Need Help for Sendong Victims

When I saw this picture, it broke my heart. It reminded me of my husband as he carried the lifeless body of our son a few months back. I know our family's Christmas will be very different this year. I'm also sure a lot of families in Mindanao are in much worse situations. Along with prayers, I appeal to your kind hearts to help our brothers and sisters. Here are some of the organizations that you can contact:

Personally, I got in touch with One Meralco Foundation since this is easily accessible to me. For inquiries, contact 632-8301.

As for the rest, I just lifted from this site:

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/19904/ways-to-help-sendong-flood-victims

1. TV5 Kapatid Foundation

Cash donations may be sent through the following accounts:
TV5 Kapatid Foundation Inc. BDO Savings Account No. 005310-410164 and
Bank of the Philippine Islands Savings Account No. 1443-05333-2
Donations in kind like food, clothing, utensils, blankets, mats, water containers, and medicines may be sent to News5 Aksyon Center, TV5 office in San Bartlolome, Novaliches, Quezon City.
For inquiries, please call News5 Aksyon Center hotline - 938-6393.

2. Red Cross: to help, send RED to 4143 (Smart) and RED to 2899 (Globe).
* Smart subscribers may send financial help to the Philippine Red Cross through text. To donate, cellphone users should send RED to 4143. Valid donation amounts are 10, 25, 50 and 100 and will be charged to the subscriber’s prepaid load or postpaid bill.
* Globe subscribers may send help to Red Cross. Just text RED and send to 2899. Valid donation amounts are 10, 25, 50, 100 (For ex, RED 10).

3. SMART Subscribers
* Smart subscribers all over the country may send help to those affected by typhoon Sendong. Smart Money users can instantly transfer funds through their mobile phones to the official Baha Fund account number 5577 5130 6822 1104. Donors may also deposit cash to the same Smart Money account number in any Banco De Oro branch nationwide or through Hapinoy and Cebuana Lhuillier outlets.
* SMARTCares: Subscribers may donate to #Sendong victims via text. Just send RED to 4143. Valid donation amounts 10, 25, 50, 100.”

4. Globe Subscribers
Through GCASH, text DONATE and send to 2882.

5. Iligan Bloggers Society through One For Iligan allows you to donate $1 for the Iligan flood victims of typhoon Sendong.
* One for Iligan is a Google doc that tells you how you can donate at least US$1 via PayPal
* Contact points
SITE: http//:iliganbloggers.comEMAIL: iliganbloggers@gmail.comFB Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/iliganbloggers
* How to else to help?The group Iligan Bloggers Society says that aside from paypal donations, they are also asking for canned goods, noodles, bath and laundry soaps, toothpaste, rice, used clothings and slippers.

6. DXIC
SITE: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rmn-dxic-iliganFB Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/iliganbloggers

7. Xavier University, Tabang Sendong
* Any help -- food, clothes, books, bottled water, others -- can be sent to Fr. Eric Garcia Velandria SJ, coordinator of Sendong Operation, KKP Office, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, 9000, Corrales Ave. Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.
According to XU-CSG President, GemGem Tero, food and clothes donations are more needed.
Account Name: Xavier University
Bank Name: Bank of the Philippine Islands, CDO Divisoria Branch
Account Number: 9331-0133-63

8. Armed Forces of the Philippines
The Civil Relations Service AFP at Camp Aguinaldo is accepting donations. It will fly donations/relief goods via C130.
Contact details: Situation Awareness Center (SAC), CRS AFP, Camp Aguinaldo, QC
Landline: 912-6615
CP Nr. (0917)2471252
Focal Person: Lt. Col. Rolando Rodil, Operations Officer

9. Department of Social Welfare and Development
Volunteers are needed at DSWD Cagayan de Oro (Masterson Road, Upper Carmen) to repack and deliver relief goods. Call 09066150095 @DSWDserve

10. The Oblate Missionary Foundation (OMF) accepts donation for the victims of Sendong.
Email us: oblate.missionaryfoundation@gmail.com
Call or text us 0644212652/09177204604/09228366422
You can send food items, drinking water, used clothing, blankets, medicines, cash and what you have to the following dropping centers.

