The Upside Down Family Podcast

Ellie Sanazaro is a mom to three, one of which has an extra chromosome, and is the author of the new book Image Bearer!  In today's episode Ellie shares about the adoption process when adopting a child with Down syndrome.  Through all of the pitfalls and uncertainties, Ellie knew God would bring them through, and he truly blessed their Upside Down family with their son, Finn!

Season one of The Upside Down Family Podcast is coming to a close on Thursday!  In today's episode we share how we celebrated World Down syndrome Day this year, and share one big take away from season one.  Thank you for being part of the Upside Down Family!

With his life already feeling chaotic, Jesse learned that his new baby girl not only has Down syndrome, but would also need a heart surgery.  It was a tailspin, and he found himself struggling to connect with his daughter.  But as he cared for her, he determined he would fight for her.

This resolve led to Jesse writing and recording an album about this  journey, and how he and his daughter built bridges.  Listen in to my conversation with Jesse Norell!

Visit https://jessenorell.bandcamp.com

Phil Martin (Kyle's Dad) speaks and writes about life and business principles, and to celebrate his new book "Take the Stage: 64 Essential Leadership Lessons Learned from Theatre" I interview him on some (not all 64) of those principles.  He dives into the importance of your story, going beyond communicating to truly connecting, to inviting the audience into the story, and finally defining success.

Dad has a rich and storied history, and I'm so glad I get to share him with you.  Enjoy this conversation with Phil Martin!

People with disabilities were often denied access to transplant lists... Until superheroes like Rachel Anderson came along!  Calebs law is helping people with differing abilities have equal rights to organ transplant lists, and its amazing work.  Rachel shares this and more in todays episode!

Not many people are invited into the inner circle when a baby has heart surgery.  Parents anxiously wait for updates and then news that their little one was moved to a room for recovery.  But Grandma Carol was there with us, mom and dad, as we waited for and prayed over Evie as she underwent open heart surgery.  Her advice is poignant and her story is beautiful, listen in and enjoy!

Jaclyn is a friend that we reconnected with after almost 12 years of not seeing each other!  She has a beautiful family, a thriving blog, and a passion for working in occupational therapy, especially with individuals with differing abilities.  We hear so often about limitations that come with a Down syndrome diagnosis, but Jaclyn some very tangible tips, and the reason behind encouraging certain exercises and practices.  Enjoy this conversation with Jaclyn Bender!

Where did the name "Upside Down Family" come from?  What does it mean?  Today Erin shares some background info and stories about The Upside Down Family, and the mindset we had as we began to embrace our adventure.  Plus Erin talks about some of the things families need to be aware of as they share their story and their life on the public forum of social media.  Thank you for being part of the Upside Down Family!

When parents receive a diagnosis of Down syndrome for their unborn child, they deserve to know that child will be celebrated and cherished.  It is Sarah Lowry's mission to bring baskets of hope to soon-to-be mothers that are processing this new and unknown world of a child with Down syndrome.  Listen in as Sarah shares how she and her family have embraced their adventure!

There are 800 miles between Jessica and Josh, and their little niece Genevieve.  Though they couldn't be present for her birth date, diagnosis, or heart surgery, strong family bonds kept Jessica and Josh close to the entire family.  Now today, still mostly over Zoom, Jess and Josh celebrate Evie's birth, recovery from surgery, and promising future.  Listen in as they share how they became part of the Upside Down Family!