Podcast Mamas- Navigating Life with Laughter in a Special Needs World: Recent Episodes
Carly and Nicole
Carly and Nicole have been best friends for more than 40 years! Almost 18 years ago, Carly gave birth to Ella, a special needs baby with a microdeletion on the long arm of chromosome 10 at the 25.2 band. Ella also developed severe pulmonary hypertension from an overlooked extra large PDA she was born with, and subsequently put her into heart failure as well as the inability to grow. With Ella on the cusp of turning 18 years old, the road Carly and her husband Chad have traveled down has been filled with challenges but somehow they have been able to find the laughter and joy with the help of awesome family and friends. With Nicole being Carly's lifelong friend and Ella's Godmother, the two share the history of bringing up Ella as well as current life situations and how it has impacted both of them on this special needs journey. Listen in and have a laugh at all the POOP Carly has to clean up, all the mischief Ella gets into, AND Ella's superpower of bringing together those with disabilities and those without. Nicole adds a great perspective in every story and makes the connection to the world of those on the outside looking in at this, "sh*t show"! You will laugh, cry, and maybe even get some helpful ideas on how to help bridge the gap between your special needs child and the rest of the world!
Managing behaviors and getting to the root of the problem is not an easy feat in the special needs world. Even cute little Rainbow Bunny Ella can be ferocious! Miss Laura is tackling this with a couple clients, and she does have some good tricks up her sleeve!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Nicole's son has his family weekend and she reports back and we can compare and contrast that against kids who will not be going to college. Ella is just getting off being sick and then her beau has been off school due to behaviors. Lotsa changes so listen in for a glance of what life is like over here!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Miss Laura has great advice and shares helpful suggestions on how to manage behaviors with our special kiddos but she also shares what she has on tap for her self-care group.
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Nicole and I both had our sons leave for college and the dynamic at home has changed considerably. Ella doesn't really understand this, but fortunately whenever she Facetimes her brother, he answers. Time is changing and life keeps on moving forward, for most people. In a special needs world, time can seem like it stands still forever.
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Oh my gosh friends it has been FOREVER since we posted a pod! It was a long, hot, busy summer and trying to sit and record was a huge challenge. Today we kick off the new school year with Miss Laura who dives into sharing all that she is working on- some really great stuff to listen in on! And for those of you on "The Gram", check out @Avalon_Sisterhood where us moms (or maybe just women) can find a safe space to be heard and reminded how much WE MATTER.
Until next week...
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
What works? What is a fail? How is summer going for all of you? Hannah and Ella are living their best lives, with some moments that we don't exactly like to talk about, ha ha! Memberships help keep them busy- such as the trampoline park, bowling alley, and the aquarium, but their favorite time spent is with other friends! This is important to remember as I know it is a challenge finding friends for kiddos with special needs. Just remember there are many of us out there, and we all want to feel like we belong! So do your best and go outside of YOUR comfort zone and make a date with another parent or guardian of a special needs kid. Keep following @RainbowBunnyRules on Instagram and follow Hannah Rudee on TikTok to see all of her and Ella's performances!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
We are talking all things SPECIAL NEEDS SUMMER!! Friends, you need to take advantage of all the unlimited passes and you need to ask your caregivers to get extra summer hours through your support coordinators!! There is NO REASON summer should take you down! Let us help with some great ideas!
OH
And if you own an Alexa- listen in for a big WARNING!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Navigating the happiest place on earth takes a lot and we have covered it a little before! Miss Laura shares her fourth experience helping out a client enjoy his trip at the Disneyland Parks.
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Ella is NOT the focus right now! And boy is she mad! She's so mad, she is pulling out her pulmonary hypertension subcutaneous drip and forcing me to come down to school to fix it! Listen in with laughs and share in the stress of having graduations on the horizon and managing all that with a special needs kiddo!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Ella takes Disney! All the highs and lows of this trip are laughed about in this podcast. Plus! Get some great advice on how to navigate the system to get the most enjoyable time possible!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
While Nicole is traveling, Miss Laura is back to share how she planned several fun activities over the course of last week's spring break. I jumped in to discuss how Jordan's mom and I went to visit a day program for Jordan and Ella, but wait until you hear the GREAT news! ASU may be the answer to my day program search!