11. Panday Bulig Relief and Rehabilitation Center
Tabang Mindanao Center 12th-22nd streets, Nazareth 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityT/F: +63 (88) 856 6413E: pandaybulig@gmail.com(look for Ms. Beryl Tranco)

12. Rural Missionaries of the Philippines
Northern Mindanao Sub-Region Room 01, Kalinaw Lanao Center0016 Bougainvilla Puti, Villaverde9200 Iligan CityT/F: +63 223 5179E: rmpnmr@gmail.comW: www.rmp-nmr.org(look for Ms. Ida Melody Bucog)

13. Drop Center in Metro Manila c/o StartArt Project
10A Alabama st New Manila Quezon CityMobile:+63926 7112450
email:info@startartprject.org
ornikkiluna@startartproject.org

For cash donations, please send to this account:
Bank Name and Address:Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)Quezon Avenue branch, 9200 Iligan City, Philippines
Account number: 009359-1348-08
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Account Name and Address: RMP-NMR Inc.

3 months in heaven

Three months ago, around this time, you have gone to heaven. We are still in the PICU waiting for Lola, Mamita, and the others to arrive. Tatay and I took turns carrying your body. It was heavy and cold. Your skin on the torso is purplish while your extremites are yellow. They removed the tubes and cleaned you up. They wrapped you in white plastic as we wait for the funeral parlor to pick up your remains.

A lot of people were there to see you. Ninang Ollie and Ninong Patrick, Tito Chris, Tito Manny, Auntie Yvette and Uncle Chito, Tita Grace and Ate Marie, Tita Salie are some of the people who saw you in the PICU. Others waited with Nanay and Tatay at the admitting area: Ninang Claire and Ninong Mike, Tita Janice, Tito Mannix and Tita Gio, Tito Danny and Tita Cecil, Uncle Nilo were there too. We received calls from Lola Lety, Auntie Nina and Lola Doris too.

Ninang Ollie and Lola got clothes for you to wear during the wake. They also picked up Ahiya from school. Ahiya still did not know what happened then.

Tatay and I went with you to Loyola in an ambulance while Ninang Ollie and Lola followed in the car. After which we went home and rested. We went back to Loyola with Ahiya to pick you up. Tatay even combed your hair. (a lot of people commented on your get up and hair) We followed the ambulance to Christ the King.

In CTK, Ahiya saw you for the first time. At first he did not want to look at you in the "special bed". After some time, he did and held back his tears. He just cried in front of Ate Michelle. Ahiya did not cry again after that. He only have good memories of you. He always reminds us of your tricks and your favorite things.

One of the things that help me remember you is this letter written by Teacher Kathy, your physical therapist. You have been together for over two years. Teacher helped you reach your developmental milestones. She is currently in Belgium for further studies.

Everytime I read this it makes me smile and sad at the same time. It is always good to remember the good and happy times. We love you Luc and we miss you so much.

Actively Waiting...

It is the season of Advent. We are all preparing for Christmas but this year, we are more active in our preparations. Here is the wreath we made as we prepare ourselves for the coming of our Savior.

We are currently looking for a short prayer or ceremony for Advent that a 4 year old can endure. We want the ceremony to be meaningful yet still fun for the kids. We don't want them dreading prayer time because it is too long :P If you have something, please share :) Thanks in advance.

Of course our Lucas should also take part in the preparations. We made him his wreath as well.

Lucas is the perfect example of someone who is actively waiting. I remember, whenever I go home, he is by the window waiting for the car to pull up. He calls / shouts to announce our arrival. As I open the door, he would be the first to greet me by kissing my hand ("mano" in filipino), hugging and kissing me. Aw, after a day's work, it's the best recipe to melt all your tiredness away!

Thank you, Luc. Loves and misses you so much!

