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Advocate Parenting Special Needs

My Mini Boss

At lunch a couple of weeks ago, my sister made a remark that I quickly dismissed.

Having a bad day

Gelli was having a bad day. She was screaming and attracting so much attention to our table because she was over tired and was not happy with anything that we put in front of her. She wanted her iPad. She wanted it to be on the loudest setting possible, and she wanted it immediately. The boys were bickering. I was hot and the air conditioning was not working efficiently in the restaurant that we chose for a quick lunch, and my patience was running thin.

Spending time with my sister at Rappler, or through our weekly meals together, always provides for learning opportunities for me and my children.

Spending time with my sister at Rappler, or through our weekly meals together, always provides for learning opportunities for me and my children.

Being pulled in so many directions

Nino was texting me and asking me how lunch was going, when all I could do was rant.

We were doing everything we could to appease the little girl, and for some reason. Nothing was working. Until she saw her soup! She wanted to drink her soup, and she wanted it (you guessed it, immediately) so she pulled the bowl closer without waiting for her yaya and of course the HOT SOUP spilled all over her.

Murphy’s Law

We addressed the change of clothes, checked for any burns, and when I was sure she was ok, I had to let out a sigh of relief and say a little prayer for patience.

It was one of those days.

Who’s da Boss?

But as my sister said “She’s the BOSS, in the house, isn’t she?” and while I dismissed the comment, my son said, “YES. She is the boss, Tita Maria.”

“She is the reason why we became so close. She is the reason why we joined the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines. She is the reason why my mom started blogging. She is the reason why we found Best Buddies. And she is the reason why my mom works so hard.”

Revelation

“In fact, she is the reason why we do a lot of things. So, I after Miguel’s comment, I guess I DO think she is the BOSS.”

WOW.

Moments that change you

I have written before about “moments that change you.” I have written how something so pivotal as the birth of a child with special needs alters who you are, changes you for the better, and shifts your perspective or your paradigm. Those are the really huge moments…the moments that are written in the journals of your memories in CAPITAL LETTERS, with indelible ink. The kind of moments where you can see a HUGE change in how you view the world, and more importantly, how you carry yourself in the world, after the moment has passed.

But there are other “moments that change you.” The a-ha moments where you might not realize it until much later that it had such an immense effect on you. These moments are usually conversations, observations, or even just quiet time where you were sitting by yourself, and something jogs your memory, or it causes you to ponder what exactly just happened.

Contemplating the mundane

These are the moments that pass without pomp or circumstance. There is no welcome song, or drum roll that leads up to them. These moments are usually not documented, save for a blog entry like this.

All this time, as a parent, I know that it is my responsibility to help shape my kids into productive individuals who will contribute to society in a real and meaningful way. 

All this time, as a teacher, I encourage my students to reach their full potential. At times, I coddle them. At times, I push them outside of their comfort zone. I do this with love, affection, and of course the understanding that even if I am the teacher, (or the parent) that most of the time I certainly, DO NOT know everything.

Who’s the teacher?

The a-ha moments that I facilitate in the classroom, or the yoga studio, or when I’m volunteering are what we call “teachable moments.” 

These are the moments that we capitalize on as teachers. You know your student is listening. There is a spark of curiosity. They are usually cracked wide open and ready to receive what ever wisdom or understanding that you will impart on them as their facilitator of learning.

Who’s the student?

These same moments exist between parent and child. I have often said that my children are my greatest teachers. I have often said how, my children hold a mirror to me like no one else can. 

However, what I didn’t realize until my son pointed it out, is how much my daughter with Down Syndrome has shaped who I have become in the past few years. What I failed to recognize is how she gave me the courage to put myself out there. To fight for what I know is her due. To stand up for others with intellectual disabilities….just like her.

So in this case, she cracked ME wide open. She knew I was ready for her. She gave me more courage than I knew I had in me, with her extra chromosome. 

So, the smallest child in our home aka the Mini BOSS has become the teacher…

And as her momma, I didn’t even see it coming…

SIDE NOTE:

I started writing this post about four years ago. I’m not sure why I didn’t post it, because I made very few grammatical edits before hitting publish this morning. What I do know, is that it is a timely post for the month of February. 

February is Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. It’s a month where everyone here in the Philippines, who loves someone with Down Syndrome, let’s everyone know how blessed we feel because of that extra chromosome. So, while I share my thoughts and maybe even joke a little that Gelli has taken on a very important leadership role in our home, I also honor her for her extra chromosome and the force that she is to reckon with.

If you know someone who has just been gifted with their own potential “Little Boss” (or Baby Boss as my sons like to to call her) please reach out to The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines. Attending their Early Intervention Seminar is the best thing you can do for your family as you embark on this new journey…

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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. 

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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. 🦅

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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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