T21Mom-A Down Syndrome Podcast

T21Mom:Episode 147-Glitter Glue & Grace: A Love Letter to My Tribe

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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.  

T21Mom: Episode 146- 11 Days to Forever: Cathy's Diagnosis Story

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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!

T21Mom: Episode 145-Rock Your Socks-the Joy and Real Talk of World Down Syndrome Day

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.

 

T21Mom-Episode 144: Surviving the Chaos: High School Anxiety, Special O Wins & The Great iPad Destruction

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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! 

T21Mom: Episode 143-Christmas Cheer, Cookie Chaos, and Matching PJs: A Holiday Special!

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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!

 

 

T21Mom: Episode 142-Finding Love Beyond the Diagnosis: Colleen Johnson's Journey with Baby Luke

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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.

T21Mom: Episode 141-The Rockin Moms Take Vegas

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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. 

T21Mom-Episode 140: Olympic Dreams in Paris-Mary, Ainsley and Dennis Take on the Games!

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.

T21Mom-Episode 139: Embracing Rocktober-Advocacy, Awareness & Finding Balance

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

T21Mom-Episode 138: Finding Your People: The Power of Connection on the T21Mom Journey

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.