Oh, Rafa had show and tell in school today. They culminated their discussion on community helpers. Here is his DIY police costume with an attitude :)

Rafa' Prayer for Our Youngest Member

As part of our evening prayers, we pray for our special intentions. We pray for our loved ones, those who are sick etc. Recently. we also pray for the baby inside my tummy. Our big brother Rafa prayed this last night: that the bones are not broken and the heart is not broken. AWW... it melted our hearts to hear that from him. How can God not grant that prayer? Haha Thank you Ahiya (big brother in Fookien) for that wonderful prayer intention for our baby boy! Your brothers are so blessed to have you as their Ahiya.

Oyayi ni Jose at Maria

Oyayi ni Jose at Maria (Lullaby of Joseph and Mary) is an original composition of Mimmon Vicente of 29AD. 29AD is the music ministry of Couples for Christ Central A3 cluster. After our son, Lucas, died, the composer dedicated this song to him. My husband made this AVP for the song. Hope you enjoy it.

A Blessed Christmas to all.

We love you, Lucas! Christmas would be very different this year without you.

Gingersnaps Warehouse Sale 2011

I have been going to their warehouse sale for years. Mostly to look for gift items but I realized the items there are not really for gift-giving but for personal or family-use only. They are authentic Gingersnaps clothing but they are dirty and some damaged. So it will not be presentable as gifts but if you wash them and put in new buttons for the missing ones, it is definitely worth the time to rummage through the piles.

I will be going there for some trousers for my boy hehe He has grown and he always wear shorts :P I want him to wear pants because I think he looks handsome in them (haha mothers!) and it serves as protection from scrapes and deadly mosquito bites. Oh, how we hate mosquitoes!!!

Hope you get the chance to visit the sale. It runs from November 14 - December 29. 8am - 4pm except on holidays and sundays

Warehouse 19, Armal Compound 2, M. Eusebio Ave. Pasig City

Tel 9161553 / 9161542

Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!

 

and then there are three...

Last Saturday, we went to have our congenital anomaly scan for the first time. Yes, after  three pregnancies, this is our first congenital anomaly scan. Let me tell you why we did not have it done in with our previous babies. First, according to our OB-GYN, it is optional. Second, it is not covered by my benefit. Thirdly, if we found out something is wrong, I might have to carry my baby to term worried and sad. But after we had Lucas, our second child with down syndrome, and when we found out we are pregnant again, we decided to have the congenital anomaly scan. First, since we want to be prepared if in case there is an anomaly. Second, if there is, we won't be too disheartened since it won't be the first time and we know it is really not that bad as others might think :)

The scan was performed by Dr. Pilar T. Lagman-Dy. I have to say she is an expert! The moment the probe touched my tummy, she immediately knew the gender. My hubby was not even ready with his camera haha She worked fast. Most CAS take around 30-45 minutes but she finished in less than 20 minutes! It does not mean she was haphazard. She is just so precise that she knew what to measure.

Anyway, here are the results

Fetal Biometry
BPD 64.60 cms 26 1/7 weeks
HC 22.50 cms 24 4/7 weeks
AC 19.60 cms 24 2/7 weeks
FL 4.30 cms 24 2/7 weeks

No. of Fetus 1
Sex Male
Presentation FRANK BREECH
Fetal Heart Rate 153 BPM
Amniotic Fluid Volume Adequate
Placenta Posterior, Grade 2, No Previa

Mean Ultrasonic Age (UA) 24 6/7 weeks
Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW) 690.00 grams
Expected Date of Delivery (EDD) 2/12/2012

Others
No obvious gross anomaly seen in this scan; Normal head; no hydrocephalus; normal face; no cleft lip/palate; no nuchal thickening; intact spine; 4-chamber heart; intact diaphragm; intact cord insertion; (+) stomach bubble; normal liver; normal kidneys; (+) bladder; 4 extremities; 3-vessel cord.

