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Advocate Best Buddies Nurture Parenting Special Needs

Happy Birthday Gellibean

Happy Birthday Gellibean. It’s been three years since I gave birth to my last baby.

Our whole family waited in anticipation for the arrival of our newest member.

Our whole family waited in anticipation for the arrival of our newest member.

I wasn’t prepared for her diagnosis at birth. Or rather the suspicions due to “markers for Down Syndrome,” as the doctor said, when she spoke to me and Nino.

Evangelina stayed in the hospital longer than we first thought she would due to the fact that she had duodenal atresia.

Evangelina stayed in the hospital longer than we first thought she would due to the fact that she had duodenal atresia.

 We prayed she would be alright after confirming that she needed corrective surgery due to duodenal atresia.

Daddy was there to welcome baby girl just like her siblings before her.

Daddy was there to welcome baby girl just like her siblings before her.

Nino was so fully present at this time. His faith in God was so much bigger than mine. His love for our daughter and for our family helped bring me through… 

In Fight Mode: The more I held my baby girl, the more I wanted to fight for her...

In Fight Mode: The more I held my baby girl, the more I wanted to fight for her…

Without realizing it, I automatically put all these limitations on my daughter the moment I heard the words “Down Syndrome.” My perception of what Down Syndrome was, was so far from what I now know as our reality. I need to forgive myself for those first few days…even for those first few weeks and months. I was incredibly ignorant of what her extra chromosome was all about. Even now…I know that I still have so much more to learn about who she is and who she can become…the same way any parent would learn about their own typically developing child who is about to turn three years old too.

I remember this day. I sat on the sofa thinking about whether or not she would be strong enough to hold her own in a world that can sometimes be cruel and unforgiving. As I cried, Gelli picked her head up and looked at me...as if to say " I'm a lot stronger than you think, Mom."

On this day, I sat on the sofa thinking about whether or not she would be strong enough to hold her own in a world that can sometimes be cruel and unforgiving. As I cried, Gelli picked her head up and looked at me…as if to say ” I’m a lot stronger than you think, Mom.”

But, I have a confession.

I have a lot of regret about the first few weeks of Evangelina’s life. 

I was extremely happy to finally bring my daughter home...but I was also extremely nervous. I felt like a new mom all over again because Gelli changed the playing field on me.

I was extremely happy to finally bring my daughter home…but I was also extremely nervous. I felt like a new mom all over again because Gelli changed the playing field on me.

I wasted far too many tears, and worried about far too many “What If’s?”

I wish I knew then what I know now.

I was all over the place with guilt, fear, anger, and sadness that I didn’t see the tremendous gift I was given. I worried about her health, people accepting her, what school she would go to here in Manila, and whether or not she could stand for her Ate as maid of honor if and when she would get married. (Doesn’t that sound a bit crazy?)

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Gelli in tree pose. Gelli and I did yoga together when she was just an infant only weeks out of the hospital.

I cried because I thought my eldest daughter would some how lose out on the sisterhood I envisioned for her when we found out we were having another girl.  I cried because I thought she wouldn’t be able to do things for herself. I cried because I thought my daughters wouldn’t be able to call each other up when they were older with their own families and share recipes and giggles on the phone. I cried because I thought my youngest daughter would have so many limitations. 

“The only limitations you will ever have are the ones you put on yourself.” -Kristinna Habashy  (or in this case…the ones I put on MY own daughter…)

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Oh baby girl…if I only knew then what I know now.

I cried a lot.

I still cry a lot. 

But my tears are different three years later.

gelli 12

The difference? I cry when I’m happy, when I’m grateful, and when I am reminded that God is Good. Parents with children who have special needs have said it a thousand times over in so many different ways. This kind of parenthood changes you in a way that being a parent to a typical kid cannot. It’s the shift in perspective…It’s the realization that we are all connected…that it’s more than just THIS…

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Gelli’s first modeling gig. Thank you Buding for asking us to be part of your feature in Working Mom. Thank you Stan Ong for these lovely shots.

So, today we will celebrate Gelli’s birthday. She’s given us three beautiful years of milestones in her own time, a fresh perspective, an incredible love, countless smiles, and more than we could have ever imagined. That doesn’t mean that we don’t have challenges in parenting Gelli. We do.  This is why the milestones and the small victories are all so worth celebrating!

Instead of me telling you about the gifts we have given her, I thought I could share some of the gifts she has given me.

gelli41

Gelli is Daddy’s muse. I love this shot he stole of her one morning when she was just waking up with a smile.

It’s good to be organized!

Gelli has given me the gift of organization. It’s important to be organized so that I can take care of my daughter and set all of her doctor’s and therapy appointments. She has instilled a diligence in keeping  appointments AND because of that, I am more organized in general. (Although I still sometimes feel like something falls through the cracks every once in a while.)

