Mary heads to San Antonio, Texas for this year's Rockin Moms Retreat.  Listen in as Mary chats with other moms, hears their stories, and learns what the Retreat means to them.  There's another Haunted Rockin Moms pub crawl that may have been more sinister than ghostly, plus lots of wine, love and good times.  Plus a former co-host visits to hear the stories.

T21Mom - Episode 112 : DSDN Rockin’ Moms Retreat in San Antonio

A family podcast about Down syndrome, single parenting, special needs, and pretty much everything in between.

Kids & Family

Parenting

Mary sits down with Sabine Kussman, who recounts her poignant journey of her son Kian's diagnosis and her family's courageous path forward.  From a heart-wrenching beginning, where two weeks passed without a single medical professional congratulating her on son's birth, to facing discouragement about breastfeeding, Sabine learned to trust her instincts.  Despite therapists' negative predictions, Kian defied the odds, walking at 14 months , riding a bike and even mastering downhill skiing.  Sabine passionately shares how her family, guided by unwavering expectations and love for Kian, does everything they dream of.  In a deeply moving moment, Sabine remembers when her two year old son, with innocent wisdom, reassured her, "don't worry mommy, everything is going to be fine!" And indeed it has been-more than fine!

T21Mom - Episode 128 - Defying the Odds and Carving Her Own Path: A Down Syndrome Journey With Sabine Kussman

Mary has an engaging and heartfelt conversation with Shiloh Carte who shares her not very typical, diagnosis story.  In fact, Shiloh predicted her child with Down syndrome! Over a year before she was even pregnant, Shiloh had a dream that was so vivid and so powerful that she knew with all her being that it had to be true-she dreamt that she was going to have a baby with Down syndrome and it would be a girl! Hear how Shiloh shares her vision with her husband, family and even medical professionals and how her dream came true!

T21Mom - Episode 127: Dreams Come True: Shiloh Carte's Journey to Embracing Down Syndrome

Mary chats with fellow Rockin' Mom Stacey Herncane who shares her diagnosis story.  Stacey waited in limbo for a week until she was given a definitive diagnosis for her son.  From grief of thinking "why her" and how this just wasn't a possibility in her and her husband's lives, to taking lessons from third graders and learning to celebrate Down syndrome, Stacey goes through all the emotions.  And sometimes the greatest lessons come from kids.

T21Mom - Episode 126: Embracing the Heart: Stacey Herncane's Journey Through Diagnosis, Grief and Celebration of Down Syndrome

Mary's heart-to-heart with Dorothy reveals the power of faith and resilience in the face of life's challenges. Dorothy's journey from miscarriage to pregnancy is a testament to the human spirit and the importance of holding onto hope.  Twenty years later, she recalls receiving the diagnosis news of her daughter Faith with such vivid detail, showing how these moments shape our lives and stay with us forever.

T21Mom - Episode 125 - You Gotta Have Faith-From Heartbreak to Hope, Dorothy's Diagnosis Story

Mary's conversation with Kellie Anderson reveals a powerful story of resilience and hope.  Despite Kellie's Rh factor creating obstacles during her pregnancy, she remained determined and inspired.  When her baby Raina was born with Down syndrome, Kellie's husband provided unwavering support and reassurance.  Kellie's message to new parents is one of positivity and courage, reminding them that everything will be alright.

T21Mom - Episode 112 : DSDN Rockin’ Moms Retreat in San Antonio

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