Diagnosis
Pregnancy uterine, 24 6/7 weeks gestation by fetal biometry
Breech Presentation, Live, Singleton
Male Fetus, 690 grams (1lb 8 oz) Estimated weight
Good cardiac activity, FHB=153 BPM
Posterior Placenta, Grade 2, No Previa
Adequate amniotic fluid volume
No obvious gross fetal anomaly seen in this scan
EDD=February 12, 2012

We praise and thank our God for this great blessing!

FACE

NASAL BONE

BRAIN

SPINE

HANDS

LEGS

2001 Richwell Warehouse Sale - new venue

Just heard from Richwell that they are having the warehouse sale again and I scoured the net looking for details and here is what I found.

Thanks to http://www.contagiouslifestyle.com/ for the info :)

Please note that the location is different. This saddens me a bit since I am much nearer Calle Industria. Oh well, a new place to conquer. Hope we get great finds for our little ones :) Enjoy shopping and Happy Christmas!!!

2011 LJS Annual Bodega Sale

For expecting parents and those with little ones...

Hope I can still go to this one.

Luc's 40th Day

until we meet again... we love you lukie!

Discharge Summary / Clinical Abstract: Sept 12-15, 2011

Here are some of the details of the  clinical abstract of Lucas' last confinement:

Date of Admission: 12-SEP-2011
Date of Discharge: 15-SEP-2011

Attending Physician: Agnes Alarilla-Alba

Referral Doctor/s:
Ma. Neva Luna Cutanda Batayola-Ranollo
Dexter Eugene Dyogi Cheng

Reason for Admission: Vomiting

Significant Physical and Other Findings
Temp: 38.7 HR 128 RR 28 BP 90/60; Slightly sunken eyeballs, clear breath sounds, low set ears, widely spaced eyes, regular cardiac rhythm, (+) GR3/6 murmur, soft abdomen, hyperactive bowel sounds, full pulses

Diagnosis: Final
Severe myocarditis with myocardial dysfuntion secondary to severe dengue shock syndrome; pneumonia severe with severe pulmonary artery hypertension; hypovolemia severe secondary to acute gastroenteritis and severe dehydration

Significant Diagnoses/Co-morbidities (secondary diagnoses)
Trisomy 21; Hirschsprung's disease

Procedures performed
Blood Examinations: CBCPC, Sodium, Potassium, Blood Culture, Magnesium chloride
Urine Test: Urinalysis
IVF: Plain LR, Plain NSS
Medications: Paracetamol, Zinc, Erceflora, Ceftriaxone, Salbutamol, Epinephrine, Dopamine, Dobutamine

Course in the ward:
Upon admission, patient was hooked to IV fluids. Laboratory exams were done. Patient was initially started on mild hydration. On the first hospital day, patient had episodes of loose stools. Patient's skin was noted to be mottled, and had signs of dehydration. IV fluids were infused. Despite fluid resuscitation, patient had persistent signs of dehydration. Ceftriaxone was started. Referral to pediatric intensive care was done and patient was subsequently transferred to pediatric ICU for closer monitoring.

On the first PICU day, patient was noted to have coughing episodes and tachypnea. Chest x-ray were done. Salinase drops were started, and secretions were suctioned as needed.

On the second PICU day, patient had decreased amount and frequency of stools. Repeat CBC was suggestive of Dengue Fever. Patient was tachycardic, with flushed skin, with harsh breath sounds, bibasal rales, full pulses, and wrm extremities. Patient was diagnosed to have dengue fever with warning signs. Pneumonia and compensated shock secondary to severe dehydration secondary to acute gastroenteritis.

On third PICU day, patient was noted to have increasing tachypnea with desaturations. Patient was intubated and started on dopamine drip. ABG was done, Vitamin K was given. Agressive fever control was done. Chest x-ray showed progression of bilateral pneumonia with confluent densities at the right upper and middle lobes.

