It's the annual Rockin' Mom Retreat episode that was held at the beautiful resort called the Callaway Resort and Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia.  Mary shares the challenges of going away for a few days-from lunches, to Pro D days and early dismissal and how much it means to her to get away.  From guided hikes, to a murder mystery (so much fun) to golf carts, beach parties, a cottage pub crawl, pajama parties to emotional guest speakers (hint, Ruby's Rainbow), it was a fun filled and emotional retreat.  The Haunted Rockin' Moms had their own Murder Mystery in 80's style and Mary chats with lots of Rockin' Moms about what the retreat means to them.  Listen to hear from amazing women from all walks of life who are on a similar path of raising a child with Down syndrome and what it means to find a tribe and a community that supports you.  

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

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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.  

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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!

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! 

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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!