“Must-have” Items for the Special Needs Mom (and their kids!)

“Must-have” Items for the Special Needs Mom (and their kids!)

We recently took a little beach trip where we planned to vacay “quarantine style” – avoiding large gatherings and public spaces such as grocery stores, restaurants, and the usual tourist traps (and we were mask-wearing, frequent hand-washing, etc.).  We were very successful in our endeavor 

#WDSD18 #LetsChangeThe Conversation

#WDSD18 #LetsChangeThe Conversation

Last year for #WDSD17 I was given 17 minutes to explain how we need to socially construct a new narrative about Down syndrome — a narrative that more closely reflects the reality of #LifeWithDS.  Seventeen minutes is a long time these days…I get it.  So I’ve condensed 

Ode to a Rockin’ Dad

Ode to a Rockin’ Dad

A special contribution to the DSDN’s blog series… When the newest blog topic was proposed a few weeks ago by the DSDN’s blog series coordinator, I was stumped!  The topic “What surprised you the most?” (about Down syndrome) was intriguing, but the immediate answer that 

Backstage at TEDxACU:  Confessions of a TEDx Speaker, Part 2

Backstage at TEDxACU: Confessions of a TEDx Speaker, Part 2

After the airing of CBS’s feature story “What kind of society do you want to live in?:  Inside the country where Down syndrome is disappearing” — many of my friends and loved ones messaged me, appalled by a mindset that seems to permeate the cultural 

Backstage at TEDxACU:  Confessions of a TEDx Speaker, Part 1

Backstage at TEDxACU: Confessions of a TEDx Speaker, Part 1

It all began last fall.  A dear friend of mine from graduate school, Lauren, also happens to be the TEDxACU director at Abilene Christian University.  Ironically, even though we are both ACU grads, Lauren and I initially crossed paths as students in Texas A&M University’s doctoral 

God only gives special children to special people…

God only gives special children to special people…

Have you ever heard this phrase before?  — “God only gives special children to special people.”  I have.  Too many times, actually.  That seemed to be a “go to” response when we broke the news of Everett’s diagnosis to friends and family after he was 

5 Things All New Parents of a Baby with Down syndrome Should Know

5 Things All New Parents of a Baby with Down syndrome Should Know

5 Things All New Parents of a Baby with Down syndrome Should Know — Mainly, It’s Going to Be Okay! I recall a lot…I mean a lot…of irrational fears that I experienced in those crucial moments right after Everett was born and diagnosed.  No mother deserves 

Resources for New Parents of Children with Down syndrome

Resources for New Parents of Children with Down syndrome

Like many parents, as I walk through this journey of parenthood, I turn to a few sources when I have questions. Most of the time, the question dictates the source. For instance, if I have a question like, “How do I get my kids to 

Thyroid Ragin’

Thyroid Ragin’

Thyroid Ragin’ or Threenager syndrome? It all began early last summer, right as Everett turned 3-years-old.  Everett was making huge strides in his preschool class at end of term.  He was trying to run & jump, was saying a few words, and was very engaged 

Ode to Kinderfrogs

Ode to Kinderfrogs

Some context…the Kinderfrogs KTPA Fundraiser – 2016 I have a little bit of a crush.  Actually, it’s a bit more than just a crush.  Back in the summer of 2013, I fell in love.  I was head over heels for a little newborn baby named