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Advocate Down Syndrome

#29DaysofAwareness February 2nd

The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc. was the first place I looked to for help, after I had ordered all my books from Amazon, and scoured the internet for blogs and online resources.

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Photo Credit: DSAPI FB page

They were the guiding light that I knew I needed.

There was one particular doctor who sat with me for a long while when Gelli was in the PICU. Dr. Resty was calming, in a time when I was full of anxiety and worry. He explained things simply to me, when it came to Gelli’s healing from the corrective surgery from her duodenal atresia. He encouraged me to continue pumping milk when I went home and even in the hospital while sitting with Gelli in the PICU. I remember him stressing how breastmilk aides in cognitive development, and I promised myself that I would nurse Gelli as long as I could.

I already understood the benefits of colostrum, antibodies, and the immunity my milk provided for all of my babies before Evangelina was born, but for some reason, when it came to breastfeeding them I couldn’t make it past the 8 month mark. 

He wrote down Down Syndrome Association Philippines Inc. on a piece of paper and gave it to me when I was going home one night. I told him I would look it up and join the group later that night.

Truth is, I quietly stalked the DSAPI group for about a month before I got up the courage to post. I liked the posts but did not comment. I searched the photos posted by fellow parents looking for a glimmer of hope and maybe even a friendship which would be nurtured by the commonality of our children’s extra chromosomes. 

The first photo I posted of Gelli in the DSAPI group was when she was about this age.

The first photo I posted of Gelli in the DSAPI group was when she was about this age.

I can’t remember if Adette invited me to the Early Intervention Seminar in November, or if I discovered it in the Facebook Events tab from the group. I do remember telling Nino that I wanted to go and see what it was all about. It was a nominal fee to join, and there was a map showing us the easiest way to get to the venue. I told him that we should bring our yaya (nanny) at the time as well.

She should learn as we learn, right?

Even if I was the primary caretaker of Gelli, and I didn’t let anyone bathe her or put her to sleep, I still felt that the yaya could learn more about the special care that Gelli might need if she attended the seminar with us.

Nino didn’t really want to attend the Early Intervention Seminar. I remember him saying that he “wasn’t ready.” I respected the fact that he didn’t want to go, but I said that I was going. I was willing to share with him what I learned, but I wasn’t willing to miss this EIS because I knew the next one wouldn’t be for another 4 months. 

Time is precious when you are talking about Early Intervention. The sooner, the BETTER…

Because I was adamant about attending the seminar, Nino decided to me to join me, and for that I was happy. I was looking forward to the parents we would meet and the things we would learn.

I have viber groups for each of my kids' graduating classes. This is one of my favs...SUPER MOMS activate!

I have viber groups for each of my kids’ graduating classes. This group is one of my favs…SUPER MOMS activate!

Through that EIS, we met other parents who had babies days before and after Gelli was born. We connected with them, their situations, and through the shared emotions that we were afraid to share with other parents who might not understand. 

We looked up to the parents with older children. We asked what worked, and if things got easier as our children would grow. Even now, as Gelli is approaching her 5th birthday, we enjoy getting together with the couples we met during our very first EIS, and the couples we met in succeeding seminars as well. 

DSAPI continues to hold Early Intervention Seminars for new parents. They have even added another seminar which fills the gap for growing kids. 

Together with the board of DSAPI in one of the member's homes. Photo Credit: Agnes De Lapena

Together with the board of DSAPI in one of the member’s homes. Photo Credit: Agnes De Lapena

We kick off the month long celebration in February with Tee Up for Down. This year, the golf tournament is on February 5th. If you participate in the tournament, you will know that your donations cover the medical outreaches and seminars held in all of the different chapters all over the country. From EIS, to the many other seminars catering to parents and caregivers alike, DSAPI continues to provide the support network that parents like me, need and look for. 

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Jeremy is the first young man that we met when we attended EIS. He asked Nino “You play golf?”

Because sometimes, we just want to know that we are not in this alone.

Towards the end of the month, we will be walking together with all of our friends in THE HAPPY WALK.

Would you like to walk with us? We are prepping for Team Gellibean already! 

Keep coming back all month to learn more about Down Syndrome and #29DaysofAwareness.

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Waterside @solaireresort’s BBQ Brunch Buffet has Waterside @solaireresort’s BBQ Brunch Buffet has all the southern fixings and more.

Grilled and smoked meats. Seafood and mixed drinks. Fried chicken and fish and chips. Starters include fresh salads, corn bread, nachos and more. But the kicker comes in the form of a Make Your Own Milkshake bar, and YES, you can order it spiked with your favorite liquor! 

