memorable moments around the city of lights.

In this episode of T21Mom, Mary opens up about the significance of "Rocktober"-a special month for Down Syndrome Awareness.  She discusses her personal approach to celebrating this important month and candidly shares the struggles she faces, including feeling guilty for not being fully engaged in the festivities.  Despite her deep passion for advocacy, Mary talks about the exhaustion that sometimes comes with it, and how advocating can feel like a never-ending journey. Mary also highlights some of the amazing ways other Rockin' Moms are celebrating and advocating during Rocktober, offering inspiration and ideas for those looking to get involved.  Tune in to hear how you can make a difference this month, whether you're fully embracing Rocktober or finding your own unique way to contribute.  For more details, visit T21Mom.com

Join Mary in today's episode as she shares her personal journey through challenging times and the importance of self-care.  In this episode, Mary opens up about the struggles that she faced when Ainsley started kindergarten, managing difficult behaviours and how she found her way back to focusing on her own well-being.  Discover the tools that helped Mary through her hardest moments, from therapy to her "happy pill," and hear her heartfelt message to other special needs moms-you are not alone.  Mary talks about the power of connection, sharing her experience with the Rockin Moms Retreat and how it transformed her life by bonding with other moms. She shares the importance of finding your community, whether in person or online, and how it can make all the difference on this journey.

In today's episode, we hear Melissa Miller's emotional story of how she received her son Hunter's Down syndrome diagnosis, which had a heartbreaking beginning.  A doctor stood at the door of her hospital room , told her the news in the most impersonal way, and even suggested that no one would judge her if she left her baby at the hospital.  This shocking experience was just 10 years ago, and sadly, similar stories are still  happening today.  But Melissa turned this negativity into strength and love for her son and hear how this negative experience lit a fire under her. Follow us on Facebook at T21Mom and I'm also on Instagram at Trisomy21Momma  Become part of the community at T21Mom.com Thanks for listening and being part of the Tribe!

Summer is over and school is back in session! Mary shares about the return to school and Ainsley going into grade 7-her final year of elementary school.  Mary talks about their wins, but also her trepidations and anxiousness over the coming school year and beyond.

In an intimate conversation, Mary sits down with Sandra Di Curzio, who opens up about the emotional journey she embarked on after her daughter Chiara's birth diagnosis.  Sandra's story is one of raw  honesty about post partum depression, guilt, and learning that life can still be beautiful while exploring the complexities of motherhood when life takes an unexpected turn.  

Mary dives into an exhilarating conversation with John and Nicole Vester.  From the very beginning, John was ready to document much of the pregnancy on his blog.  Initially expecting twins, to later finding out there was only one heartbeat, the emotional rollercoaster didn't end there.  As if decoding the NIPT results weren't challenging enough, they found themselves navigating the confusion that arose from Nicole initially carrying twins.  Despite these issues. the odds of their baby being born with Down syndrome were low.  However, when their son was 5 days old, they received the news that their son, Finn, was born with Down syndrome.  For many, this might have been a turning point, but for John and Nicole, it was simply part of their incredible journey.  Down syndrome didn't change their love or commitment, but rather strengthened their bond and their new resolve to give Finn the best life possible.   Their story is an inspiring testament to the power of love, patience and perseverance.  The Vesters show us that no matter the challenges, with a heart full of love and a spirit  of determination, anything is possible

Mary sits down for an enlightening conversation with Christiana Thiessen, a courageous Canadian who along with her husband moved to Jordan to assist with the Syrian refugee crisis.  Just a year and a half later, Christiana discovered she was pregnant with her first child.  Joy quickly turned to uncertainty when she learned that her baby would be born with Down syndrome.  Facing this challenge in a foreign country was daunting.   Yet , Christiana's journey to acceptance was swift and profound.  Within 24 hours of receiving the diagnosis, she embraced her baby's future with unwavering love.  Despite facing skepticism from doctors and advice to return to Canada due to limited support for her baby in Jordan, Christiana and her husband made the brave decision to relocate back to Canada within six days of receiving their baby's diagnosis. In her conversation with Mary, Christiana shares a powerful message: a Down syndrome diagnosis is not the end of the world.  Instead, it opens up a path of different, yet equally meaningful experiences.  Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless power of love and acceptance.