Momma 'N Manila

Growing through parenting

Parenting

Gelli’s Birthday

Guys, I need to play catch up here on the blog.

I have been so super busy that I have not been able to sit down and write in more than a month.

But you know what that means?

That means that there has been so many wonderful things happening in our lives, that I have been present for each one of those things.

That means that instead of trying to document every single second (as I often try to do) I relished in the beauty of each of the activities, milestones, and moments that God gifted me with.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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I have had a crazy week full of God’s Great Goodness. I realized a few days back that I hadn’t posted here because I was trying so hard to stay in the moment. I was soaking it all in. Crying tears of gratitude every now and then too. Like during this moment. And so many others. But it’s this. This is what it’s about. That smile. A simple chocolate cake that we shared with our @bestbuddies philippines during our monthly #DanceNight. And this girl. This girl who cracked me wide open. Showed me what I was. And what I wasn’t. Gave me a purpose greater than myself and the silly things I was worrying about before she chose me as her momma. She doesn’t know it, but she filled me with courage that I didn’t know I had. She made me better. Kinder. More aware. And there have been so many more moments like these. I’ll try not to flood your feeds now, but I’m ready to share some of those moments now. Some I will keep for myself. But some, I will put right here to share with all of you. Because there’s just so much, that I know He would want me to share them too. • • • • New Vlog Up on my channel. Link in my profile. • • • • #vlog #mommanmanila #gellibean #downsyndromeawareness #autismawareness #bestbuddies #bestbuddiesph #modmomsph

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So here’s the thing: I have been SO busy that Gelli’s birthday was going to pass us by with just a lunch with the family, and a birthday cake that Gelli blew out the candles for during our Best Buddies Teen and Adult Dance Night.

But Ate said to me, “Mom. My seventh birthday was the one I really remember. Can we please do something small for Gelli at school?” 

I have to admit. I almost had a breakdown when Gia was insisting on this….

I was facing a schedule of 4 back to back events for Best Buddies Philippines and one event for Mod Moms that I was preparing for…

Here are some of the details from Gelli’s Birthday that we enjoyed as a family.

Birthday girl started her morning with pancakes and bacon (because that’s her favorite meal) and then we went to lunch with her Ninang.

Of course, to keep everyone happy, we chose Chili’s. It’s our “go-to” easy peasy place that has some healthy choices for me and enough french fries and chips for everyone to be happy.

For her birthday in school, we kept it simple with a theme that she loves. 

After watching The Incredibles last month, she has often said to me, “Mom, your Elastigirl and I’m Violet.”

And the other day when she was playing with make-up with her Ate, she even wanted to dress up like Edna Mode. (I think that might be her Halloween costume this year.)

Because I am not big into giving away lots of candy or loot that the kids won’t find useful, I have switched over to gifting Gelli’s classmates and guests to her parties sugar cookies in the theme that she is fond of at that time.

Maggie from The Little Whisk is always up for a challenge, her cookies come in three flavors, Vanilla, Chocolate and Red Velvet, and are sometimes TOO pretty to eat. Of course, the kids had no problem digging into these…

Just before Gelli’s birthday I hosted a small gathering of Modern Moms and shared a bunch of ways to make our lives easier. From things like calling in experts to help you mount celebrations for your kids, to using essential oils in keeping your family healthy, and finding the right app to make investments large and small for your children’s education, I was able to pick up some tips and tricks from my friends and the experts who joined us.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Sometimes, I get to share what I’ve learned with other Mommas. This past Thursday, I had the opportunity to share @amaraoilsph in @arugacafebymesclun where we enjoyed the backdrop created by @mesclunkids and @tearentals for a mini celebration of motherhood. We did this while noshing on delicious desserts prepared by @cinqdessertboutique and learning how we can save for college with @manulifegradmaker. The Mommas went home with a slew of organic gifts for health and beauty by @zenutrients and bento treats were prepared for their kiddos by #mesclunkids. • • • • From the guests who attended to the women behind each of these brands, to the energy and empowerment that came out of that dining room, it was nothing short of amazing. I know I went home Thursday afternoon, completely exhausted but with a full belly and a happy heart. • • • • I went to sleep thankful for another day of learning. Sharing. Growing. And grateful that @gia_jado and my @manila.gent were there for the whole thing, together with my team, rooting me on, and supporting me as I shared a little bit more of myself.

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This is why it was perfect timing for me and Gia to plan Gelli’s simple gathering at One World.

With personalized Recess Bentos from Mesclun Kids for each kiddo, the cake Ate made for her favorite little person, and cookies for everyone to take home by The Little Whisk, I knew my Gellibelli felt special and was happy with her simple celebration.

Healthyish Recess Bentos by Chef Kat made my life so much easier in celebrating this little one’s birthday. Chicken nuggets that were fresh and not processed, Fruit, and a themed dessert all packed with (not so) sweet spaghetti, was enjoyable for all of us! Of course, Dad and I had a quick bite with the birthday girl too!

You know what my birthday wish is for this girl?

That when all is said and done, and she will look back on her childhood, and understand that Nino and I did best that we could with what we had at that moment. And while I did not have so much time to prepare for her 7th birthday, because her big sister Gia made sure we did more than just dance with Best Buddies Philippines, and have lunch with the family, she was able to have a small simple celebration with her classmates.

WIN. WIN. WIN.

Recess Bento Boxes By:
Mesclun Kids

Sugar Cookies By:
The Little Whisk

Cake By: #giabaked

Cake Toppers By: 
Rustan’s

 


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