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Special Needs

Gelli’s 8

My gosh. I have written a bunch of different posts for all of my kids’ birthdays at different times. But this one? This one is for the books. And it’s not as if it was a crazy over the top birthday where we did something so out of the ordinary. It was just here in the metro. We only invited my sister and a few friends who may be on the same journey as we are in our parenthood, and a few of the girls whom I consider my tribe. Small by most people’s standards, but the biggest party to date for Gelli, and eye opening for us as a family. Gelli’s 8 and great, and we couldn’t be more blessed by her presence in our lives.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

There’s my girl. In the middle of all this chaos. Making a wish. Really hard. Livin’ her best life, wildly. With her friends around her. And my friends’ kids around her too. And we are so blessed by her. And by everyone who celebrated with her today at the most awesome play place that is inclusive and safe and fun. This was a totally unstructured party where Gelli had all of her favorite things, and her Toy Story Cake. And I got to hang with friends I haven’t seen in a while. Chat with my mommas Who part of my tribe. And not worry that the kids weren’t playing nice. Baby Girl, I pray really hard for you. For your health. For your happiness. And for your growth in Christ. I am so blessed that you chose me as your momma. I love watching you grow. • • • • #gellibean #mommanmanila #birthday #downsyndromerocks #downsyndromelove #friends #inclusive #hatchopen #hatchph #podiummall #birthdayparty #playplace #manila #parenthood

A post shared by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Aug 25, 2019 at 7:04am PDT

Usually, for her birthday, we do something simple. In the past, Gia has baked her cake, or I have made cupcakes for her classmates, or we just kept it simple because we know how overwhelmed Gelli gets when it’s too loud, has too many people, or just has too much energy.

These TWO! Riot when we have all the girls together. But this is the beauty in having momma friends who have precocious little ones who I love just as much as the woman who birthed them!

MY TRIBE BECOMES HER TRIBE

But this year, after I visited Hatch in The Podium Mall, we had the idea to collaborate for Gelli’s birthday, and I KNEW it was going to be extra special for my little. We invited her whole class from school, some of my momma friends from the Down Syndrome Community, and my best girls who I met in this day and age of the digital landscape.

Finding mommas who “get you” in your “new normal” is paramount in parenthood.

MOMS ON A MISSION

Hatch Open is a wonderful new center that focuses on sensory play and therapies for kids with exceptionalities. They are located on the fourth floor of The Podium Mall and opened this past May.

Owners, Grace and Tootsie, shared that it is their goal to provide a safe and nurturing environment for kids of all abilities to come and enjoy free play, because that’s the way it’s supposed to be! Hooray for inclusive play places for our kiddos!

FUN FOR KIDS OF ALL ABILITIES

BUT they are so much more than just an inclusive play place!

Joey’s mom shared how they have been told Joey cannot attend free play in other gyms alone. Kids like Joey and Gelli are usually told that they need a chaperone to participate in free play gym areas. BUT NOT IN HATCH!

When you visit, you will find pods for free lance therapists to take clients in a quiet atmosphere. You will also see a “Toddler Room,” that is safer for the little ones when the bigger kids are in the bigger “play gym.”

Parents register their kids before play.

And then their temperature is taken. This way they can minimize the spread of unnecessary germs.

They also offer classes for kids that teach socialization, community integration, and life skills too. They even have SPECIALIZED sensory integration therapists, which is also not easy to come by here in Manila ALL IN ONE PLACE. 

Here are some of the other things that they offer:

  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Sequential Oral Sensory Approach  to Feeding (SOS)
  • Oral Placement Therapy
  • MNRI
  • Handwriting Therapy
  • Community Living
  • Social Thinking Therapy
  • SPED Tutorial

MORE THAN THAT

And beyond all of these services that they offer, they also offer the ability to rent out the entire gym to celebrate your kiddo’s birthday party. With a maximum of up to 20 kids, you can choose to rent the whole play area for a total of 3 hours, and it will be closed off to the public so you can enjoy this new inclusive gym with your friends and your family.

Chaperones MUST wear socks, kiddos who are unsure of their footing may go sockless if they need to, and don’t worry, if you forget. They have socks for sale too.

