In honor of World Down Syndrome Day 2014, I wanted to share a photo stream of the celebration we attended at St. Luke’s Hospital BGC. We had a great time making new friends!

We were so happy to have Gellibean included in the photo exhibit by Tony Camacho.

Thank you Nancy for suggesting Gelli be included in the photo exhibit to Hosanna. Hosanna-it was so nice to finally meet you in person! Than you Sharon for sharing this photo š Looking forward to seeing you both again with Naomi and Scarloe! Photo Credit: Francisco S. Yabut.

Having friends with babies just like Gelli makes parenting a little easier. We love baby Joey, and her parents Suzi and Johnmel š We first met Suzi and Johnmel in person when they attended the Early Intervention Seminar offered by DSAPI.Ā DSAPI offers seminars, workshops, and support for parents to turn the fear and disappointment of a diagnosis into “positive attitudes of warmth, love, understanding, and hope.”

It’s heartwarming to see celebrities like Thor understand that inclusion is vital to the acceptance of our children.

With organizations like Best Buddies Manila, I know that Gelli, children and adults like her, can also live a full life. Best Buddies promotes inclusion through friendship. Here we are with Best Buddies Manila, director, Anj Onrubia.

It is with like minded parents that we can learn about the newest therapies and services that can help our children reach their milestones. Someone I look up to is Noah’s mom. Neva and I learn from one another and share the challenges and joys of raising our children together. Thank you for continuing to inspire me, Nevs š

Thank you Dr. Dimalanta and St. Luke’s Medical Center, BGC for hosting such a wonderful celebration full of love, laughter, and support for our children. Finding the right doctors and therapists is vital to a nurturing our children with special needs. Ultimately, parents must know that they can take charge of their children’s care. It is vital to be an empowered parent and advocate for our children.

Activities for the kids were planned that centered around one of Gelli’s favorite books! The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a popular bed time story for us.

Whether it was the dancers that took stage to entertain the guests with their superior dance moves, or the teachers who helped the children create their own works of art, Gelli and I would like to thank everyone involved who helped make this a fun filled day!

The numbers 3.21 may not have been so significant to me before you were born, Gellibean-but it is because of you that they will forever be etched in my heart. I love you baby girl!
A friend of mine on Facebook shared this video with me this morning. “Happy” by Pharrell Willams has been my anthem as of late anyway, but now that I saw this version on YouTube, it will be on my favorite list for a while. This is the type of song that just makes me bop and move to the beat…I cried when I watched it for the first time.