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Understanding Unconditional Love

Gelli has given me the gift of unconditional and pure love. I received this same love from my three big kids…but Gelli’s love is just a little different…as is my love and devotion to her is just a little different too. I celebrate the differences of all of my children and I am able to love them each in the way that they need me to.

gelli30

The Gift of Prayer

I understand the power and gift of prayer. Never before have I prayed with my children the way we prayed when we desperately wanted her to come home from the hospital after almost two weeks in the PICU. It was a teary impromptu moment that I will never forget.

gelli51

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

I finally understand the meaning of  “The Big Picture.” So, often I have been caught up in the details and things that aren’t as important as I once thought. The idea that I shouldn’t “sweat the small stuff” is my new philosophy.

Gelli60

Our Support Network

I have a new found appreciation for all of those people that love and care for our family. For some reason the fluff, a.k.a. the people that didn’t matter as much, have fallen to the wayside. They have slowly eased their way out of my life and I can see that those who love and want to be with us have a deeper sense of love, commitment, and level of caring for our family. I hold these loved ones near (and far) oh so close to my heart. 

gelli49

The Gift of Happiness

I finally understand the meaning of “choosing to be happy.” With all of the terrible things that go on in the world I understand that finding happiness can be in the littlest of celebrations and milestones that many people take for granted. 

gelli52

The gift of being empowered

I am empowered. Yes! Believe it or not, my daughter empowered me to stand up for what I know to be right and true and good in this world. She has inspired me to fight for her and all children like her. 

Purebasics1

 

The Gift of My Voice

I found my voice. I write. I share parts of her story and parts of my story with other parents. I find joy in this sharing. Gelli’s birth has enabled me to help other parents who are new members to our special club.

gelli13

 

People who really CARE

I have met incredible people. Doctors who are so good at what they do. Therapists who care. People with varying abilities. Parents. Children. Adults. All who share parts of themselves with me and Gelli. And it truly is incredible. I will continue to navigate the unchartered waters with many of these people as my mentors, guides, and my friends as Gelli continues to grow. 

Even two years ago, I didn't know all I know now. Oh Gellibean, you have given me so many gifts.

When you were one year old, I didn’t know all I know now. Oh Gellibean, you have given me so many gifts.

The gift of togetherness

I’m part of something bigger. I know that “We are all in this together.” This basic yogic principal is my mantra. I am more compassionate and empathetic. I am not as quick as I once was to pass judgement. I’m patient. Kindness is so much more important now. As a family, we look forward to meeting up with other families like ours too!  Both DSAPI and Best Buddies have given us the opportunity to share our cause and our LOVE for Gelli.

At two years old you taught me just how generous people can be...another lesson that brought me to tears.

At two years old you taught me just how generous people can be…another lesson that brought me to tears. To this day I am grateful to your Tita Kathy for all of these beautiful photos. She isn’t the only one who made your 2nd birthday extra special, there were many people involved in making your celebration just perfect.

I’m so looking forward to more of your birthdays, Baby Girl.

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I LOVE YOU. 

 

 

 

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Comments

  1. Hermelina D. Ressa says

    August 26, 2014 at 6:32 pm

    OMG Michelle! What a wonderful and touching article of love, understanding and devotion! You made me cry! You are such a wonderful person, daughter, wife, mother, friend! You made Gelli a beautiful person! We are so lucky for having a daughter like you, though I must say we are lucky to have beautiful, great, loving children! We love you and God will always be there for Gelli!

    • michelle says

      August 26, 2014 at 10:32 pm

      Thank you Mom.
      I am the person I am today because of the example you have always set for me.
      Your strength, generosity, wisdom, and grace in face of your own life’s challenges are characteristics that I would hope to emulate as well. I love you Mom. You’re the reason why I can do what I do today. I love you.

  2. Peter A. Ressa says

    August 26, 2014 at 7:59 pm

    Papa and Mama love you so much Gellibean!!!!

    • Mish says

      August 26, 2014 at 9:55 pm

      Gelli loves you so much Papa. She loves you and Mama dearly.

    • michelle says

      August 26, 2014 at 10:20 pm

      Gellibean loves you oh so much Papa. She loves you and Mama lots, and she misses you more than that.

  3. Sugar and Spice says

    August 26, 2014 at 8:24 pm

    Gellibean is so beautiful in every sense of the word Michelle. And she has a beautiful mama as well who loves her dearly. She has a beautiful Ate who will always be there for her because you have trained her well. You have a beautiful family Michelle. Truly, you are blessed beyond words. <3 I love you! :-*

    • michelle says

      August 26, 2014 at 10:19 pm

      Thank you Jane.
      I do feel blessed. This much is true. I look up to how you and Jeff raise YOUR kids! You’re all so sweet to one another! I do know I’m very lucky with Ate. I won’t have to worry about either of my girls because they have each other. Love you Jane!

  4. joliza castillo gelhay says

    August 26, 2014 at 8:34 pm

    What a wonderful write up about how Gelli has changed your lives but hearing it from you personally is indeed a lot better. These are words of love and tenderness from a mother who truly sees what each of her children have brought into her life. Today, we celebrate Gelli but you have always shown how you adore all your kids and how they have made you proud. Gelli continues to be a gentle reminder of how faith, hope and love go hand in hand when you least expect the best thing to ever happen in your life. She has changed the way you look at life and she has brought not just you and Nino joy but realizations that only she can bring forth in the lives of her siblings. Gelli is therefore perfect in all her imperfections. And she is truly beautiful inside and out! Happy birthday Gelli! You are such a wonderful blessing to many.

