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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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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…

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@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.
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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. 

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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!

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

Such a great musical!

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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. 
 
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