FOCUS ON FUN

The play area, come gym and therapy room, includes the added use of the multipurpose room so that the kids (and the parents) can also enjoy a quick snack before returning to back to the fun at hand. The multipurpose room also comes equipped with kiddie sized tables and has filtered drinking water to refill your own water jugs.

This was the area where we set up all the snacks, treats, and of course where some of the parents were able to hang out.

This makes it really easy to set up the area for some light and healthy snacks for everyone who will join the festivities. In addition to this room that is just off the play area, there are also six pods which serve as the spaces for the one on one therapies that are offered through the free lance therapists associated with the center.

DIY WITH THE HELP OF MY FRIENDS

I am blessed because I have so many creative friends who share their talents with my kiddos. We knew that Gelli wanted to celebrate her birthday in a Toy Story theme, when she asked her Tita Sab for a Toy Story cake.  And because her Tita Sab and her Tita Maggie love her so, they lovingly prepared a CHOCOLATE cake (you know our girl loves chocolate!) with sugar cookies decorated “to the T” that her Toy Story love affair embodies.

KEEP CALM AND BENTO ON

That’s the beauty in hanging out with inspiring creative wonderful women! We get to love on one another when we take trips together to recharge, and we get to love on one another’s kids too. Gelli is loved by all of my momma friends and this includes The Bento Mommas too!

I met Kaye years ago when I started blogging because I wanted to learn how to pack lunches that were just as much fun as much as they were nutritious. But I quickly learned that it was not as easy as these ladies make it look! I decide pretty early on that I would just pack our leftovers from dinner into my kiddos Yumboxes, and leave the prettifying the lunch boxes to the experts.

Gelli took this photo the last time we were all together during one of their workshops. Not bad for an 8 year old!

These ladies have it down pat. No need to worry. I coordinated with Monet via messenger. She arranged for Lalamove, and all I had to do was send the boys down to pick up the Bento Boxes once I received the call that they were close.

CAN YOU SAY EASY PEASY?

Of course, you guys know that my big kids and Nino played a huge part in making sure everything went smoothly for the party, from entertaining other big kids, to getting the tables ready with cartolina and colored pencils after Tootsie from Hatch offered to print some Toy Story coloring pages.

Gia even made sure that all the kids wrote their names on the paper cups so we wouldn’t be so wasteful. 

That, plus the affordable decorations that my BFF Vanesse picked up for me while I was in NY in July, plus all the other little touches that made my girl happy on her 8th birthday with everything that was TOY STORY, just completed the day. 

She told us that she wanted a Toy Story Cake, and she got way more than that…

And of course, we wanted to send her friends off with something special as a thank you to celebrating her being so great at eight.

Inside each of her loot bags that she gave her friends who joined us was a yummy cookie from The Little Whisk, a set of fun markers from Brightbrands.ph, and a travel set of Gelli’s favorite lotions and skin care line from Mustela.

This party was by far one of the most enjoyable birthday parties we have put together, and honestly one of the least stressful for me as a momma. Gia and Miguel took care of covering the tables with cartolina.

The food was awesome (as always) arrived fresh from the Bento Mommas Kitchen by Monet, and the sweets were perfect by Sabrina and Maggie. 

My favorite Youtuber and my favorite Freedom Fighter. In one shot. Celebrating my girl. Can you say love?

The focus was for everyone to have fun playing. For everyone to be included. And for Gelli to feel like the most important human being in our lives at that very moment. I think we celebrated in style and Gelli is GREAT at eight.

If you would like to plan a super easy celebration for your little in the same way that I did? Check out all of these places and suppliers to make it EASY PEASY.

Hatch Open
https://www.facebook.com/hatchopen.ph/
https://www.instagram.com/hatchopen.ph/
Level 4, The Podium
Mandaluyong
Email: hello@hatchopen.ph
Phone: 0928 506 7821

Bento Mommas
https://www.facebook.com/bentomommas/
https://www.instagram.com/bentomommas/

Sinfully Sabrina’s Cakes
https://www.sinfullysabrina.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sinfullysabrina/
https://www.instagram.com/sinfullysabrina/

The Little Whisk Cookies
https://www.facebook.com/TheLittleWhiskph/
https://www.instagram.com/thelittlewhiskph/

Mustela Philippines
https://www.mustela.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/MustelaPhilippines/
https://www.instagram.com/mustelaphilippines/

