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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.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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

A post shared by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Sep 3, 2018 at 5:15am PDT

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…

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Cutest little #sugarcookies from @thelittlewhiskph just in time for our little gathering tonight for dinner. I just love how witty these puns are! Thank you @maggiesmusings for always accommodating my orders! ❤️😘❤️ What are you guys doing for #ValentinesDay? • • • • #sweet #cookie #cookies #sugar #manila #gifts #cute #yummy #thelittlewhiskph

A post shared by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Feb 13, 2018 at 11:58pm PST

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.

A post shared by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Aug 26, 2018 at 1:18am PDT

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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Comments

  1. Peter A Ressa says

    September 14, 2018 at 11:55 pm

    I love this post . I read it with tears in my eyes because I am so proud of you and Nino.

  2. helenfrancesi says

    September 15, 2018 at 3:32 pm

    Happy birthday Gelli 🎂🎈💙

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Do you make time to date your spouse? Admittedly Do you make time to date your spouse? 

Admittedly, @manila.gent and I have been working so hard and addressing the responsibilities of our daily lives that we really have not been able to plan something fun, outside of trying new restaurants.

Here is one that we enjoyed awhile back when we visited @unfrenchbistro by @chefmichelleadrillana.

-Apple Walnut Salad with Crunchy Bleu Cheese Balls
-Laing Lobster Thermidor
-Triple Treat of Sisig, Pork Belly and Bacon topped with Foie Gras
-Poached Salmon in a Dill Cream Sauce w/tasty shrimp balls and topped with salmon roe
I thought about these delicious Buko Tarts I made I thought about these delicious Buko Tarts I made with @prismpuff pastry a few days ago. It’s so funny to think how @kitchen143 has evolved and come to life with different foodies, kitchen loves, and experts in the field. I have been having so much fun experimenting, getting to know foodie friends, and new found kitchen sisters (and brothers) through the process.

I’m curious tho-is there anything you guys want to learn? See? Explore? I also want to go exploring with all of you!

Perhaps you know a really great restaurant that we haven’t featured yet? Or a home cook that loves to share the kitchen love?

Tag them please!
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What do you guys think? 

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Heart Full.
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She can.
She did.
She loved it.
She is so proud of herself.
I started taking my coffee black, years ago when I I started taking my coffee black, years ago when I ran outta milk and had no choice. I quickly realized that I would much rather trade my calories in milk and sugar for the calories in my dessert. 

My nana used to take her coffee black. And sometimes she would have tea in the afternoon and dip her saltines in it while watching her “programs.” These programs were shows like The Young and The Restless, Falcon Crest, and Dallas. I would sit at her feet, or on the sofa next to her. And just being near her provided comfort.
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Tagging mine:
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Send me a DM or a PM so we can start the discussion!

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Are you feeling the holiday spirit already? Righ Are you feeling the holiday spirit already? 

Right now, I’m thinking of my Thanksgiving menu and all of the many things I am grateful for…

Especially weekend getaways with @manila.gent.
Tis the season to be merry! Just last week, @mani Tis the season to be merry!

Just last week, @manila.gent and I visited @westinmanilahotel for their very FIRST Tree Lighting to kick off the holiday season. 🎄

We enjoyed holiday themed drinks, festive music, and the sustainably decorated tree while celebrating “Green & Bright,” in the hotel lobby. 

As always the eats and treats are for the whole family to enjoy. Bring the kids, the grandparents, and even the fur babies to celebrate this Holiday Season because everyone is welcome! 

Here are the special offerings you can look for when you visit:

• Visit The Lobby Lounge for the 12 Christmas Cocktails or the Westin Holiday High Tea.

• Celebrate Thanksgiving Dinner with the buffet at Seasonal Tastes. Be prepared to be wowed with Turkey and the fixings.

• Check in and enjoy Christmas and New Years staycations complete with the Westin Pillars of wellbeing. The Holiday Getaway room package includes breakfast for two persons, an Afternoon High Tea, a festive giveaway, and a P1,000 food and beverage credit. (This is valid for stays until January 7, 2024.)

• Take advantage of Seasonal Tastes’ holiday menu for both Christmas and NYE that includes Seafood Paella, Beef Prime Rib Roast, Italian Style Roast Pork “Porchetta”, Slow Cooked Leg of Lamb, Slow Roasted Whole Turkey, Grilled Bratwurst and Veal sausages, and more.

Looking forward to celebrating with the family this holiday season. We all have so much to be grateful for. 🙏🏻
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Quick trip to @alpinalounge means we are ready for the week! Visiting the lounge for my gel manicure and monthly massage is not just a treat, it’s part of what I look forward to when spending time with @gi.aventajado. 

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