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. 

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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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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.

In an incredibly raw and often heartbreaking conversation, Mary sits down with Puja Mehta to delve into the story of her son Aaryav's diagnosis.  Puja, who currently resides in India, spent several years in the United States, where she gave birth to both her children.  She recounts the experience of a medical system that failed her long before Aaryav, who was born with Down syndrome, came into the world.

From the beginning, red flags were missed.  Markers on her ultrasounds, indicative of Down syndrome, were overlooked.  When Aaryav was born, Puja immediately sensed something was different-he didn't resemble either her or her husband and he struggled to latch.  Despite these signs, no doctor followed up on one doctor's suspicion of Aaryav having Down syndrome that was noted in his chart. 

Puja describes this period as an emotional time.  It wasn't until a lactation consultant, four weeks after Aaryav's birth, congratulated her and remarked how beautiful Arya was, that Puja began to see a glimmer of light.  This  moment marked the beginning of her journey from shock and confusion to acceptance and love.

It's the end of the school year and Mary shares about the type of year it's been with another new EA for Ainsley.  She shares Ainsley's successes and what it means to have a good team to support your child.  Mary also talks about a great day at the PNE where Ainsley rode the big roller coaster for the very first time (she wasn't one bit scared) and their big plans for the summer.  

In a heartfelt conversation, Mary sits down with Kim Revai, who shares the incredible and emotional story of her son Jace's birth.  Kim's journey is a testament to the strength and resilience of a mother facing unimaginable challenges.  Jace entered the world at an astonishing 26 weeks and one day, far earlier than expected.  Kim, living far from her family was told to go directly to the hospital and prepare for his birth, plunging her into a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty.  

Despite his very premature birth, Jace has defied all odds.  Initially doctors believed he would need heart surgery and a tracheostomy, yet Jace has triumphed without either.  Kim's narrative is one of enduring courage, demonstrating that even in the face of the hardest of trials , one can persevere and do hard things.  

Admist the trials, Kim and her family have held onto their dream of RV living and making it a reality.  This dream symbolizes not just the desire for adventure, but their relentless hope and faith in the face of life's toughest moments.