    • michelle says

      August 26, 2014 at 9:59 pm

      Thank you Joliza.

      You are right! She is perfect in her imperfections. I like that!

      Thank you for also being a blessing to me in my life as my friend!

  5. Anj Onrubia says

    August 26, 2014 at 8:47 pm

    This is a beautiful post, Mish. You have touched on so many important things that parents like us often forget when we are faced with the challenges of raising a child with special needs. I will hug my Zo a little tighter tonight and thank him for all the wonderful things he has taught me. Thank you for the beautiful reminders, Mish!

    • michelle says

      August 26, 2014 at 10:15 pm

      Aw. Thanks too Anj.
      Thanks for stopping by, thanks for inspiring me to do more outside of what I do for Gelli and our family.
      I am so glad that we are in this together.
      Namaste.

  6. Joei says

    August 26, 2014 at 9:25 pm

    This is a beautiful post Mish :’)
    Happy birthday Gelli!!

    • michelle says

      August 26, 2014 at 10:14 pm

      Thanks Joei.
      Thanks for stopping by!
      See you Saturday!!

  7. Rina says

    August 26, 2014 at 9:28 pm

    I want to cry. If only I wasn’t in a gastro pub right now hahaha!but seriously, this is such a touching post. Unconditional love at it’s very best. It’s so inspiring! You are so blessed to have Gellie as she is so blessed to have you as a mom. Happy birthday Gellie! 🙂 may you have many many more birthdays to come!

    • michelle says

      August 26, 2014 at 10:14 pm

      Aw. Thanks for stopping by Rina!
      All of my children are blessings…but Gelli 🙂 She is extra special 🙂
      Looking forward to seeing you again soon!

  8. Jayne Roque says

    August 26, 2014 at 9:38 pm

    What a great article! You’re such an amazing mom! Happy Birthday Gelli! Love ya…

    • michelle says

      August 26, 2014 at 10:10 pm

      Miss you Jayne!
      When you coming here?
      Please come for a visit again soon?
      It takes one amazing Mom to know and understand another 😉

  9. Marilyn Narson says

    August 26, 2014 at 9:50 pm

    Michelle, The joy, wonder, pain, hope and faith you have expressed in this beautiful tribute to your daughter Gelli, and your journey together as a family is beyond words. God works in wondrous ways! Love you all, Aunt Marilyn

    • michelle says

      August 26, 2014 at 10:09 pm

      Thank you Aunt Marilyn.
      Yes. This much is true. God works in wondrous ways.
      We love and miss you so much.
      Hugs for you and Uncle Paulie 🙂

  10. neva | manilamommy says

    August 26, 2014 at 11:35 pm

    Love you Gelli! Love you Aventajados 🙂

    • michelle says

      August 27, 2014 at 7:18 pm

      Thanks Tita Nevs 🙂 Hugs and kisses to Noah boy.

  11. mariqia says

    August 27, 2014 at 8:22 am

    This makes me cry..I’m also a mom of a special needs child. But God is good..

    • michelle says

      August 27, 2014 at 7:18 pm

      Aw 🙂 God is good ALL the time 🙂

  12. Nancy says

    August 28, 2014 at 12:10 pm

    Love this post. 🙂

    Oh Gelli! Happy birthday! You are blessed and you are a blessing.

  13. Maidette says

    August 29, 2014 at 11:19 am

    This is just beautiful Michelle.

    • michelle says

      August 29, 2014 at 12:14 pm

      Thank you Maidette 🙂

      Hope all is well and that Kenneth is better after his bout of being sick on his birthday!

  14. First Wives Club (@nappyKAYE) says

    September 4, 2014 at 4:59 pm

    I read this the day you posted it, but didn’t get to leave a reply. Beautiful, beautiful post!

    You are loved, Gellibean! <3

    • michelle says

      September 4, 2014 at 10:56 pm

      Thanks Kaye 🙂 Thanks for loving Gellibean too 🙂 xo

  15. kaye says

    October 16, 2014 at 8:50 am

    I am pretty sure you have already been told many times, but I will say it still, you have a beautiful baby girl, and you both are blessed to have each other! Oh and lest I forget, you are a beautiful woman, too, made more beautiful by all that you have experienced with her and life in general. Cheers!

    • michelle says

      October 17, 2014 at 7:41 am

      Thank you Kaye,
      I will never tire of hearing how beautiful, and smart, and charming, and resourceful, and wonderful all of my children are. I do feel each of my children is a blessing to me and my husband…although, I probably wasn’t as aware of it before. Thank you most of all for your kind words for me and for visiting my blog 🙂 Sometimes, I’m so busy putting everything together for the kids that I forget how to also take care of myself. I know that’s common in motherhood…so, I thank you for the encouragement and love.

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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…

#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?

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Here’s how to enter to win:
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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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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!

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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.

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Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

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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. 

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