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#29DaysofAwareness February 1st

It’s February First. 

And in our house we have a lot of reasons to celebrate.

We have Miguel’s birthday.

This year, we also have Gia’s Junior Senior Prom.

It’s the month of St. Valentine. 

And it’s Down Syndrome Consciousness Month.

We will celebrate Gelli and her extra chromosome all month. Photo Credit: Jay Santos Photography

We will celebrate Gelli and her extra chromosome all month. Photo Credit: Jay Santos Photography

Here are some facts to help you understand a little bit about Trisomy 21 and our daughter Evangelina. We were not prepared for Gelli’s extra chromosome when she was born. As soon as I understood what her extra chromosome meant from the doctor, I took to the internet and read a list much like this.

I read lots of lists. I read lots of articles. I read blogs and write ups by other parents chronicling their experiences and journey in parenting.

But what I didn’t read, was a list with personal experiences. Here is “a list,” but with my personal experiences in being Gelli’s Momma.

You can also check out this page on the NDSS website where I pulled these from.

  • Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. 
  • There are three types of Down syndrome: trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of cases, translocation accounts for about 4%, and mosaicism accounts for about 1%.

Gellibean has T-21.

  • Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 800 babies in the Philippines is born with Down syndrome.

I think this statistic changes depending on the country you live in. 

  • Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels. 
  • The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.
  • People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood leukemia and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

SIDE NOTE: When I first started researching on Google, I somehow missed the Alzheimer’s part. Months after Gelli was born, I had finally gotten to a good place. I was ready to attack my new parenthood with gusto. In line with preparing for Gelli’s medical care, I started researching for doctors’ appointments and well visits to plot them in my calendar. In my research, I came across an article that told me Gelli has a really good chance of developing this debilitating disease, that already runs in my family.

I read the article in its entirety.

And stayed in bed for three days.

I take things one day at a time. I keep up with Gelli’s well visits, and just address each sniffle or symptom as they come. I have decided that I cannot spend my entire life (or Gelli’s) worrying about the what ifs. 

  • A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are: low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all. 

These characteristics were all present in Gelli at birth. She has the Palmar Crease, slighted slanted eyes, and had low muscle tone at birth. Even her big toe is just a little bit further apart from her other toes. She was also born with Duodenal Atresia. At less than one day, old she underwent surgery to correct her malrotated intestines and by pass the intestinal obstruction.

  • Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades – from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.
  • People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful relationships, vote and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.

Ok. This is why I work so hard. Inclusion in the Philippines is in its infancy. Through the volunteer work I do with DSAPI and BEST BUDDIES Philippines, and Unilab Foundation, I hope to help create these opportunities for Gelli’s generation. I want Gelli to have the ability to seek higher education. I want Gelli to find a meaningful way to contribute to society, and I want her to achieve some sort of independence, if that’s what she wants. I want so much more than the opportunities that are being afforded her, and people like her right now. 

  • All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.

I am sure that I will learn more about Gelli’s strengths and talents as she grows older. One strength I am sure she is capable of, it is her ability to influence change. I know that the more I share how beautiful she is, (inside and out) we will be able to subtly change people’s perception of all children with Down Syndrome…everywhere.

  • Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to lead fulfilling and productive lives. 

They say it takes a village. Our village for Gelli is growing by the minute. Even just having you read about our journey together here, your comments, your shares, and your likes on FB helps us in our cause of creating a more aware and accepting environment of ALL children with special needs.

So for that, I THANK YOU.

For the entire month of February, I’ll do my best to post every day. I want to share the ins and outs as well as  little snippets of our lives with Gelli. I will share more about the organizations that we are involved in, bloggers that I follow and look up to. My goal is to further #inclusion and create awareness of children and adults with Down Syndrome. I hope to paint a realistic, yet positive picture of what parenting Gelli has been like for me. The good, the bad, and even the ugly, but always with a positive spin. 

The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines will lead this month long celebration of awareness. Please be sure to visit our FB group for our calendar of events.  

#29DaysofAwareness

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It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
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Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
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@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
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