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Advocate Down Syndrome

#29DaysofAwareness February 17th

For today’s post on #29DaysofAwareness, I have invited Irma Ocampo Ignacio to share a little bit about her journey as Nicey’s mother. I had the pleasure of meeting Irma at Miss Possibilities last year. 

Actually, I had met Nicey’s Ate and Kuya, before I met Irma. As part of the pre-production for Miss Possibilities, the organizers had set up a photo and video shoot of the participants with their families. It was another way for all of us to get to know the girls that would be showcasing their talents, and for us a way to get to know their families as well. It was a beautiful experience for me, and reminder how each of these girls are not only beautiful on the outside, but on the inside as well.

While I was talking to Nicey’s Ate, I realized their family was very similar to ours. (Girl, Boy, Boy, Girl-in that order) It was heartwarming for me to get a glimpse of what could be my future with these siblings and Nicey as their youngest princess.

Nicey10

Thank you Irma, for taking the time to share with us, a little piece of your story with Nicey. This is the perfect way to begin the day!

When Nicey was still in my womb, the ultrasound showed that she had a hole in her heart and collapsed lungs. I was advised by my docto to have a neonatologist and a surgeon ready because of her condition. Luckily. When I delivered her, her lungs expanded and she didn’t undergo surgery but had to stay longer in the nursery.

Nicey1

When Nicey was born and the doctor at Makati Med told me that she had Down Syndrome, I felt as if the world tumbled upon me. I cried the whole night while my husband Rey, comforted me and told me to accept her as she is. He said she is a manifestation of God’s love to us and so we must accept her so that other people will accept her too. Initially, I didn’t want to visit her at the nursery to breastfeed her coz I was so scared to see my child with Down Syndrome. My eldest daughter (who was only 13 yrs old) kept on prodding me to go and see her sister. She said she was so cute! I asked her if she understood the condition of her sister, that she had Down Syndrome, and she immediately replied, ” Yes Ma, I know what it is, but it’s ok with me.”

Nicey2

It would doubly hurt me kung mawawala sya sa atin.” At this time, she was already aware of the hole in Nicey’s heart. This statement gave me a change of heart. I told myself, “Here is a young girl, accepting her sister for what she is, seeing the beauty of her sister, beyond appearance and because of that, I should accept Nicey, as a mother.

Nicey9

So, together with my Maica, and her dad, Rey, we went to see her at the Nursery. When I saw her and carried her in her arms, my tears welled up. I saw this innocent and beautiful gift from God. When I took her to my breast to nurse, I felt the bond and love that only a mother can give to a child!

Nicey12

After that, I asked forgiveness for my past actuations to her and to my Creator.

 

When we were discharged from the hospital, we saw a Nissan Patrol ahead of us with a sticker “Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines with a contact number. As soon as we got home I called up the number, and the secretary told me to wait for a return call. Lo and behold, In just a few minutes, the president of the association, Tony Pasia, called me up and assured me and my family of how it is to have a child with Down Syndrome. He asked me how I was faring and my husband’s reaction and feelings that time. I told him that we were still on a roller coaster of emotions, but my husband had already accepted with his whole heart, what this event in our life meant for our family. I told him that my husband had already said, “Nicey is a gift of God and a manifestation of His great love for us.”

Nicey4

Hearing his words, Tony asked me if we are members of a community, and I told him we are members of Couples for Christ. Then he said, that God is really amazing, because at that time, he was looking for a speaker on God’s LOVE in the Life in the Spirit Seminar and here we were talking about God’s love. After our conversation Tony invited Rey to share a talk on God’s Love.

Nicey14

This was the start of Nicey’s touching the lives of other people through our family’s experience of acceptance and love.

I rode a roller coaster of emotions when she was still a baby. I was scared of how I will bring her up, considering the high cost of therapies and other medical attention that she would need.

Nicey7

Sometimes, in my quiet time with the Lord, I asked Him, “Why did you give me a child with a special child, we are only ordinary employees and we have 3 more kids to rear? I didn’t ask for another child because we are already happy with 3 kids but why did He give us another one, and with Down Syndrome at that. It is still vivid in my mind, how He answered me. He said, ” Irma, why do you question me? Nicey is my child, I am her real Father, I made her that way, beautiful and without blemish. You are only her caretaker here on earth. Just love her and I will take care of her. I can never give her to any other family except yours, because I know that your family has a huge heart, full of love to give and share with her.” From then on, I relied on his His promise and took comfort in His loving words.

Nicey13

My family started doing what we we ought to do. We attended the Early Intervention Program of DSAPI (Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines) where we learned what the next steps would be and this lead us to people who will help us make Nicey be the best that she could be. We went to her geneticist, Dra Carmencita Padilla, her Developmental Pedia, Dra Alexis Reyes, and her first Physical Therapist, Geevee Rivadelo. As early as 1 month old, Nicey started physical therapy, soon after that, occupational therapy, speech therapy and later on her special education. These activities were always a family affair. On weekends, her siblings would go with her to her therapy sessions too.

She and her siblings still share beautiful moments together. She is always a part of their activities and the plans they make in their lives. She is a funny, witty, loving young lady. She is now 16 years old, goes to Community of Learners (mainstreamed class) in Grade 6, attends Kumon, is a member of the choir in our chapel and she sings in the mass every Sunday. She loves to sing and dance and is a girl so generous with praises for others and prays for everyone!

She also won in the recent competition for girls with different disabilities, Miss Possibilities! Her wit and her charm won the hearts of beauty queens like Venus Raj, Nina Ricci Alagao, socialite Tessa Prieto, and Rhodora Fresnedi.

Nicey6

Who would think that she would be the Beauty Queen in the family!

Life is still a struggle.

She has a lot of medical issues that we have to address. Last 2014, she had her 6 hr ear surgery, mastoidectomy, in 2015, she had her eye surgery, and  later this year she is scheduled for tonsillectomy. She still has a hole in her heart which has to be operated on, but Nicey is a fighter!

Nicey8

Even during her hospitalizations, she charms people around her with her bravery and sense of humor. Everything becomes easier, because of her attitude. God is true and faithful to His words, He never left us, nor abandoned us. He provided for all her needs, she is our daughter, and we are only caretakers here on earth.

We will continue to follow His will, to take care of this angel. He is her real daughter, but we as her caretakers here on earth ,enjoy and savor the joys of having her in our life.

Truly, Nicey ignacio is a blessing in disguise! Thank you Father God for entrusting her to us. We are truly richly blessed and honored!

You know I cant stop talking when it comes to Nicey.

Nicey5

Her brother Raymond, who is now in Texas, took up nursing bec of her. He said he wanted to be a nurse to be able to help Nicey, so much so, that when he finished nursing and passed the Board exams, he thanked Nicey because he he took up nursing to do a noble thing for his sister. When he graduated and passed the boards, he realized that it was Nicey who did a noble thing for him. She inspired him to succeed and reach his dreams!

Nicey has a lot of dreams, too. When she was younger she wanted to be a doctor, or even sometimes a police officer. Now she wants to be a lawyer.

We dream with her to be able to reach her dreams the best way she can. As they saying goes, it’s free to dream. She is now in Grade VI and all we hope and want for her is to be healthy, happy and be able to reach her wishes and dreams in the best way she can.

Nicey15

God gave her to us and we can never thank Him enough for choosing us to be a family of this special angel.

I am proud to say that I am a mother of a special angel!

Nicey11

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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
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

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.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@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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