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Advocate Down Syndrome Special Needs

Parental Partners

Parenting a special needs child has changed me. I  have learned to consider so many new things as mom to Gellibean. I have learned all about how our senses and sensory development affects something as simple as a child learning to sit, and later crawl. (Thanks Teacher Raina for the countless explanations.) My understanding of speech and language development has been reinforced by working with Gelli’s speech therapist. While I understood the basic principles of language acquisition, I have also deepened my understanding to help Gelli become verbal with Teacher Geline’s guidance. I have helped set goals for Gelli with her physical therapist (Teacher Danica) and have watched her achieve those goals with the help of her siblings and her Dad. Together, we have nurtured Gelli to grow and reach the milestones that so many parents of typical kids might take for granted.

One of Gelli’s first therapy sessions with Teacher Raina.

Many children with special needs must work doubly hard to achieve what may seem like simple tasks for average kids. Sitting on her own was a big deal for Gellibean. We would work on it every day after her siblings would leave for school. When Gellibean could finally pull herself up from sitting to standing in the playpen we all were ecstatic at her achievement! Now that Gelli has shown an interest in moving around and being mobile, we are working with her in the walker so that she can step with one foot in front of the other…truly taking things “one step at a time.”

Gelli sitting tall and proud.

Parents who have special children have many partners in raising their child. Even my “big” kids have partners too! They are the teachers that are with them all day in school. The teachers who facilitate learning in math, english, reading and all the other subjects take interest in my children because their students’ success is a direct reflection on how effectively they are teaching. My kids see the guidance counselor as the rest of the class does for once a month sessions. These guidance counselors are also my partners. Even our household staff, albeit with or without a designated “yaya,” (nanny) are also our partners in parenting! I have said it before, and I still believe that “It takes a village to raise a child.” Imagine, when your child is in school for a full day, they are actually with their teachers during their waking hours, more than you! (if they have an 8pm bedtime) They are with their teachers for 8 hours if they come home right after school and do not have after school activities. Have you considered all of the people who help you raise your children?

Gellibean’s village consists of her parents, siblings, grandparents, extended family, friends, doctors, and her therapists. Gellibean sees her three therapists weekly to address some of her developmental delays and they all help her reach her physical, cognitive, and social goals sometimes, overlapping with one another. Some children with Down Syndrome might need to see a gamut of doctors to address their health as well. Some of these include a pediatrician, a developmental pediatrician, an ENT, and an endocrinologist just to name a few.

Gelli with Teacher Geline during her first Speech Therapy Session.

Early Intervention is crucial for our children and their development. What many might not know is that there are also alternative therapies for our children that have yet to come mainstream here in Manila. This brings me to yet another partner in raising my daughter.

Her Yoga Teacher. Teacher Bunny. Teacher Bunny is certified by Sonia Sumar in Yoga for the Special Child. She has come to teach Gelli (and mommy) yoga for some time. When Gelli was still a newborn we attended “Mommy and Me” yoga classes where mommies got a light work out and bonded with our babies. She taught us the benefits of the poses while we manipulated our babies to reap those benefits of the asanas that many adult yogis and yoginis practice. Teacher Bunny worked with me to help me gain confidence in working with Gelli one on one in accordance with Sonia’s teachings. It was a huge relief for me after our first session when Teacher Bunny shared that she felt that Gelli was stronger than most other kids she worked with and that we could continue to strengthen Gelli’s muscles with simple exercises from the book, Yoga for the Special Child, By Sonia Sumar.

Teacher Bunny instructs Mommy Neema and Baby Lara on the benefits of bringing baby girl’s knees to her chest and how it affects digestion.

Here in Manila, there are at least four certified yoga teachers for special children. I have asked some of these teachers to join us for our annual Happy Walk to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness on February 24th. Thankfully, these teachers have agreed to do a warm up with all of the attendees before we begin our walk. They have also agreed to donate their services to conduct a short yoga session with all of the kids as well!  This is a wonderful way for our children to get a taste of what yoga can be for them and it can also lend itself as an informative activity for the parents who will be able to watch and possibly participate.

If you would like to learn more about Yoga for the Special Child and the benefits of practicing with your children, feel free to contact Avril Rodriquez or Bunny Tamesis. Bunny can be reached through email at bt_yogaplaygroup@yahoo.com.sg or thru cell phone +63-917-553-6220.

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Comments

  1. Avril Rodriguez says

    February 14, 2013 at 9:50 am

    Thanks for writing about Yoga Therapy, Mish! Really hoping to help people experience yoga’s healing benefits. Looking forward to being a part of the Happy Walk. Thanks for inviting me to be a part of it!

    I can also be reached at:
    avril.rodriguez@yogatherapymanila.com
    0917-8865028
    http://www.yogatherapymanila.com

  2. Peter A. Ressa says

    January 10, 2016 at 8:23 am

    You, Nino, kids and teachers are doing wonderful things for my little love Evangelina! I love you all!

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Creating food together is one of our love language Creating food together is one of our love languages. We flow in the kitchen. I get excited and move too fast, and she grounds me, and slows things down. We can move around one another while still staying in sync. In our own kitchen, there is music that guides us and sets the tone for the meal. Gelli would be in the mix, the boys will set the table, someone makes dessert, and maybe @manila.gent  makes a drink. 

