T21Mom-A Down Syndrome Podcast

T21Mom-Episode 123: Down Syndrome Diaries: Shelli DeGroot's Story of Faith, Love and Resilience

Mary engages in a heartfelt conversation with Shelli DeGroot delving into her remarkable journey of diagnosis and resilience.  Shelli recounts the unexpected twist of a pregnancy even after having her tubes tied, followed by the surprising news of her baby having Down syndrome.  Through it all, Shelli finds solace in her faith, believing that her son is destined for great things.  She reflects on the impact of a book she read during pregnancy which unknowingly prepared her for her son's birth diagnosis.  Shelli's story is a testament to the transformative power of love and strength, as she shares how her son has not only enriched her life but also made her  a better, more compassionate individual. Through her journey, Shelli reminds us that we possess untapped resilience and love, far beyond what we may believe possible.   

T21Mom-Episode 122- Keller Kuhn's Diagnosis Story: "I prayed for a child with extra needs."

Mary chats with mom Keller Kuhn for the first episode in the diagnosis stories series.  Keller is Mom to Timmy, who is almost 22 years old, and she shares how she actually prayed for a child with extra needs, what prompted this and how she felt when her prayers were finally answered.  Keller raised five children, including Timmy who has Down syndrome and the dual diagnosis of autism, as a single parent.  She shares her wisdom from her journey and says she is not "super duper special" and that we have all been chosen because of what our kids have to offer us.  

T21Mom - Episode 121: Happy Post World Down Syndrome Day-do you love this day or does it cause you some grief and anxiety?

Mary shares her personal experience on this past World Down Syndrome Day and cool experience after wearing her "Love Down Syndrome" shirt.  She also shares that even though this day is important, that this year she didn't do a whole lot other than wearing mismatched socks and her Down syndrome shirt and her subsequent feelings about this.  And Mary also has some big news about her Haunted Rocking Moms and some exciting summer plans!

T21Mom-Episode 120 Identical Twins and Mosaic Down Syndrome With Lauren Zwick

Mary chats with Lauren Zwick, mom to Emma and Lily who are identical twins with mosaic Down syndrome-a true rarity! Lauren shares the uniqueness of her twins and how their mosaicism affects them differently.  It is a fascinating and intriguing conversation about twins, mosaic Down syndrome and Down syndrome.  Lauren's daughter Lily makes an appearance and shares what it means to have Down syndrome and being an identical twin to her sister, Emma.  

For more information on mosaic Down syndrome, visit imdsa.org

T21Mom - Episode 119 My Diagnosis Story-When I Learned My Baby Would Be Born With Down Syndrome.

Mary shares her personal story of being a single mom by choice and receiving a prenatal diagnosis that her baby would be born with Down Syndrome.  She talks of her intense feelings of grief and sadness upon learning of her baby's diagnosis, but also how she came to acceptance of the diagnosis and when her baby was born, it was a true celebration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T21Mom - Episode 118: Toilet Training Your Child With Down Syndrome-With Katie Rinald

Mary chats once again with toileting expert Katie Rinald.  Katie answers some of the most commonly asked question from parents who are toilet training their child with Down syndrome.  Everything from when to start, is your child ready, how to get your child to initiate, even dispelling myths of toilet training.  And Katie even answers the question about how to get your boy to pee standing up (her answer may surprise you!) and so much more.  

Poop Teaching 101 Course

Videos From ACT (Autism Community Training)

T21Mom - Episode 117 : Season Opener-Snowfall, Speech and School and What’s Coming Up

Mary shares about the recent snowfall and how Ainsley actually enjoyed it.  She also talks about what is happening at school, how Ainsley is participating, and her recent gains in speech. And finally, Mary talks about how you can be a part of an upcoming show!

T21Mom - Episode 116 : The 2023 Christmas Show

Christmas traditions and how Christmas may look different for our children with Down Syndrome.
On today’s episode Mary talks with Ron about some of her favourite Christmas traditions, how she has learned to appreciate the “moments” and not worry about having the Hallmark Christmas. Mary also shares some other Rockin Moms Christmas traditions including Christmas Eve jammies and the White Elephant.

Be sure to check out Burnaby Village Museum

Jingle Bells by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/  Music Used under Creative Commons CC BY 3.0

T21Mom - Episode 115 : Fostering Friendships For Your Child With Down Syndrome

On today’s episode, Mary shares the best birthday gift ever!  Putting into Ainsley’s IEP “fostering friendships” turned into a heartwarming birthday card and a beautiful note by Ainsley’s EA for her birthday.  She talks to how our kids, even those with the dual diagnosis, can still have genuine and meaningful friendships. 
#T21Mom.com

T21Mom - Episode 114 - Celebrating Babies With Down Syndrome With a Jack’s Basket

On today's episode, Mary talks with Carissa Carroll, founder of Jack's Basket.  When her son Jack was born with Down syndrome, no one congratulated them and the delivery of his diagnosis by the health care provider left much to be desired. Carissa felt this had to change. What first started as leaving two baskets at the hospital, has led to Jack's Basket, a non profit organization that has delivered 8,000 baskets to 41 countries across the world!  Carissa wants all our children with Down syndrome to be celebrated and the parents congratulated.
To order or receive a basket go to JacksBasket.org