• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Momma 'N Manila

Growing through parenting

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Nourish
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Cheers
    • Guest Recipes
  • Advocate
    • Autism
    • Best Buddies
    • Down Syndrome
    • Special Needs
  • Gather
    • Crafternoons
    • Entertaining at Home
    • Events
    • Mothers Who Brunch
    • DIY
  • Review
    • 4 KIDS
    • Dining
    • Travel
    • Home & Hearth
    • Health & Beauty
    • Giveaways
    • Fashion
  • Nurture
    • Education
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
    • Yoga
  • MWB

Advocate Down Syndrome

#29DaysofAwareness February 4th

As part of my #29DaysofAwareness campaign, I will continue to share all things related to my journey as a parent of a child with Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome Consciousness Month gets an extra day in 2016  because it’s a leap year, and I couldn’t be happier to add an additional post to my roster.

One of the things that I have loved about my journey as Gelli’s momma is all of the other amazing parents I have come across through the different communities I am part of. 

I have already written about (on quite a few occasions) about how important DSAPI was in helping Nino and I map out a plan of care for Gelli when she was a peanut. Starting with the Early Intervention Seminar was the best thing we could do to ensure proper care and development of our little one.

Best Buddies is an organization which furthers inclusion here in the Philippines. Together with school chapters, faculty advisors, volunteers, the Citizens group, and of course the students all involved, we are forging ahead one friendship at a time.

The online community has been a source of comfort for me. Being from New York, I have often looked to social media as a way of keeping in touch with family and friends back home. When Gelli was born, social media became so much more than that for me. It became a way to tap other moms for help and questions that I had in our everyday life. Just like I look for inspiration in packing lunches for the kids through searching hashtags, I look to twitter for the current studies and news regarding Down Syndrome and Special Needs.

Through Facebook, I discovered The Down Syndrome Diary. 

Screen Shot: The Down Syndrome Diary

Screen Shot: The Down Syndrome Diary

And of course with the help of the internet, I found the Momma BEHIND The Down Syndrome Diary. Jamie Freeman is Ben’s Momma. She pens the blog Ben Through it All. And she is brilliant. 

Screen Shot: Ben Through It All

Screen Shot: Ben Through It All

Jamie’s idea was simple. She remembered being hit with a ton of medical terms when she was handed Ben’s diagnosis. Jamie was given Ben’s diagnosis while he was in utero so she had time to let it all sink in. She shares very frankly how hard it was to accept that her son had Down Syndrome. Her story is honest and comforting to read, even if I know our diagnoses were handed to us differently. You can read about her story here.

Jamie wanted to try and give someone else who might be handed the same diagnosis of Trisomy 21 something a little different. 

The vision of the diary, when it is full, is to have it published for new parents that have just received a diagnosis to receive.  We are pouring our hearts into these stories with the hopes that someone might find comfort in our words as they are being bombarded with medical terms.

If knowledge is power.

Shared stories are comfort.

Down Syndrome Diary 2 copy

I once read somewhere (or maybe it was in one of the talks that I attended,) that our “Stories tied together is our LIFE.”

We share our stories with others and we connect. Most of the time, you benefit greatly from sharing. I know for sure, I have always benefited when someone is open enough to their story with me.

It’s that gift of perspective that I have often referred to here on the blog as well.

Y’all know what I’m referring to, right?

So, imagine how different the experience would be if you received a diagnosis with a plethora of stories all written by loved ones whose lives were changed by an extra chromosome FOR THE BETTER?

Photo Credit: The Down Syndrome Diary. Check out Tara's blog Happy Soul Project.

Photo Credit: The Down Syndrome Diary. Check out Tara’s blog Happy Soul Project.

So, the moment I found the Facebook page I sent a private message to Jamie in the hopes that I could be a part of this diary that was circling the globe. When she responded, I couldn’t have been more disappointed. The DSD had already had so many story tellers that she had to turn people away. There was no way that all of the volunteer story tellers could fit in that one beautiful leather bound diary after all. 

Luckily, for me, when I broached the subject of possibly starting another diary in another country where we could fill in our entries in Tagalog and various dialects that are prevalent in the different provinces here in the Philippines, Jamie was open to the idea.

Together, we thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for Filipino parents and siblings to be able to share their experiences in whichever language they felt comfortable writing in.

Jamie and I skyped, messaged, and visited with each other Facebook. She planned an awesome Halloween fundraiser so that she could buy all the leather bound journals to send out to all over the world. She has already started pursuing The Down Syndrome Diary Non Profit Status in the U.S. to further her cause of storytelling. 

To date, Jamie has had thousands of requests from parents to be a part of this amazing endeavor.

And we are so lucky we can be part of it all….right…here…

12439240_1015825178490381_6172815174077602740_n

I was so excited to open my package when I returned home from Cebu with Nino. I was so emotional, I cried.

Thank you Jamie for inspiring us to share our stories if for nothing else, than to help one another.

Down Syndrome Diary 5 copy

I can’t wait to read all of the beautiful stories we have to share right here, in the Philippines.

If you’d like to learn more about The Down Syndrome Diary visit the website or the Facebook page.

If you’d like to learn more about The Down Syndrome Diary Philippines check out the Facebook page.

I can’t wait to sit down with this diary and write just a small piece of Gelli’s story which is so intertwined with mine. Even more so, I can’t wait to pass it on to other mommas and poppas who might want to share their stories too…It’s going to be beautiful.

Would you like to take part in this endeavor with me? Please let me know by commenting below or sending us a message on The Down Syndrome Diary Philippines Facebook page.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related


« #29DaysofAwareness February 3rd
#29DaysofAwareness February 5th »

Hello and Welcome!


Hi! Here is where I share my thoughts on yoga, cooking, crafting, raising a special child, exploring, eating, playing, and living in Manila.
READ MORE

You can also say hi or email me at mish@mommanmanila.com

Twitter

Tweets by @mishaventajado

Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • A Grapeful Summer with Taste Australia
  • Suite Treat Mommy Weekend at Marco Polo Manila
  • Weekend Grills at the Bay City Café

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • Angelie G. Y. Melsbo on LUMOS RAY Projector Review

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @mommanmanila

mommanmanila

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
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Blog Design by Fancy Girl Design Studio

Copyright © 2023 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...