When we prepare our table together there is so much that goes into the process and the ingredients. This mindful movement brings me so much joy when we are all together.

Even more so when we attend classes together to learn new dishes too.  @themayakitchen1 has regular classes offering cooks of all abilities to learn something new when preparing meals for for our families.

Check out my new article on @rappler for @kitchen143 where Gia and I learned from Chef @cocoyventura a few new Pinoy dishes that will definitely be on rotation for #TeamGellibean.

Link in my profile: 

https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/food-drinks/kitchen-143-learning-lovelokal-the-maya-kitchens-cooking-classes/
Crispy Pata. Is there anything better than perfec Crispy Pata.

Is there anything better than perfectly brined crispy fried pork? 

@manila.gent and I visited @viicsrestaurantph for simple Pinoy fare that hit the spot. Admittedly, after moving here so many years ago, I took a while to warm up to this dish that is one of Nino’s (and my mom’s) favorites. But every once in a while-I won’t feel guilty about indulging in this deep fried treat.

Happy to learn that we can also order for when Mom arrives through @foodpanda_ph too!
The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their doors! @manila.gent and I were privileged to visit the hotel on Friday night with some new friends and we were both so excited to explore some new digs in Manila.

Looking forward to bringing the family back soon!
We were a little early for therapy this morning, s We were a little early for therapy this morning, so @gelliaventajado got to spend a little time with @grace_loedin!

@thevanguardacademyph is still open for enrollment in their summer program, and has a full staff for all therapies and interventions. We really love her school and all of the faculty and staff. It makes a huge difference when you have confidence in the people you leave your child with for learning!
Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappl Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappler now!

Link in my profile!

https://www.rappler.com/nation/kitchen-143-dreaming-greece-try-making-easy-whipped-feta-dip/
Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGu Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGuardia, was picked up by one of my dearest friends and spent the entire day at the beach just catching up on LIFE.

It was a breezy day. Overcast. A little chilly to be in a suit, but it was perfect to catch up with my girl Candy. Sometimes, if you have chosen your friends well, you can pick up where you left off, as if no time has passed at all. 

Just like I did, sitting in that beach chair, feeling the mist of the Atlantic Ocean, and watching the seagulls pick and the seaweed.

Thank you Candy! For the friendship, for dropping everything to come and pick me up. Drive me around and have dinner with me and Fayth. 

Wishing I was sitting on this beach with you right now!!!
Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of ma Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of many dishes that we enjoyed during #SundayBrunch at Waterside in @solaireresort .

From cornbread, to mom’s potato salad, melt in your mouth whisky cured short ribs, homemade sausages and more. This #BrunchBuffet had @manila.gent and I rolling each other out the door!

Hard to choose which was our favorite from the feast that was set before us!

Brunch is inclusive of some delicious drinks, some Southern smoked and BBQ Fare, and a most colorful sweet dessert buffet by way of Milkshake Bar!
Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy by @lumosprojector_ph!

Summer Lovin’ ain’t over for #TeamGellibean. Hop on over to www.mommanmanila.com to read my full review on how easy this #homeprojector is to use when you want to watch your favorite family film!!

Gelli and I have watched Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Grease, and BTS Videos. Up next? The Sound of Music! 

Want to have your own #LUMOSRAYProjectoe delivered to your home? Stay tuned for an upcoming giveaway, too!

Link in my profile!

https://www.mommanmanila.com/lumos-ray-projector-review/
Missing my @migaventajado The short time I had w Missing my @migaventajado 

The short time I had with this guy in Florida was definitely something I will look back on. Wish we had more time to explore and do some fun things on our own.

Gah. How is this kid 20 years old already?
I remember when he was little and he loved peanut butter, chicken nuggets, Kylie Minogue, and sitting on my lap. He was squishy, in tune with my feelings, and I was always worried that he might have an asthma attack in his sleep so I would nebulize him every few hours. He always looked at new experiences with gratitude and wonder, much how he did while we were in FL together.😍

Praying he continues to strengthen his faith as he grows. 🙏🏻👨🏻🙌🏻

Miss you Miggy!
I’ll be sharing a little bit about my faith toda I’ll be sharing a little bit about my faith today with some university students. 

I have shared my testimony with other mommas, women in our community, and parents through this platform and others. It’s always come naturally and has often ended in tears of gratitude and joy for His faithfulness and unending LOVE. 

Of course, sharing parts of myself with others who may find it helpful is a privilege. But for some reason, I am always just a little bit anxious and apprehensive right before I am about to present parts of my story.

Perhaps today, I’m anxious because the format for how I will share is a bit different, I won’t have the comforts I have gotten used to since working from home. Instead I’ll print some cue cards for myself so I can stay on task and within my given time period. 

I love the opportunity this endeavor has given me, to reflect on His presence in my life. He’s been there all along, even if I didn’t know it. I love the understanding that I can have these intimate conversations with my Creator knowing that He has plans for me. He loves me. He knows all the hairs on my head. And that He knows what I need to fulfill my purpose.

This doesn’t mean I won’t have challenges, or times when I feel broken in my life and faith. In fact, there have been many times where my faith has faltered. All of it just means that He is fortifying me through each and every lesson. He is allowing me to create a greater understanding of who I am, where I am supposed to be, and how He will get me there.

Do you share parts of your faith here?
What does that look like?

#ThoughtfulThursday #faith #thoughtful 
#sharingiscaring
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