Brightbrands.ph
https://brightbrands.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/BrightBrands.ph/
https://www.instagram.com/brightbrands.ph/

Booths Republic
https://www.facebook.com/boothsrepublic/
https://www.instagram.com/boothsrepublic/

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Excited to be part of this international gathering Excited to be part of this international gathering of women! @strongertogetherevent is less than a two days away! Mommas from all over the globe will gather for some #RealTalk. We will open up to share struggles and triumphs with other mommas through candid conversations where participants can get real answers to their questions about this crazy ride that we call motherhood. There is strength in numbers ladies!!! Sometimes all we need is to hear someone else’s story to know we are on the right path. Sometimes we just need to hear someone else’s story to know that we are not alone in our frustration, our fears, and the smallest of victories. 
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Swipe left to see the schedule and the speakers, the healing modalities, and informational sessions on how to find your groove as a momma of a kid who may be extra. If you want to purchase your ticket, click the link in my profile and use the code MISH (case sensitive) for a $5 discount!
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No school yesterday, means pajamas all day at Nina No school yesterday, means pajamas all day at Ninang’s place. I haven’t had the mind to work at all. I lost one of my sorority sisters earlier this week, and someone very dear to our family yesterday morning. I have been doing my best to focus on this little one, keeping her busy, and having mindful conversation with her. Reminding myself to stay present and grateful through this overwhelming sense of sadness and loss. I find myself having these little conversations through out the day with Jesus. Thanking Him for His sacrifice, and for the most meaningful Easter, I have had in a long time. I try not to question the loss and the pain that I know so many of our friends and family are suffering. But I’m human, and well, no one looks forward to loss 😔
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I keep coming back to the idea that there is purpose to the pain God allows for us. And the promise of something beautiful when we have lived a life where we do all we can, for His Glory. In this conversation I had with a Friend late last night, I shared this newfound understanding that recent events provided for me. It is through all of this loss that I have learned how grief and gratitude can both lighten and anchor my heart at the same time. That I can be grateful to have experienced the gifts of friendship and sisterhood yet grieving the loss of a human being who was luminous, generous, and Godly in everything she did. 
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And this little girl reminds me. Reminds me of His Grace. Of how precious each moment is. And how when she sees us full of sorrow, that we may need to dance. And we did that. We danced. We danced for @faithoverfearheal, prayed for everyone who has suffered loss in this very difficult season, and thanked Him for His Grace and His Love. 
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Grief
Gratiude
Grace
Love
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Even through the tremendous loss, I am reminded that God has a plan. And that there is a circle of life. Gelli and I celebrate Savi’s first birthday with his giveaway craft from @antspocketph that @sinfullysabrina sent out last month. We crafted, celebrated, and were able to remain thankful even through the most difficult of times. 🙏🏻🌹💙💛
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#gritandgrace #love #HisPromise #faith #Jesus #ThankYouJesus #loss
I have been so blessed by friends that share their I have been so blessed by friends that share their talents with me. I have never been so talented with paint or the arts, but I can appreciate all the work that goes into honing these skills. Especially, when it reminds me of the reason why I started blogging almost 9 years ago. Thank you @gingdsantos for this #Bespoke #Watercolor #Painting. I am humbled by your gift and the thoughtful note you scribed. This is such a beautiful representation of me and my beautiful @gelliaventajado. 
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Good Morning IG Peeps! Happy Hump Day! What’s on your list to check off today? 
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#gellibean #artwork #bespoke #gingsantosart  #beautiful #motherhood #special #upsyndrome #aintnothingdownaboutit #love #momma #momlife #mywhy #moveph #friendship #watercolor #watercolorpainting #watercolorart
Remembering last week’s brunch that we enjoyed w Remembering last week’s brunch that we enjoyed while watching worship service. Pinwheel sausage from @santisdelicatessen @usblueberriesphl @realcaliforniamilkphl cheese @bountyfreshph eggs salted pretzels from @lartizan @hummingbirdspreads and @ilovewhisk jam was perfect with our ciabatta too. And because I realize that alcohol has been affecting my digestion lately, we switched over to a little sparkling @welchs_ph to add to our meal. 
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Brunch is by far my most favorite meal. We can put anything on the table and it works. What did you serve on Sunday? Did you order in? Did you bake? Cook? Grill? Share your favorite finds with me?