We end the show with Miss Laura's big surprise for her second side hustle- taking care of the moms and what is on the docket for this summer. We welcome you comments and hope you enjoy listening in. If you need to reach Miss Laura, please email her at: MissLaurasLifeskills@gmail.com and look for her on Insta and FB @MissLaurasLifeSkills. Don't forget to follow Ella's shenanagins on Insta @RainbowBunnyRules
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
We made it through another spring break! It was a good time of sleeping in, but finding the entertainment factor is always a challenge for us. Carrie shares how her and Jordan spent their spring break and then we dive into discussing pros and cons of a couple local day programs. The day is going to come when both Jordan and Ella need to leave high school- and that is extremely stressful
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
TRY to listen in as Ella joins us today on the podcast. She hums and she pouts and she bangs on the counter but we carry on! Some great content and laughs- the 14 year old boys in the backyard is unreal.
Help me hang in there! Laugh right along with it all.
Follow Ella's shenanagins on IG: @Rainbowbunnyrules
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
UGLY WORDS. Ugly, hurtful, and ignorant. Almost a hate crime to use a phrase that is no longer used in a clinical setting or anywhere except if you are a moron. Sorry! That is just how I feel.
Miss Laura as a great perspective on this topic as well as handy dandy ways to use her skills to help anyone with a disability acclimate to the world around them.
You can reach her at: MissLaurasLifeSkills@gmail.com
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Welcome back Carrie! We share the stories of Ella and Jordan over the course of the last couple months. From visiting him to celebrating him it! Listen in and share in the joy of having special needs kids!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Oh my goodness it has been a fun week for Ella! Despite her saucy attitude and arguing with mom, she continues to live her best life! While that does NOT include brushing her teeth- stay tuned for more on this problematic area, she has enjoyed recreation on a whole other level! Listen in and watch this news clip to see Ella cheering and Carly speaking on behalf of the great Desert Mountain High School: https://www.azfamily.com/2024/02/02/high-school-scottsdale-holds-basketball-game-showcase-special-needs-students/
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
It's Ella's "Vegas Baby" details! We did a lot of Instagram Live while in Vegas, but what you didn't see, is what I shared on the show.
We then enjoyed hosting Miss Laura again! She shared some of her client experiences as well as her newest venture, Sit in Selfcare. More here:
For more info on Sit in Selfcare events follow me on instagram at: @lalalauraann14 or email me at lalalauraann@gmail.com
Sit in Selfcare is designed to be a safe space for women to join in community with each other. To be honest, women can be really tough, competitive and catty with each other. I want to refocus on what we have in common, and how we can support each other. I am convinced that there's a space at the table for each and every one of us; we are all needed, deserving and have value to share with each other. Simply put, we are better together.
For more info on Miss Laura's Lifeskills and my work with neurotypical and neurodivergent students ages 3-20 check out my ....
website: www.misslauraslifeskills.com
or email me at: misslauraslifeskills@gmail.com.
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Oh my gosh the school nurse is a both a blessing and a curse. Listen in and laugh because I am not trying to pull the wool over anyone's but sheesh! Ella is so dramatic and loves her attention!
AND
She made a deal with her doc- let's all say an AMEN as you hear the story!
Follow us on IG @RainbowRules
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
It is a long awaited moment to get Ryan on the show! The famous guitarist, the one everyone has heard of and adores! Ryan welcome to the show!! This one is hilarious.
Follow us on IG: @RainbowBunnyRules and FB: Podcast Mamas Navigating Life with Laughter
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Today Miss Laura of "Miss Laura's Lifeskills" joins us! We share about Ella's heart catheterization, we talk about problem solving issues at school, and we are getting ready to celebrate Ella's 19 years! Listen in a have a laugh! If you need to reach Miss Laura with questions about her homeschool and consulting services: misslauraslifeskills@gmail.com is the best way to find her! Follow us on FB - Podcast Mamas Navigating Life with Laughter; and on IG- @RainbowBunnyRules
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Today we are giving a shout out to our dear friend, Dominic and his mama, Grace. They couldn't make it on the show today so we are sending prayers and hugs to them. Hopefully we will host them soon!
