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Down Syndrome Education Nurture Parenting

The Little Apprentice

So, I had Gelli’s first Parent Teacher Conference last week.

It wasn’t a busy day by my usual standard, I just had two things I had to tend to. Unfortunately, my two things that I had to take care of were so closely scheduled that I felt a bit rushed during my PTC.

I have been to PTC’s before at TLA. But this one was different for me. I think they have changed the process a little…made it more relaxed. I wish I WAS a little more relaxed for the event, but I have learned to roll with the punches, so it’s ok.

I was a little rushed because we had a scheduled lunch with the priest who married us. Father Willy (He’s actually Monsignor already.) as I still like to call him…is visiting from Rome this week for his yearly check up and was able to squeeze us all in, for a family lunch. Many years ago when Nino and I were dating, he was the first one to put what Nino and I already were thinking out there…He asked us both when we were together for Nino’s shop blessing…”So, when are you two getting married?”

FatherWilly

But I digress…that nostalgia is for another time and another post…

I have often said that Gelli has given me great perspective in raising all of my children. So, to be sitting across the table from her very loving and supportive teachers was a bit emotional and even a bit nerve wracking…

Does that even make sense when I say that she has given me perspective?

I knew what to expect from our PTC because Teacher Boom had emailed me a checklist of sorts and a “Day in the Life” earlier in the week, so that I could look over everything we would discuss before hand. I appreciate the time to look over everything before hand because that means I can sit and listen to what Teacher Boom is sharing instead of being distracted and shuffling through papers.

Ate Maricel (the aide in Gelli’s classroom) was kind enough to serve me coffee and warm pandesal with cheese pimiento as soon as I sat down with Teachers Boom and Tricia. I was thinking how I didn’t want to be rushing through the conference, but Nino was calling to remind me that Father Willy and the family were already at the restaurant. I pride myself in being fully present, but at this particular moment it was a bit challenging.

Why was I a bit emotional and nerve wracked? 

I like to live in the moment with my daughter. The fact that she has Down Syndrome has me celebrating every little milestone that I previously took for granted. I don’t like to look too far into the future, and I don’t compare what my kid can do to what anyone else’s kid can do. I take her progress day by day.

Sitting in a Parent Teacher Conference causes me to pause and evaluate…COMPARE…and of course become more aware of Gelli’s delays.

Overall, Gelli is doing great. She is almost four years old, eats by herself, can communicate her needs to us, and is becoming more and more verbal by the day. I attribute much of her new found verbal skills to her attending school at The Little Apprentice. I feel like she is learning more and more words every day. She enjoys taking turns, reading books, drawing her “name,” pretend play, and visiting the playground. She likes to eat by herself and doesn’t want her teacher’s help when she paints on the glue for their art projects. 

But, if I go by the list of things that Gelli should be able to do and say that is appropriate for typical children her age…we have a lot of work to do this summer. 

OH MY GOSH.

It’s almost summer! And that means that Gelli will be enrolling in her first set of summer activities! 

Before we get into all the summer activities-I want to share one of the field trips we went on in the beginning of 2015 as a class. We all had a great time when we visited Ark Avilon Zoo!

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 All the kids and the mommas had a great time exploring the zoo together. 

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The Avilon Zoo

The kids learned about the different animals that were there.

Gelli was mesmerised by the big cats. She  spent a good amount of time watching the different big cats.

Gelli was mesmerised by the big cats. She spent a good amount of time watching the different big cats.

I’m not quite sure if Gelli understood everything, but I do know she really liked the big cats, the fish and the tortoise.

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Our tour guide explains the difference between this African Spurred Tortoise and a turtle.

While we were near the tortoise, I realized Gelli was looking for Teacher Boom and wanted her to sing a nursery rhyme. I was curious about the song so I checked on Youtube and found this version. Gelli loves it. 


  Gelli also liked feeding the animals.

Gelli's classmates feed the rabbits.

Gelli’s classmates feed the rabbits.

Gelli lost interest in feeding all the animals so quickly that we just explored the second floor together.

Many of the kids enjoyed the interaction with the animals. The cost was minimal, but it was not included in the fee for the zoo entrance.

Many of the kids enjoyed the interaction with the animals. The cost was minimal, but it was not included in the fee for the zoo entrance. 

Many times when we are raising our kids, we have to know when to let them lead us. I also know this is just as important in education. I have written about teachable moments before, and the value in those moments…you know, that time when a child becomes curious enough to start asking questions. As teachers, we often provide these moments for our students. We inspire the kids in the classroom and hope to spark that curiosity where a student will connect the dots. When I am teaching yoga, I hope to inspire my young students to make the mind body connection…and for me, while we are in the yoga studio, it’s also about helping the kids discover a sense of self awareness.

The Gang's all here...even if not everyone is happy :-(

The Gang’s all here…even if not everyone is happy…

The teachers at The Little Apprentice know how to foster that curiosity with Gelli and her classmates. I can see it when I visit the class, the questions being answered…the wheels turning inside their little heads and the discovery that takes place most days when the kids are working with Teacher Boom and Teacher Tricia. 

It’s kinda like the series of photos that I share below. You can see that at first, Gelli is quite fearful of the Macaw that’s perched on my shoulder…but as he gets a little friendly her fear soon turns to curiosity.

This is the time that I want to thank the teachers, the staff and the administration at The Little Apprentice for always taking such good care of my precious little one, for sparking that curiosity not just in the classroom but through field trips, every day experiences, and PLAY. 

Because that’s…that’s what preschools are made of…LEARNING THROUGH PLAY…

Now that summer is almost here, I will be checking out the summer programs which TLA will be offering. My boys will be busy with their own activities, and Gia will have her volleyball to keep her occupied, but Gelli will most definitely need some stimulation through out the summer to help keep her on track and ready for the new school year.

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http://www.thelittleapprenticepreschool.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Little-Apprentice-Preschool/1393161347628084

https://instagram.com/thelittleapprenticepreschool

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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…

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@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 
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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. 

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