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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!

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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.

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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. 

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.

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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.