Today we talk back to school, challenges and successes, and we are getting ready for a big procedure tomorrow. Prayers and well wishes are truly appreciated.
Remember to follow us on FB and IG! Podcast Mamas on FB and @ RainbowBunnyRules on IG!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
What a great show today! Thank you Carrie for coming back and sharing how the first days of school are going for Jordan- we are all with you! And then telling the darling, sweet story of Ella and Jordan's second date is truly heart warming. Listen in and follow us for a very special podcast!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Traveling Special Needs Style is not easy, but this summer we had some luck on our side and made it to all our destinations without any major illnesses or disasters! In fact the worst situation was at UW- Madison college tour and it wasn't all that bad. Listen in and send your comments! How did your summer go? And are you ready for school to start? We definitely will miss the lazy days of summer, but getting back to a schedule is the best way to keep moving and stay healthy. Follow us on IG @RainbowBunnyRules
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
An unexpected tear jerker today talking about our travels in the Midwest, and how God works to bring people together. Ella and her Rainbow Bunnies are making their way around the USA, and with new friends to chat with. We hope to get our new friends on the podcast in the near future. Follow us on IG @RainbowBunnyRules and on our Facebook to give us feedback and comments! #NavigatingLifewithLaugherInA SpecialNeedsWorld
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
This episode is yet the third of 3 re-runs while we are traveling in the Midwest. But it is a great episode sharing how Ella goes back to school for the first time in 2 1/2 years. Emotional and exciting- listen in on how we got through the first days of going back to school!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Ella's maternal grandmother, "Nannie", joins us and shares her perspective of the beginning days of Ella coming into the world. She talks about being the grandmother of a granddaughter with special needs, and how her life has been impacted. So for any listeners who share in the journey, listen in to feel supported.
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
So this episode is not only a repeat from last year around this time- we are traveling right now and unable to record new material. Oh but please know we are definitely MAKING new material!
This episode recaps our family Alaskan cruise highlights with having a medically fragile special needs kiddo, and then we end with some interesting stories of night time survival as well as the hardship of searching for a speech therapist.
It's always a fun time, there is always laughter, and even when life is hard, you have got to find the joy. So that's what we do here.
Remember to follow Ella's journey on Instagram @RainbowBunnyRules and leave your comments for us to connect with you!
"A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles"
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Somedays we just do not know where the podcast conversation is going to go, but today it went to such a great place talking about the FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH! This podcast was created to help other find the joy and laughter during the hardest moments of being a parent to a child with special needs. Today's show is a great reminder of how lucky we are to stay young forever and have that youthful experience gifted to us by our kiddos with special needs. Miss Laura can be reached at misslauraslifeskills@gmail.com and remember to follow @RainbowBunnyRules on Instagram!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Who's laughing? I hope someone is laughing out there today! It is week 3 of summer, and it is a toss up somedays- which is easier? School days or summer days? Having a rigorous schedule or no real schedule at all? There are pros and cons to both. But let us not forget to laugh and find the joy even in our hardest moments. Which is why today includes a trip to Costco for more wine!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
When you had hoped for a relaxing enjoyable summer, and the uncertainty, lack of schedule, and pure chaos hit- you are found to be a bit frustrated. Summer isn't easy on parents, but we have to remember this is a short period of time in our lives. Someday these kiddos will be gone and the chaos will be over. So if you are feeling frustrated and tired and disappointed in summer already- remember to try to enjoy the madness. We look forward to your comments so please share how you are surviving summer!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
We LOVE when Miss Laura comes to the show! She has such a great perspective, such soothing words and incredible methods to take care of those she is in the presence of. Miss Laura is a die-hard Disney fan, sharing that she has probably been to the theme park 15-20 times! Her travel story of bringing a client and his family, just a few weeks ago, was a fantastic success! So turn up your Air Pods to hear the secret sauce to making your way through Disney in a special needs world.