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#lovelocal #brunch #brekkie #food #goodfood #fruit #easy #addeggs #delicious #lunch #imhungry
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Read all the way to the END!!!
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@strongertogetherevent is a gathering of women from all around the globe sharing the triumphs and trials of their very special motherhood. We will come together because we know there is strength in numbers, in sharing, and how our stories are intertwined and intersectional. The raw gritty parts of motherhood, burnout, and the mountains we face can only be faced with our faith and women by are side who really “get” where we sit, stand, and fight for our children. Women who know that we sometimes struggle to own our own identities, and self care, too. Want to join the LIVE conversation? 
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Up for grabs is a total of 8 tickets to attend the LIVE event which will include panel discussions, talks from celebrated authors, and advocates in the differently abled community!!!!!There will be healing sessions, yoga classes, and talks on wellness and self care to help us navigate our motherhood in current times. I will announce the two winners on Friday, April 9th! Good Luck!!!
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Naked Sea Salt Chocolate Cake by @gi.aventajado fo Naked Sea Salt Chocolate Cake by @gi.aventajado for Easter Sunday. She has perfected this delicious recipe. From tweaking the cake to mastering the ganache, I think she has it down right perfect! 👌🏻❤️🍫
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#chocolatecake #cake #dessert #sweet #sweettreat #delicious #onmytable #chocolate #gavinosph #homemade #homebaker
Struffoli. • • • • Little chewy round bal Struffoli. 
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Little chewy round balls of fried dough coated in honey and rolled out with a hint of citrus, generously topped with rainbow non-perils.
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This sweet tower of dough would always come out after Christmas and Easter dinner with the Sambuca or the Grappa, when I was growing up. My mother’s table would have ham and Turkey, stuffing and pasta, eggplant and sweet potatoes. We would celebrate Easter Sunday together with my Titas and Titos, my Nana and my Lola, and all my cousins. My Dad would take his place at the head of the dining room table which was extended into the living room by saw horses and a make shift table top that he built for family gatherings when we had overflow. 
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Our gatherings are smaller now. But they are filled with so much more meaning. I was able to rest. Spend time in the kitchen with my best girls, break bread with my sister, face time my parents, and #BingeJesus by watching @thechosentvseries all afternoon with @manila.gent. 
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Happy Resurrection Day!
Christ is Risen!
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#eastersunday #easter #italianamerican #italian #dessert #sweet #sweettreat #struffoli #frieddough #dough #honey #honeyballs
This is my Team. We are not perfect. But we belong This is my Team. We are not perfect. But we belong to each other. Thank you Lord for making it so. There are so many things happening in this world right now, that may not make sense without our faith. 
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Loss. Suffering. Pain. Sickness. And as the realities of the pandemic are giving us so many more reasons to be thankful, I am clinging to His promise. His Love. And the understanding that He has plans for us. So we will do our part, stay safe, and take this time to reflect while giving thanks, and being mindful. 
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Holy Week has never been so full of reflection as it is for me now. Praying for my friends, my family, our frontliners, and all of those affected by COVID19. 
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Perhaps the wisdom that comes with age and life experience in your faith, involves knowing and understanding that the extreme emotions of pain and loss, grieving and gratitude, joy and happiness CAN exist in the human heart all at the same time. Not taking any of His gifts for granted. 🙌🏻
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#latepost #family #teamgellibean #familyfirst #giamynina #miggymange #jbirdicusprime #gellibean #manilagent #mommanmanila
@bountyfreshph Chicken Fingers and Honey Mustard D @bountyfreshph Chicken Fingers and Honey Mustard Dip made by @migaventajado with ingredients care of our #Easter #Basket from @momzillaph. As March is coming to a close, I am thankful for all the women I have met because I started blogging who are passionate in their purpose. I am thankful for Best Buddies and the successful month of awareness activities we mounted with partners who believe in what we do. And I am thankful that my family is safe and sound. Stay safe IG Peeps. Stay Home. Stay grateful. 
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Praying for all of our friends and family who are struggling with this virus right now. My heart is breaking but I know we have a Big and Mighty God. He can move mountains. Make miracles. And raise Jesus from the dead.
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