At 6:20am, patient was hypotensive and persistently febrile and tachycardic. He had no urine output and pulses were weak.
At 6:50am, patient went into asystole. CPR was started, epinephrine was administered every 3 minutes, as well as sodium bicarbonate. At 7:10am, sinus rhythm was regained. Dopamine, dobutamine and epinephrine drips were maintained.
At 7:30am, patient again went into asystole. CPR was done but there was no response after 40 minutes.
Patient was pronounced dead at 8:10am.

Luc, the dancer

Here is another video clip of Luc's love of music. This was shot just last August.

Thank you for your prayers and support

It has been four weeks since our baby went up to heaven. We would like to thank everyone who has been with us in this journey.

Birthday Tarp

Thank you, Tita Erika for this super cute tarp. Lucas had gone up to heaven 2 days before his birthday to celebrate with Jesus. They might have made a replica of this tarp there.

A Narration of Events - Lucas

For those people who were far away and did not hear what happened. Here it is.

Saturday - September 10

• Early evening, he had fever and threw up his milk
• Throughout the night he had 6 more vomits
• It broke our hearts but we could not give him milk even if he asked since his body rejects it

Sunday - September 11

• We called his pedia and were instructed to rehydrate orally and gave paracetamol for the fever
• He is able to tolerate a little milk but we think he is not receiving enough so we decided to bring him to the hospital to rehydrate

Monday - September 12

• Officially got admitted in TMC
• All the lab results looked viral
• No more vomits but had excessive watery bowel movements; Just for the a half day, there were around 11 diapers with around 2 linen changes

Tuesday - September 13

• His feet are cold and he is extremely thirsty
• The doctors put him on a fast drip, 3rd generation antibiotics and transferred him to the PICU

Wednesday - September 14

• Doctor told us he had hypovolemic shock yesterday that was resolved. He can still have another shock due to dengue
• We are now looking at dengue and pneumonia
• Not much change, still thirsty.
• He is heavier and bloated due to the fluids in his body.
• I was able to carry him when we changed his clothes (how i miss hugging my boy!)
• I went home to see my older son.
• Around 10pm - 12mn, there were a fury of activities, suctions, nebulization but still Lucas had a hard time breathing and his O2

Thursday - September 15

• He needed to be intubated
• Biboy called me and I started praying
• Around 330 am, Biboy called me to go to the hospital
• The consultant is on her way as well
• When I got there, a lot of medical staff are in Luc's cubicle
• They called the cardio as well
• Lucas coded for the first time when the cardio came
• They were able to revive and stabilize him
• They did a 2D echo
• They found out that the valves of the heart are leaking and the right side is not pumping well. This is the reason for the low O2 saturation
• We were told that all the medicines to correct this condition are all being given to Lucas and it would be up to the body to respond
• Lucas coded for the second time. The doctors explained that they will try to revive for 30 minutes but beyond that, the brain would have been without O2 for a long time.
• They tried to revive him until the last dose of the meds. They did it for around 40 minutes before they declared his time of death 8:10am
• They removed all the lines and tubes.
• We got to carry his lifeless body. It was so heavy.
• Jesus took our baby two days before his third birthday. Finally freed him from all the pain and suffering.

...I long to depart this life and be with Christ, [for] that is far better. Yet that I remain [in] the flesh is more necessary for your benefit. - Phil 1:23-24

We love you Lucas! We miss you so so much!

Lucas at work

For those who know us personally can say this blog is not updated. I just don't know what to put in here. Anyway here is a video of our beloved Luc.

We love you baby! We miss you so much!

Rafa's Typical Day - Child's SPACE

Cars Treat Last Saturday

Here is a photo of the boys while waiting for their turn to race Lightning McQueen

ANCOP Global Walk August 21, 2011

ANCOP Global Walk

August 21, 2011
SM Mall of Asia

EVENT DISTANCE
5K

REGISTRATION FEE
Minimum donation of Php 300

WHERE TO REGISTER
Couples For Christ Assemblies or http://www.ancopglobalwalk.com/

CONTACTS
(02)7945363
ancopglobalwalk2011@gmail.com

Look for Harmony Medina or Alma Alvarez

ORGANIZER
Couples For Christ

details of the event was taken from takbo.ph

Goodbye reflux, goodbye prophylaxis!