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
This is the year Ella would be graduating, and it is hard to watch all the celebrations, As a mom of a kiddo who is not graduating with her same aged peers, I have to put on a different set of lenses to not feel sorry for myself. And btw I do not want to feel sorry for myself. I want to feel the feels of joy for all my friends with kids graduating- it's a huge milestone! Ella will have her moment, and it's ok that it isn't this year. Listen in and laugh a bit as we tackle dealing with graduation....
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
The uncertainty of what to do with any kid as summer approaches is stressful, but we special needs parents are in a whole different level of worry! Do you have a caregiver? Do you have a summer camp? Do you have a day program? What is your kiddo doing? If you are in the Phoenix area, listen in because I am working out a list for YOU! If not, we still have some great resources to help you figure out how to cruise direct your summer for your special kiddo! Follow Ella on IG @RainbowBunnyRules and check out our Facebook page where you can share your comments!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Woo HOO! Our day is almost here mamas!! We all got our issues- special or not. But listen in and laugh a bit while we all chime in and share the hardships. Tatum guest stars today and helps give a great perspective on being a caregiver herself.
Please follow us on IG @RainbowBunnyRules and on Facebook: Podcast Mamas Navigating Life with Laughter! Until next week...
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Let me tell you the tale of a darling little special needs girl who is sweet as pie, but when she is angry, we are all going down! Then let me tell you about her mother, me, who tries to practice patience and gratefulness, but sometimes just has had enough! Does any of this sound familiar in your house? Listen in as we tell the tales today!
Remember to follow us on IG @RainbowBunnyRules and on Facebook: Podcast Mamas Navigating Life with Laughter
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
This is the year to make friends! Ella's boyfriend's mom joins us today and shares her story. Listen in as Carrie talks about bringing up her boy and the decisions she is currently wrestling with as Jordan is now 20 years old. Great information shared today, and we will extrapolate on and follow up in a coming soon episode where Ella and Jordan get to have their first date!
Follow us on @RainbowBunnyRules
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Today's convo discusses travel to beautiful Maui vs. travel to Disney. Lots of great, useable information if you are traveling with special needs kiddos. So listen in to Nicole and I, AND Miss Laura of Miss Laura's LIfeskills. Wait until you hear the services Miss Laura can offer if you need travel assistance! You can reach her: misslauraslifeskills@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook- Podcast Mamas Navigating Life with Laughter
Follow us on IG: @RainbowBunnyRules
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
We are not ready. We are absolutely NOT ready to enroll Ella in a day program. She has three years of high school left. However, knowledge is power, and looking into what is available is a good idea to be prepared. Tatum guest stars today, and we shared our field trip over to Cortney's Place. Cortney's Place is a day program in Scottsdale, AZ and it is a lovely facility. Listen in as we give our review, and discuss our future investigations.
As always, you can follow Ella's shenanigans on IG @RainbowBunnyRules and send us a note on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PodcastMamasSpecialNeedsLife/
We would love to hear from our listeners!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Ella went to her Taylor Swift Dance Party with Rosie the disabled penguin!
Links to her newscast:
https://youtu.be/uAZio83dF6A
https://youtu.be/ClA3uj9eer0
Miss Laura of "Miss Laura's Lifeskills" shares resources for summer programs for special needs friends! List of summer programs:
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#trash/WhctKKXwrkfsXCgVJqqrHBbJvBskrmFsjZXsmwQqDrkFWtxBsHjrxZLgXjsBbwRzZnWxkBB?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1
Carly shares the perseverance in getting oxygen for Ella to travel even when she was shut down by several different customer service reps. The lesson here folks- DO NOT GIVE UP! Where there is a will there is a way- and this phrase reigns truer than ever!
