Cassy Fiano-Chesser
Cassy Fiano-Chesser is a Jacksonville native and mom to six kids. Her husband is a Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient. She works from home as a blogger and a freelance writer, and they currently live in the Argyle area of Jacksonville. Benjamin is their oldest, born in 2011, and he loves being a big brother. Wyatt was born in 2012, and he has Down syndrome. Ivy came next, in 2013, followed by Clara, born in 2015, who is a diva-with-a-capital-D. Rounding out the brood is Felicity, born in 2017, and Lilly, born in 2007. They love discovering things to do on the First Coast and going on family adventures, as well as cheering on the Jumbo Shrimp and the Icemen.
Myths and Truths About Down Syndrome
I'm a mom in her thirties, and in the time I've been alive, incredible advancements have been made for people with Down syndrome. When I was born, in the 1980s, people with Down syndrome...
Why Hands-Off Parenting is the Secret to My Parenting Success
Helicopter parenting is in style right now. Go to the playground, and you'll see parents walking every cautious step alongside their children, in case they might fall. If kids cry, then we're often told...
Honest Thoughts On Having a Fifth Baby
The big news is officially out: My husband and I are expecting our fifth baby. Yep, you read that right — we're having baby number five. In today's world, that makes us a bit...
Here’s Why Everyone Should Get The Flu Shot
This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week, so if you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, now is the time! Many people assume they don't need to get the flu shot. There is no shortage...
Why We NEVER Travel During The Holiday Season
The first year that my husband and I were away from our families for the holidays — he was a Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina — we decided to travel back home...
Being a Special Needs Mom is Really, Really Hard (But I Love It Anyway)
While in high school, an opportunity came up at my church's youth group to volunteer as a buddy at Camp I Am Special — a fun, weeklong summer camp for children, teens and young adults with disabilities. The buddies...
JMB Charity Spotlight: Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network
After I discovered my son, Wyatt, had Down syndrome when I was around 15 weeks pregnant, I knew I needed a community. I joined a secret group on Facebook, “Moms with Kids Rockin’ the...
The Ultimate Family Fall Bucket List
Happy Fall, y'all! It may not seem like it, but summer is over. While the temperature may not be cooperating, that doesn't mean you can't get into the autumn spirit and make some great...
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Here’s What Women Need to Know
When it comes to cancer, there are a few big ones that probably come to mind: breast cancer, skin cancer, cervical cancer. But there's one cancer that many women don't know about: ovarian cancer.
Ovarian...
I Will Always Tell My Daughter She’s Beautiful
Did you know that we're not supposed to tell our daughters that they're pretty? Apparently, this is a Thing. It all started when I saw an article shared in my newsfeed on Facebook. It...
Learning to Love My Mom Bod
For as long as I can remember, body image has been an ongoing struggle. I started going through puberty, and I worried about not being as curvy as other girls... and then, a year...
Stop Applauding Dads for Doing Their Jobs!
A few years ago, when we only had three kids, my husband took them out on some errand with the goal of giving me a very much-appreciated break. He came home beaming: when he...