In this episode of the Baby Nation Show, we chat with Cassie, the mother of 5 kids, including 2-year-old Kenai. We recorded this episode back in October, just a few days shy of Kenai's birthday. In 2016, Kenai was born with several heart defects and through this interview, Cassie talks about how her son has battled many hurdles in his first two years of life. She describes him as positive, funny, and mentions that he likes to roughhouse and knock his toys down.

Cassie also gives a shout out to Heart Heroes, who donated a cape to Kenai, and Littlest Warriors for their wonderful messages on different shirts that Kenai wears.

In today's podcast, we're thrilled to share a conversation we had with Christy and Dan about their two children Andy and Katie, who both battle neonatal diabetes. The parents discuss the ups and downs of receiving varying diagnosis information, and they also give advice to themselves as they reflect on the past nine years.

Christy and Dan describe their son Andy as a funny boy who loves airplanes like his dad. As for Katie, she's a determined problem solver who is caring and loving. Toward the end of the episode, Christy talks a bit about how blogging has been a form of therapy for her. You can follow the family on Instagram @kandylandmom or shop on their website at https://babieswithdiabetes.org/collections!

In today's episode, we chat with Aranely about her son Ayden. Throughout her son's journey, Aranely has been a tremendous advocate in raising awareness for heart warriors. Throughout this interview, we also discuss Ayden's loving personality which is showcased in his Facebook page titled Ayden's Fulfilling Your Birthday Wish where he donates his own toys to kids in need. Ayden is truly an amazing kid as he also stands up to bullying with a passionate campaign that you'll also hear about on this episode.

On today's episode, we chat with Darlene about her son Owen, who is just a few months shy of his 4th birthday. After being born as a micro preemie at 24 weeks, Owen was diagnosed with chronic lung disease. Darlene discusses the journey at the NICU and the support her family received from the local community, the staff at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego (@radychildrens), and the Ronald McDonald House (@rmhcsandiego). Among the many resources she highlights, the music therapy of Resounding Joy (@resounding_joy) also stood out. Darlene shares plenty of advice for parents throughout this heartfelt conversation.

On today's episode, we chat with Kali, who is the mother of three-year-old Eisley. Through the interview, Kali talks about finding support in the Down syndrome community after learning of her daughter's diagnosis at birth. Kali provides advice for other parents and also shares plenty of fun stories about Eisley's personality and love for life. Kali also highlights Club 21, a center in Southern California that provides tools and resources that enable individuals with Down syndrome to be fully included.

On today's episode, we are joined by Jessica and Aaron, who are the parents of Carter and Mason. These two boys were born at 28 weeks after their mother was diagnosed with a Mo-Mo Twin Pregnancy, meaning the babies shared one placenta and one amniotic sac.

Through our conversation, the couple shares the ups and downs of their journey, the adjustment to their recent return home, and much more. If you like today's episode, jump onto iTunes and leave us a review! That will help us increase the reach of this podcast.

A warm welcome to all of The Baby Nation! Thanks so much for joining us for Season 2 of The Baby Nation Show. For those that are new to The Baby Nation Show… Every Thursday, we share stories from families who have been through the journey of having a child with a medical diagnosis and everything that it entails.

In this episode, we reconnected with Cait, the mother of 1-year-old Calvin. We featured the family back in episode 33 and this time around, we went into more detail while talking about the support Cait has received from her husband, the ups and downs of the first year home after the NICU, and highlighted some advice she has for other parents. Enjoy the show and be sure to follow Cait on Instagram @caitmay2017.

We hope you enjoy today's episode. Take a moment to leave us a review or rating on iTunes, and if you would like to connect with us, go to thebabynation.com and send us a message!

In today's episode, we chat with Amy about her daughter Serenity, who was a still born due to a rare birth defect called anencephaly. Amy talks about the parents she connected with on Facebook during her pregnancy and how she was offered doula services and an opportunity to raise awareness through a documentary. Also during this interview, Amy talks about one of the routines that has helped her with the grief… she's found that writing to Serenity in a journal has been therapeutic.

Be sure to follow Amy's Instagram @pinkstarburst29 and visit anencephaly.info, too!

In today's episode, we chat with Tricia and Joel about their daughter Amelia, who will turn 2 in August. Amelia was born with Apert syndrome and during this interview, the couple talks about how they deal with Amelia's feeding issues during her 5-day NICU stay. They also describe how some of the best advice they received came from an adult who has Apert syndrome as that individual reiterated to Tricia and Joel that Amelia would be OK.

The couple describes Amelia as a funny girl who has a bright smile. She also loves her older sister Jocelyn and copies everything she does.

Be sure to follow the family on Instagram @triciabrusk! Also throughout this episode, Tricia and Joel highlight a lot of great organizations, including @theablefables, Cranio Care Bears and @cuddlesforclefts.

In today's episode, we talk with Yolanda, who is the mother of two boys and one girl. Through the interview, she describes the NICU journey of her 10-month-old daughter Savannah, who was born at 23 weeks. Yolanda describes Savannah as feisty while the NICU nurses called her a diva.

The NICU stay lasted 120 days and during this episode, Yolanda talks about how she connected with Facebook groups and was reminded that the NICU journey is a marathon, not a sprint.

She also mentions how the experience taught her patience and forced her to go with the flow.

Be sure to follow @savvychronicles journey on instagram!