Remember if you have a special kiddo in need of a homeschool program, contact Miss Laura: misslauraslifeskills@gmail.com
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Spring is here and for those kiddos who are not kiddos anymore, and they are getting ready to think about transitioning out of high school into a day program. The anxiety is starting to build up. Here's the thing, with a wonderful day program, the anxiety can be reduced and even be something to look forward to!
Tatum is here talking about "Rainbow Bunny's Place"- listen in to hear about her the updates to her vision and what is next to make this magical place come to fruition. As always follow Ella on IG @RainbowBunnyRules to see her daily/weekly shenanagins.
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Today's show we chat about how exciting it is that Taylor Swift is coming to Phoenix! And Ella's moment to dance with the Odysea Aquarium's disabled penguin, Rosie, is just two days away! MAYBE Taylor will show up too! We are so excited to report back about what happened!
Additionally, we have visits to special needs day programs coming up AND a travel situation that I could use ANYONE'S help with!
So listen in and don't forget to follow @RainbowBunnyRules on IG
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Spring is here and for those kiddos who are not kiddos anymore, and they are getting ready to think about transitioning out of high school into a day program. The anxiety is starting to build up. Here's the thing, with a wonderful day program, the anxiety can be reduced and even be something to look forward to!
Tatum is here talking about "Rainbow Bunny's Place"- listen in to hear about her the updates to her vision and what is next to make this magical place come to fruition. As always follow Ella on IG @RainbowBunnyRules to see her daily/weekly shenanagins.
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
The age old saying, "Take the good with the bad" holds true every day, but this week we are REALLY using the phrase! Listen in as we open with thee cutest bus riding story and then detail more issues with incontinence and the para educators standing off... but the wonderful opportunity Ella got to experiences because of her awesome teacher! Follow her story and shenanagins on IG @RainbowBunnyRules
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Oh boy! Miss Laura did some recon and found out Ella's teacher had NO RIGHT to tell me Ella couldn't come to school just because her aide was not going to be there! This was a FAPE violation as well as the insubordination of a para educator who would not help Ella in the bathroom! Listen in on the conversation and get all the terms you might need if you have to go to bat for your kiddo! Miss Laura offers a special needs homeschool program in the Phoenix area, so if you are unhappy with your child's public school education, please reach out to her at misslauraslifeskills@gmail.com
As always, follow our sweet Ella Bean and her shenanagins @RainbowBunnyRules
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Oh Ella had a wonderful Valentine's Day celebration, but the best part was the email mom received with exciting news! Listen in as we share how we have been avoiding diarrhea with a new fiber supplement, how we avoided excessive copays for expensive medications, AND the big reveal of Ella's surprise in the email!
As always follow us and share and watch all that we experience with our special girl on Instagram: @RainbowBunnyRules
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Oh my gosh hackers. Hackers are evil doers wreaking havoc on our young kids and even our senior citizen parents! Special needs or not- it is so dangerous on social media and how do we have it in our lives and keep it safe? Today's show talks about a hacking experience and what on earth do we do to handle it?
Stay tuned! Listen in! Follow us @RainbowBunnyRules
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
What a show TODAY! We kick it off with the BULLSHT situation Carly dealt with yesterday at Ella's school- listen in and let us know your thoughts!
But then! We introduce Ella's longtime caregiver AND teacher, Miss Laura! Miss Laura is a certified special education teacher who has taken her skills and compassion straight into the homes of children who were not receiving the level of education necessary for them to progress in the school system. Miss Laura's company is called "Miss Laura's Lifeskills" and she can be reached at: misslauraslifeskills@gmail.com
We will be hosting her again to help share insight and advice on how to navigate this special needs life with laughter and joy! We all need it. And remember- a grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.*
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Friends and Fans! Whether you have a child with special needs or not, the importance of a trustworthy, competent, and loving caregiver is priceless. We have discussed this many times, but TODAY you all get to meet the one and the only TATUM. Who is Tatum? Why is she so special? What is her story as it relates to Ella? By the end of this show, you will be scouring the internet to find yourself a TATUM. But be sure to listen all the way through to the end of the show. Tatum shocks us both with a tear jerking bombshell! Follow Ella's story on IG @RainbowBunnyRules and check out other shows you may have missed on our Buzzsprout website!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Listen in to hear about Ella's Journey with her new friend and all the exotic animals she got to meet. How incredible to be the sidekick of a kiddo who feels comfortable with Ella's gift of socialization even when she has a limited ability to communicate. Then we dive into more daily challenges. Please share your challenges and how you overcome them! Give us a follow on Ella's IG @RainbowBunnyRules and comment on our BuzzSprout website: https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Alright! We determined how to handle the situation from last week's episode, and then we dove into how to remember the importance of getting out of the post-holiday blues with some self-care ideas. Listen in on how care givers are lifesavers and some clever tips for taking care of yourself- ever tried slugging? Or maybe you just need a hug...
