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In this episode I talk with an amazing mom,  Andrea Leger. whose second child, Andrew was born 7 weeks premature.  An hour after birth,  she learned Andrew had Down syndrome and was given a very bleak prognosis for his future.  Two days later Andrew was whisked into surgery and during his first few months of life there were some frightening moments.  Initially this young mom felt unprepared and unsure whether she could handle any of it.  She believes God gave her strength to get through it all.  Over the years,  she’s grown much stronger, fully embracing this journey! Andrew, now 23 years old, is delightful and brings joy to everyone he knows.

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

It’s Potty Time Video
https://www.amazon.com/Potty-Time-Barbara-Howard-M-D/dp/B00018D4J0

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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In this episode I talk with Jennifer Anderson.  I promise not all of my guests are named Jennifer.  If they were, I’d have to change the name to the Jennifer Show.  That would just be silly.   However, if your name IS Jennifer and you’d like to be a guest, let me know.  How hard could it be to change the podcast name,  right?  But I digress.  This Jennifer showed up the day we recorded wearing a sparkly tiara because she’s just that fun.  She was also wearing a special shirt that announces to the world how proud she is to be an advocate for Macie, her  high energy, dance loving, prayerful 14 year old daughter who has Down syndrome.  Jennifer believes in treating a child with special needs just as you would any other child.  She encourages setting goals, being consistent with expectations and embracing your child’s hopes and dreams.

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME

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In this episode I talk with Jennifer Vincent,  part time nurse and busy, full time mother of 3, who shares about her youngest daughter,  Alexandra.   Born with Down syndrome and a heart defect,  Alexandra was diagnosed with diabetes at age 9.   She is also a thrill loving, sensory seeker who water skis, zip lines and indoor sky dives.  Alexandra has a very full life with lots of opportunity and adventure, including  going to Nationals in Chicago to represent Texas in the Miss Amazing Teen Pageant.  Jennifer believes having a disability should not stop your child from doing things.  You just need to provide the necessary accommodations and give them every opportunity to try new things.

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME

Hallelujah ~ Praise the Lord!

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JOSIAH NO LONGER WEARS A HELMET!!!!!

Today is day 7 without that bulky face-masked obstruction hiding his handsome face.  And, all it took was a trip to Florida.

If you know anything about Josiah you know it has been 3 years (how could it possibly be THREE years) that he has been wearing a padded helmet nearly every minute of every day.

He bathed in it, he slept in it, he ate in it.  He lived in that thing.  In fact, he needed several helmets so two could air out while one was on his head.

Over the past year or so there has been some success in removing the helmet for short periods of time. Depending upon who he was with and what he was doing, Josiah was even able to go 4-6 hours more recently without it.
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It Takes a Village

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So much for the self-imposed isolation.  Two weeks in we enthusiastically raised the white flag, announcing we were done!  There are only so many days one can thrive with limited sleep at night, then provide constant care during the day.  Rick and I just aren’t that young and energetic any more.  We had to weigh the risk of bringing caregivers back into our home versus the risk of sheer exhaustion.  It was a difficult decision.

It became less and less difficult as time wore on.

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