Our God is truly an awesome God! Once again He manifest his greatness by healing our Lucas. Two years ago, our boy was diagnosed with grade 3-4 vesicoureteral reflux. Now, NO REFLUX!!! His doctor made sure and checked it twice. He said it is very unlikely to happen for someone who had undergone a pull-through operation. This is another miracle from our God. We are so blessed!

VCUG

After more than two years, Lucas will undergo Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) to check if he still has vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). A VCUG, or a voiding cystourethrogram, is a minimally invasive test that uses a special x-ray technology called fluoroscopy to visualize your child's urinary tract and bladder. The last time Lucas had this done, the urologist found Grade3-4 VUR. This time, we are optimistic that the reflux corrected itself and our baby will no longer need a surgery.

With this, I appeal to your kind hearts to say a little prayer for our boy, Lucas. Dear Lord, we pray for good results in the VCUG today. We also pray for minimal pain or discomfort during the procedure. We pray that the equipment will work properly and that Dr. Mike Gaston will execute the test quickly. We pray that the reflux is gone and that Lucas can be free of his prophylactic antibiotics. Amen. Mama Mary, pray for us. St. Luke, pray for us. St. Raphael, pray for us.

Rafa, Lucas and baby

On the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we first heard the heartbeat of our newest family member. We thank God for this great blessing. We ask for your prayers for an easy, safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery of this healthy, beautiful baby.

Congenital Anomaly Scan (CAS) and 3D/4D Ultrasound Rates

Hospital / Clinic: Cardinal Santos Medical Center
Price: Php 3,812 (CAS); Php 4,967 (3D/4D); Php 5,545 (package)
Contact Numbers: 727.0001 by appointment

Hospital / Clinic: Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
Price: Php 2,210 plus Professional fee of the OB;
Contact Numbers: 716.3901 to 20

Hospital / Clinic: Healthway Shangri-la
Price: Php 2,753 plus Professional fee of the OB
Contact Numbers:910.4929 to 44

Hospital / Clinic: St. Lukes Medical Center
Price: Php 2,772 (CAS); Php 5,460 (3D/4D)
Contact Numbers:723.0101 or 789.7700 (Global City)

Hospital / Clinic: Victor R. Potenciano Medical Center
Price: Php 3,378 (CAS); Php 4,082 (3D/4D)
Contact Numbers:531.4911 to 19 local 255 or 256 by appointment

Hospital / Clinic: HP Plus at Rockwell Powerplant Mall
Price: Php 1,600 plus Php 1,000 professional fee
Contact Numbers:899.8820 Tuesday 3-6pm; Thursday 10-12nn

Hospital / Clinic: Capitol Medical Center
Price: Php 2,110 (CAS); Php 3,270 (3D); Php 4,680 (4D)
Contact Numbers:372.3825 to 44

Hospital / Clinic: TMC - Ever Gotesco satellite
Price: Php 3,200 (CAS); Php 3,520 (4D)
Contact Numbers: 656-4969

Hospital / Clinic: The Medical City
Price: Php 3,260 (CAS); Php 4,290 (3D/4D); Php 6,145 (package)
Contact Numbers: 635-6789

Hope this helps. God bless!

Random Pictures

Rafa's wagon

Lucas loves to take the driver seat

Displaying his new jammies

PWD ID Requirements

I still have not taken the time to get Lucas a PWD (Person With Disability) ID. I found out about it around the second quarter of this year. We are still in that quarter, hopefully, I can get all the requirements to get this done soon.

1. Get a Barangay Clearance. Brgy Rosario - 641-4604; 641-1446; 642-9004
2. Secure a PWD registration form from social services office of the city, DSWD - Pasig 641-1936
3. Fill out registration form and provide medical abstract.
4. Provide 1x1 picture and colored whole body picture

It usually takes 3-5 working days to process.