Remember to follow the IG: @RainbowBunnyRules and look for the Podcast Mamas on Facebook. Send us comments and questions- we want to hear from you!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
I think social anxiety in the special needs world really could use a whole week of sessions to talk through. Today we share how taking our special needs babes out can really create a nervous, anxiety-ridden situation. I am not even talking about the kids! I am talking about as a MOM! There are behaviors that are really hard to manage once you leave the comfort of your home, and it takes brave parents to manage these situations.
Now on the other side of the spectrum, how does socializing work when getting the special needs kiddos together? What does that look like? Today we end in a cliffhanger, and hopefully by next week we will have a good grasp on this situation. Let's go special needs parents! Share our podcast with anyone you think needs to laugh and feel like they have a friend who knows how it feels to live in this world. But even while we are here, we have got to find the joy, the laughter, and the reason to be grateful.
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
OH it's always a very merry Christmas when it kicks off in a special needs house! Listen in to hear how celebrating the holidays may look different than it does in another household. And Nicole and I have come up with our multimillion dollar Shark Tank idea for all Special Needs Moms around the world- who wants to help us bring it to fruition? Happy New Year friends! @RainbowBunnyRules on IG
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Happy holidays and Ho, Ho, HO! We just got back from a ski trip in Snowbowl, AZ where Ella got to enjoy her adaptive ski session as I prayed the Hail Mary all the way down the slopes! But the best news is yet to come after the latest cardiology appointment! AND!! BIG plug for the Wine Advent Calendar getting me through each day of the holiday season!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
Hustle and bustle and frustle! What is frustle? It's the frustration that comes with being overwhelmed during the holiday season. Lots to be thankful for, but taking a pause is super hard when you are on the go with sports, parties, dinners away from home, racing to the next event, AND trying to keep everyone healthy! Enjoy today's show with a special needs story line of added holiday joy!
Follow @RainbowBunnyRules on IG and look for the Podcast Mamas on Facebook!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
So imagine this- we chat and chat and chat and FORGOT to record! So! Here is an abridged version of our great insightful amazing conversation today. Much to anticipate next week when we double up on the content!
https://specialneedsmomlolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share
It's the holiday season and such a fun time of the year! Listen in on the report of the 10th turkey trot and how surviving the holidays with the magical elf continues on. So fun to be able to still celebrate the season at all the different ages running through the house!
Oh we all know that when a child gets injured or gets sick, we have to assess the severity of the situation. When you have a child who cannot communicate well, it is hard to determine how concerned to be and how to treat the situation. Listen in on how our little actress makes all things extremely dramatic and her crying wolf does eventually get her misunderstood in the end. Follow us @RainbowRules on Instagram and Podcast Mamas on Facebook
Despite the insane morning today, like- oh my gosh I looked up at The Lord and asked for him to guide my hands, we had such a monumental moment with establishing guardianship with Ella. Emotional, heartfelt, and in some ways surprising to hear the things we did. My whole heart will always work to help her be a part of the world and even conquer it if she can! Please follow us on IG @RainbowBunnyRules and our Podcast Mamas Facebook
For parents to get away, it is no easy feat when you live without a special needs child. Now add that log onto the fire. How on earth did we get out of town for 40 hours? And what goes into it and what came out of it! Share your story with us in the comments and follow Ella on IG @RainbowBunnyRules
If you are a parent on a group chat with your child's classroom of parents, the conversations are going to look different than they would of a classroom of children without disabilities. Listen in today and let's give a CHEER for one mom's hopes for her son today at school.