Waterside is only one of quite a few restaurants that you can enjoy  beautiful weekend brunches with your favorite person, the fam bam, or your friends. 

Check out www.mommanmanila.com to see the full menu and what Nino and I enjoyed most.
Creating food together is one of our love language Creating food together is one of our love languages. We flow in the kitchen. I get excited and move too fast, and she grounds me, and slows things down. We can move around one another while still staying in sync. In our own kitchen, there is music that guides us and sets the tone for the meal. Gelli would be in the mix, the boys will set the table, someone makes dessert, and maybe @manila.gent  makes a drink. 

When we prepare our table together there is so much that goes into the process and the ingredients. This mindful movement brings me so much joy when we are all together.

Even more so when we attend classes together to learn new dishes too.  @themayakitchen1 has regular classes offering cooks of all abilities to learn something new when preparing meals for for our families.

Check out my new article on @rappler for @kitchen143 where Gia and I learned from Chef @cocoyventura a few new Pinoy dishes that will definitely be on rotation for #TeamGellibean.

Link in my profile: 

https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/food-drinks/kitchen-143-learning-lovelokal-the-maya-kitchens-cooking-classes/
Crispy Pata. Is there anything better than perfec Crispy Pata.

Is there anything better than perfectly brined crispy fried pork? 

@manila.gent and I visited @viicsrestaurantph for simple Pinoy fare that hit the spot. Admittedly, after moving here so many years ago, I took a while to warm up to this dish that is one of Nino’s (and my mom’s) favorites. But every once in a while-I won’t feel guilty about indulging in this deep fried treat.

Happy to learn that we can also order for when Mom arrives through @foodpanda_ph too!
The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their doors! @manila.gent and I were privileged to visit the hotel on Friday night with some new friends and we were both so excited to explore some new digs in Manila.

Looking forward to bringing the family back soon!
We were a little early for therapy this morning, s We were a little early for therapy this morning, so @gelliaventajado got to spend a little time with @grace_loedin!

@thevanguardacademyph is still open for enrollment in their summer program, and has a full staff for all therapies and interventions. We really love her school and all of the faculty and staff. It makes a huge difference when you have confidence in the people you leave your child with for learning!
Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappl Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappler now!

Link in my profile!

https://www.rappler.com/nation/kitchen-143-dreaming-greece-try-making-easy-whipped-feta-dip/
Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGu Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGuardia, was picked up by one of my dearest friends and spent the entire day at the beach just catching up on LIFE.

It was a breezy day. Overcast. A little chilly to be in a suit, but it was perfect to catch up with my girl Candy. Sometimes, if you have chosen your friends well, you can pick up where you left off, as if no time has passed at all. 

Just like I did, sitting in that beach chair, feeling the mist of the Atlantic Ocean, and watching the seagulls pick and the seaweed.

Thank you Candy! For the friendship, for dropping everything to come and pick me up. Drive me around and have dinner with me and Fayth. 

Wishing I was sitting on this beach with you right now!!!
Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of ma Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of many dishes that we enjoyed during #SundayBrunch at Waterside in @solaireresort .

From cornbread, to mom’s potato salad, melt in your mouth whisky cured short ribs, homemade sausages and more. This #BrunchBuffet had @manila.gent and I rolling each other out the door!

Hard to choose which was our favorite from the feast that was set before us!

Brunch is inclusive of some delicious drinks, some Southern smoked and BBQ Fare, and a most colorful sweet dessert buffet by way of Milkshake Bar!
Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy by @lumosprojector_ph!

Summer Lovin’ ain’t over for #TeamGellibean. Hop on over to www.mommanmanila.com to read my full review on how easy this #homeprojector is to use when you want to watch your favorite family film!!

Gelli and I have watched Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Grease, and BTS Videos. Up next? The Sound of Music! 

Want to have your own #LUMOSRAYProjectoe delivered to your home? Stay tuned for an upcoming giveaway, too!

Link in my profile!

https://www.mommanmanila.com/lumos-ray-projector-review/
Missing my @migaventajado The short time I had w Missing my @migaventajado 

The short time I had with this guy in Florida was definitely something I will look back on. Wish we had more time to explore and do some fun things on our own.

Gah. How is this kid 20 years old already?
I remember when he was little and he loved peanut butter, chicken nuggets, Kylie Minogue, and sitting on my lap. He was squishy, in tune with my feelings, and I was always worried that he might have an asthma attack in his sleep so I would nebulize him every few hours. He always looked at new experiences with gratitude and wonder, much how he did while we were in FL together.😍

Praying he continues to strengthen his faith as he grows. 🙏🏻👨🏻🙌🏻

Miss you Miggy!
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