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!

Laney and Jon's first child was diagnosed with Autism, and their sixth was diagnosed with Down syndrome.  Each with their own set of challenges, and together bringing them a joy that's nearly indescribable.  Listen in as Laney shares some of her secrets within to happiness and fulfillment within their family's story!

I never thought we'd need to know what CHD stands for. Turns out it stands for Congenital Heart Defect... or a heart defect that is present at birth! Genevieve, our daughter with Down syndrome had a CHD, and did have open heart surgery to correct it. As we went through this process, we found out there was a lot we didn't know about CHDs, and we want to share some of those facts with you! Listen in for a quick fact spotlight on CHD for American Heart Month. Thank you for being part of The Upside Down Family!

Everyone needs a friend like Mara.  And Mara will confirm that everyone needs a friend like Miranda.  These two are not an outlier example of friendship that bloomed in spit of a differing ability... but a shining example of what true friendship is between any two people.  Enjoy this very special conversation with Mara and Miranda!

In today's candid conversation we talk with Carl and Jess Gumness.   Carl is Erin's brother, and He, Jess, and their two sons live in our same tiny town.  Jess offers a unique perspective from having worked with individuals with differing abilities as she pursues her career in the field, and opens up about how she utilized an Individualized Education Program as she completes her schooling.  Enjoy, and thanks for being part of the Upside Down Family!

It's not season two yet!  But we're excited to be back for the second part of our very first season.  We share a little about our Christmas time and family time, and tease  about  what's coming down  the pipeline this season... including a great resource that  we wished we had when we started our adventure!  Thank you for being part of the Upside Down  Family!

Andrea learned that the baby in her womb had Down syndrome, and likely other health complications.  Her and Husband Joe refused to terminate the pregnancy, and gave birth to their second son, Ryder.  He thrived and exceeded expectations, but his pictures always had a strange glow in his eye.  Listen as Andrea shares Ryder's story of overcoming childhood cancer, and thriving as a growing boy with Down syndrome.

An entire month of celebrating Christmas! We have traditional celebrations, fun new celebrations, gift celebrations, and giving celebrations. The stories and memories will last a lifetime. Share with us on Instagram some of the ways you celebrate the season, or your favorite tradition. We wish you health and happiness, and a month of merry Christmas!

Krista Lynn had a feeling that her baby would be unique, and specifically wondered if he had Down syndrome.  She was right, but as she says in the episode, her story of receiving the diagnosis was worse than the diagnosis itself. Now she's on a mission to improve how parents receive a birth diagnosis of Down syndrome.  She also shares that her son has Mosaic Down syndrome, which is a more rare type of DS, and has led to some unexpected challenges as they've embraced their adventure.

Kara and Josh were the first of the extended family to arrive at the hospital when we were in the postpartum rooms after Genevieve's birth.  We knew about her diagnosis, and were very curious how our family would respond.  It was great to hear about their thoughts as we all started this adventure.  Josh's insights were even better because this was all still new to him, not even being married into the family yet!  thanks for tuning in and enjoy!

Emma shares about their journey into non-traditional family beginnings, and how from the very first moment they received their Down syndrome diagnosis, they were ready and excited for their growing family. Emma gives us a glimpse into her life as they started their family and eventually prepared for a heart surgery for her daughter Elsie. Enjoy this wonderful conversation... and if you're American, especially enjoy Emma's delightful accent! Thank you for being part of the Upside Down Family!

In this episode I speak to the fathers... I can't Control Everything. I couldn't control the situation, but I could control my thoughts, prayers, and actions. I CAN do this! I was wondering how and why we were chosen for Genevieve. It was one comment that reminded me that we weren't "special"but we do have so much love to give. This is an Adventure! If I can see my life through the right lens, I will find adventure. experiences have led to memories I'll cherish forever.

Big families are great!  Kelsi couldn't predict their future when they started having kids, but never did they imagine seven little lords and ladies running around the house.  When their sixth, Colt, was diagnosed with Down syndrome they full on embraced their adventure. With their eyes and ears open to where God could lead them, this family's adventure headed into adoption.  They found themselves in Ukraine adopting a little boy, Nick, with Down syndrome. This episode is especially great because Colt and Nick's siblings are featured right at the end, answering a couple questions about loving their little brothers who have Down syndrome.  Watch for a special piece that will feature more of this conversation in the coming weeks.  Enjoy the episode!