Additionally, we have an exciting announcement to make about Ella! Another reason to CHEER! And don't forget to follow Ella on Instagram @RainbowBunnyRules
Whether you have typically developing children (that term is questionable these days) or you have a disabled child, the morning rush can be stressful for either household! Please tell us about your morning hustle and bustle. What strategies do you use to get through the stress of getting out the door? While you contemplate that thought, here's another- can you imagine if YOU got to be the caregiver or respite for someone else? When for the past 18 years people have been helping your daughter, now you get your chance to help someone else's, and know what THAT emotion feels like! Listen in and give us your comments. Follow @RainbowBunnyRules on IG
It is the time of year Ella dreams about with all the fun decorations on the street. All of our decorations are stored up in the rafters of our garage, but when those boxes come down, Ella waits for no one. So the HUGE two-story cat is now erected.
And while we are always looking to be grateful, let's discuss while the bittersweet experience of college can also be a bit of relief for us special needs parents! Follow us @RainbowBunnyRules and on our Facebook platform, Podcast Mamas: "Navigating Life with Laughter in a Special Needs World"
How do you feel about all these milestones your special needs child may or may not be a part of? I know it pulls at my heart strings when other kids are getting ready for these big events and my own daughter is not a part of them. Then there is the other side of the conversation where our special needs kiddos ARE included. What does that feel like? Listen in and share your perspective with us! @RainbowBunnyRules instagram to follow Ella and her travels!
Today’s episode updates everybody on Ella‘s cardiology visit and then we discuss our dentist visit which I would love to get feedback from your parents on your dental experiences! Lastly we dive into the yearly IEP meeting. This two hour meeting turned out to be better than we had hoped but I will save the details for you to listen in! I also welcome your input and feedback on the cross we have Baird for many many years please share and please follow us on Instagram: @RainbowBunnyRules
Sigh. So Ella's teacher really wants this bathroom schedule to happen. Even though we have been down this road MULTIPLE times before, we are giving it a go. Ella's homeschool teacher came up with some data sheets to log the date, time, method to help her go, whether the pull-up was soiled, and if she peed or pooped in the toilet at the time. At least this way, we can walk into her IEP meeting with data to share and be able to come up with a strategy to help her. Ella's challenge of not being able to communicate well poses a huge challenge for her to tell someone when she has to go and why she cannot relax enough to go. It breaks my heart, but I am hopeful we can find a way to help her find both her voice and the bathroom!
ME OH MY! Transitions are HARD. We are so happy that the "hard" we are advocating through is: Ella following a schedule and structure, Ella crying for mommy on occasion, Ella and her bathroom accidents, and Ella's ability to communicate. THIS IS THE EASY STUFF. I am so thankful Ella is happy, healthy and safe! I am going to say that again, "I AM SO THANKFUL ELLA IS HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND SAFE!" I can navigate anything else in this world, but her joy, her health, and her safety need to be met, and at the previous school it was NOT. So listen into how we will trudge through some of the issues we have to deal with. I look forward to the day I can have a guest share what their challenges at school are. It's a special needs world but we always need to find something to be grateful for!
Sadly last week's podcast did not record with Ella's grandmother, The Nannie. So we had to move on this week to discussing preparations for Ella's school meeting with her teacher and the rest of the team- aides, therapists, school psychologist. Be sure to get your pen and paper ready to learn about SPAM and how it can help you! SPAM is a technique Carly has used over the years when Ella exhibits a negative behavior, or if she is just not being agreeable.
Remember to always look for the good in these hard days because a grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.