I only need the barangay clearance and the PWD form and I can get this going. I hope my husband can find the time to get the rest of the requirements and we are good to go.
Pasig Information Office: 642-3409

2 Years Ago...

Our little fighter had a successful open heart surgery. I am in awe realizing that two years have past. Funny thing is I am reading some of my favorite blogs today and found this:

http://housethatjadebuilt.blogspot.com/2011/06/open-heart-surgery-day-1.html#comments

Please say a little prayer for sweet Ollie who is currently recovering from her own cardiac miracle. Praise God for the talented doctors and surgical team who made the repair a great success.

Developmental Assessment of Lucas at 2 Years and 7 Months

Our beloved Tita Jackie, assessed Lucas using Griffiths Mental Development Scales.

Here is the summary of the results:

Locomotor - 21 months
Personal-Social - 21 months
Language - 15 months
Eye-Hand Coordination - 17 months
Performance - 18-19 months

Overall Mental Age - 18-19 months

We are very happy with the values. Last evaluation (August 2010), his mental age is only 11 months. Great leap for our little guy!

Looking forward to November for the next review.

Preschool Forum

I got this from a friend. My husband and I registered. I just hope we don't forget to attend and won't have any conflict in schedule. Our pediatrician, Dr. Jacqueline O. Navarro, is one of the resource speakers.

Pre-registration is only until April 16, 2011.

Thank you, Medical City for the free seminars. They also have parenting and breastfeeding 101, if only I can find time to attend them.

Early intervention seminar for Down Syndrome parents set

A friend forwarded this to me...

 

Early intervention seminar for Down Syndrome parents set

March 29, 2011, 9:48am

MANILA, Philippines — The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI) will have its first Early Intervention Seminar for Parents on Sunday, April 3, at the Lay Force Auditorium, San Carlos Seminary, Guadalupe, Makati.
This will be a good opportunity for new parents of children with Down Syndrome to meet other parents who will help them understand and learn on how to care for their children in the morning session.
In the afternoon, parents will meet Dr. Carmencita Padilla, geneticist, and other pediatric developmental doctors and therapists who will explain the medical side. For more details and reservation, call Adette at 8953606 or 8959642 or your may find DSAP on Facebook.

Taken from http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/311847/early-intervention-seminar-down-syndrome-parents-set

Happy World Down Syndrome Day (3-21-2011)

Here are the amazing children who I have come to know and love through the blogs lovingly made by their parents

Sweet Ella Grace
http://sweetellagrace.blogspot.com/

Reid
http://raisingreid.blogspot.com/

Ella Grace with a Pretty Face
http://theamazingellagrace.blogspot.com/

Brennan
http://brennanplus5.blogspot.com/

LC and Jace
http://pudgeandzippy.blogspot.com/

Addy
http://theheflinfamily.blogspot.com/

Malakai
http://malakaistow.blogspot.com/

Sofia
http://savingsofia.blogspot.com/

Joaquin
http://trisacharm.blogspot.com/

Dylan
http://dayswithdylan-laurie.blogspot.com/

Zoey
http://littlewonders-heather.blogspot.com/

Brayden
http://lehnickfamily.blogspot.com/

Thank you for enriching our lives with your beautiful stories. We are truly blessed to have met you.

For those of you who wish to adopt or help children with special needs especially those with Down Syndrome, please do check this website to find out how http://reecesrainbow.org/

May God richly bless you as you share your bounty with others.

Thyroid Update

I would have to say we are extremely blessed to have found the best person to extract blood for our little boy. Since we know that blood extraction will be a regular thing with this thyroid concern, we tried to find THE expert. If you are in TMC and needed blood extracted especially for your little ones, look for 'Ma'am Chris'. That is what everyone there calls her. Thank you for making it easy and bruise-free for Lucas!

Now on to the results:

TSH 3.92 uIU/mL
FT4 1.08 ng/dL

These values are within normal ranges. His endocrinologist is very happy with the results. He is back to 1 25mcg a day until we see each other in June. Our goal is for him to be 85cm by next check up.