If your little one, or a little one you know is facing heart surgery; have faith!  It's ok to feel anxious.  Remember that the entire team loves what they do and care for that little one a whole lot.  And that sweet day when you go home, will be one you will remember and cherish forever.   Previous episodes on Genevieve's heart story available here: Preparing for Surgery Lessons Learned from Heart Surgery  

Taylor and Brienna share wonderful insights about becoming part of an upside down extended family.  Being an uncle and an aunt is fun!  And if you listen well and strive to understand, embracing a new niece or nephew who has Down syndrome can be fun too! We had a great time interviewing Tay & Bri, and I know you'll love their conversation.

It was open heart surgery without opening her chest! Ariel was the very first American patient for a groundbreaking heart repair procedure.  Her heart defects were present at birth, and her unique situation postponed her surgery until age 2.  Her family, including her twin sister waited anxiously, and were very happy with her quick recovery. What makes this amazing story even better?  Ariel has one up on her twin sister... One Chromosome.  Ariel has Down syndrome.  Her mom, Krystal shares about her diagnosis and heart surgery in this interview.  Enjoy!

A heart surgery is a big deal.  Our daughter was four months old when they opened her chest and repaired her heart.  Genevieve has Down syndrome, and 50% of babies with Down syndrome have heart defects. Every surgery has story... but we're not telling that story here. We pulled out three impactful lessons we learned as Genevieve recovered from her heart surgery. Listen in as we share some perspective on our daughter's heart surgery.

Brooke  shares openly about their diagnosis, birth, and heart surgery stories.  Brooke has had a heart for the special needs community for most of her life, so when she learned that her son had Down syndrome, she knew she could be happy!  Listen in as Brooke shares her perspective on becoming an Upside Down Family!

Megan is Erin's older sister and she may have the most unique perspective of our family becoming an Upside Down family... Megan was there when we recieved our diagnosis from the doctor. Her words immediately brought back joy into the room, and we're so happy to share her with you!

Dr. Kristin Wegner has worked with the differently abled community in one way or another  for most of her  working life.  And one idea scribbled on a notecard launched a book series that is impacting families around the world and proclaiming the worth of people with differing abilities!

Today Kyle and Erin talk about preparing for a heart surgery for their daughter with Down syndrome.  50% is significant... and that's the probability that a baby born with Down syndrome will have at least one hole in their heart, often needing repair. Listen in as we discuss the process our journey took, and how we kept our minds and hearts in the  right place.

Kayla Bosteder talks about her son's prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis and facing multiple heart surgeries as an infant. When people look from the outside and say "I don't think I could do it" Kayla reminds us that as parents, we would do anything for those we love

Erin's parents share their reflections on their Granddaughter's Down syndrome diagnosis and her heart surgery.

Erin and Trista "the Barista" Kutcher talk about business ownership and influencing in a social media age. If you've ever wondered what life is like for an adult living with Down syndrome, there's no better source than Trista. She's an inspiration and an incredibly insightful woman. Enjoy our interview with Trista the Barista!

Kyle wrote down a handful of responses from friends and family to Genevieve's diagnosis. Some are great, some didn't hit the mark, and some were just unique. Join Kyle and Erin ans they recount these conversations and offer their take away on sharing the news of their daughter's Down syndrome diagnosis.

Kyle and Erin talk with entrepreneurs and dreamers Taryn and Raffaele about their daughter's prenatal diagnosis and how their family continues to dream. Their perspective is so full of hope, especially for their daughter only being four months old at the time of this recording. Listen in and enjoy!

Kyle and Erin sit down with Grandma and Grandpa on Kyle's side and have a candid conversation about learning about Genevieve's Down syndrome Diagnosis. This honest conversation will encourage anyone embarking on the adventure of loving a person with Down syndrome!

Erin and Kyle break down the story of their daughter's Down syndrome diagnosis and focus on the difference in their initial reaction. They authentically share their story to give perspective to others that love and care for someone with Down syndrome.

Amber's fifth kiddo, Ami, has Down syndrome and had some difficult challenges from birth. Ami was diagnosed with RSV right before her heart surgery, and has come through with a warrior's spirit like her mom. Amber has an incredible outlook as she discusses these stories in her life and even some of the challenges of being a mixed race family within the Down syndrome community. Tune in and enjoy Amber Rojas!

Tune in to hear Erin and Kyle introduce The Upside Down Family Podcast! They share a brief introduction to who they are and how this podcast came to be!