When parents get called from school, it knocks on everyone's nervous system. Does not matter if you are the parent of a "typical child" or special needs child, it runs through your veins and makes your heart sink when you get a call from the school. So listen in to hear about why Carly got called by Ella's teacher last week. How it breaks your heart to hear that a child cannot communicate what the problem is, and as the teacher and aides get to know Ella how will we overcome this obstacle going forward....
Ella went back to school and transitions are not easy for her. She has not been in school in 2 1/2 years and the bus is hard, the weepy crying in class is hard, and to top it off, the dance teacher doesn't have the patience for Ella.
So listen in for advice, listen for the challenges, and listen for the heart warming story of how Ella goes back to school
Join us today and listen in as Ella's grandmother, Carly's Mom, Nannie shares her perspective on Ella's birth and how she got through some hard moments. With her unwaivering faith and belief that God's Will is what helped her stay strong, Nannie details the beginnings of being a grandmother to a special needs granddaughter. Get out the kleenex listeners. Part one of 2
OMG our last episode didn't record the audio! This episode covers our trip to Alaska on the cruise ship, traveling with a special needs child, AND how Ella handled dealing with a middle of the night diarrhea attack with a crime scene bloody nose, AND how we were fortunate enough to avoid the world's WORST speech therapist LOL! So much to say and so little time! Listen in and laugh your butt off at the trials and tribulations of this special needs life. Remember always that a "grateful heart is a magnet for miracles". Next week we have our first guest speaker! Follow us on Facebook and send us comments! XOXO
We are uploading an episode from Mother's Day weekend, so HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY to every single freaking amazing mother out there! And even if you think "I suck as a mother", NOPE! Do not own that. We all have our moments. We all break. And while I would love to be that mom that takes it all in stride, doesn't raise her voice, doesn't cuss, and can be understanding and patient... WELL I JUST CANNOT SOMETIMES. So listen in mamas! Listen in to the papas and the grandmamas, and all the peeps out there who have dealt with finding the treasure at the end of the poop trail! God love us all and give us strength to look for the good and be grateful. Because remember! A grateful heart IS a magnet for miracles. I could use a miracle some days- how about you?
Nicole and Carly talk summer. Always sounds so great to just chill and slow down the pace, but with a special needs kiddo in the house it is extremely important to keep them entertained. Let's face it, this is true for any house full of kids! How can you find activities for your special needs kid? Listen in and get some ideas on how to make summer fun for your special kiddo. It is truly invaluable for them AND the "typical" kids they get to interact with!
Don't forget to start following @RainbowBunnyRules on Instagram to watch Ella and her trails through life!
Nicole and Carly have been friends for more than 40 years! Carly gave birth almost 18 years ago to a special needs daughter, Ella. Nicole is Ella's godmother and plays a large role in supporting Carly and helping with the laughter and joy during the tough times. Let's face it- life can be hard! As a special needs mom, EVEN HARDER! But if we look for the good- even when cleaning up poop on daily basis, and we can find the laughter, then we have won the day!
Laugh, connect, and enjoy. This Sh*t's for realz.
Our episode 1 opener gives the history of why we are doing this podcast. Carly gave birth to Ella in 2004 and her and Chad's world was turned upside down when Ella turned out to have a genetic abnormality. She has a microdeletion on the long arm of chromosome 10 at the 25.2 band. Not many in the world like her and some deletions vary in their location on the chromosome as do the severity of the disabilities.
THEN!
Nine years after Ella was born, a cardiologist discovered she had pulmonary hypertension due to an overlooked extra large PDA she was born with. Needless to say the journey has been filled with challenges but through it all, and with the love and support of family and friends, Carly and Chad are able to laugh and love and give back to others. ENTER Godmother Nicole. Nicole has been Carly's bestfriend for over 40 years and is Ella's godmother. Listen in as Carly & Nicole lure you in to connect, laugh, feel supported, feel validated, and that you are never ever alone! Carly has some great ideas to help you and your special needs situation adapt and even be a part of a typical world- can you imagine? ? Nicole will make you laugh so hard you cry, and she also ties in how her family has grown up watching Ella and what that perspective has been like!