PT Activity

Lucas is practicing sitting down and standing up. His activity today is to get the letters from the wall and put them on his board. According to his teacher, he is very cooperative and finished the task without whining. Good job, Lucas!

with Teacher Kathy

Twist Car Video, Please!

I learn from our help that Lucas has started riding the twist car. He still does not twist it but he uses his feet to move. I want to see it so much that I have instructed the people we leave at home to please capture it on video. As of today, there is still nothing. Patience. I just hope I can share it to everyone. It's not as fun talking about it without proof :) Ultimately, I just want to save the milestone on cam. Hope this post will end with the video soon.

Ready or Not, Here We Come!

Rafa is turning four soon and we are looking for a place where he will have an enjoyable learning experience. We want to make sure he will always look forward to school. Yesterday, he and his friend, Augustine, sat-in a nursery class in Child's S.P.A.C.E. (School for the Practice of Appropriate Childhood Education). They enjoyed it so much that they did not want to leave. It was only when they saw their 'classmates' lining up to go that they got up and got their stuff. They did not even say goodbye to their parents and just followed the rest of the class. These boys are super ready for school!

We feel so blessed to have found this. It is no longer common to find an early education institution which includes Jesus in the curriculum. In Child's SPACE, not only do they have that, they even have worships and teach praise songs! It is very much in the middle market range at that. For those who are still on the search for a pre-school in the Pasig-Rizal area. Do check this out:

Child's SPACE, Inc.

Website: http://childsspace.weebly.com/

E-mail address: childsspace@yahoo.com
Address: Unit 2C Felmarc Business Center Amang Rodriguez Ave. Santolan Pasig City
Contact numbers: 682-2698 or 0917-3513417
Other pages: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Childs-Space/147076622011665?v=wall

Rafa with Augustine before class

Cardinal Santos Medical Center Experience

Last Sunday, March 6, 2011, I accompanied my grandmother to Cardinal Santos Medical Center for a 2d echocardiography (2d echo).

Since we had an appointment, we were wheeled in the 2d echo room once we got there. I stayed behind to fill-out the required forms. After a few minutes, I was given instructions to pay at the cashier. I don't know if things are just slow since it was a Sunday but I had quite an easy time with the payment. I cannot recall having breezed through the cashier in The Medical City. This is making me consider to try to have the laboratories done in CSMC next time around.

Kudos to CSMC management and staff for the very relaxed and pleasant experience.

Adult 2D Echo Prices

My maternal grandmother, my only living grandparent, is in the hospital.She has just been transferred to a regular room after being in the intensive care unit for more than a week. Just this morning, I have learned that she needs a 2D echo to be done. To help them, I tried to canvass for the most affordable rates in the area.

Here is what I got:

Hospital / Clinic: Cardinal Santos Medical Center

Price: Php3,747 with doppler, Php2,500 for plain (new price as of May2011)

Contact Numbers: 727.0001 by appointment

Hospital / Clinic: Healthway Shangri-la

Price: Php 3,780

Contact Numbers:910.4929 to 44

Hospital / Clinic: Philippine Heart Center

Price: Php 4,220

Contact Numbers:925.2401 local 3140

Hospital / Clinic: Victor R. Potenciano Medical Center

Price: Php 4,119

Contact Numbers:531.4911 to 19 by appointment

Hospital / Clinic: HP Plus at Rockwell Powerplant Mall

Price: Php 2,945 less senior citizen discount

Contact Numbers:899.8820 Sunday to Wednesday, look for Annabelle

Hospital / Clinic: Capitol Medical Center

Price: Php 4,830 with doppler, Php 2,930 without doppler

Contact Numbers:372.3825 to 44

Hospital / Clinic: TMC - Ever Gotesco satellite

Price: Php 4,510 with doppler

Contact Numbers: 656-4969

Hospital / Clinic: The Medical City

Price: Php 5,000 with doppler

Contact Numbers: 635-6789

I pray you will not need this list but in case you do, hope this helps. God bless!

Is it possible...

for two people who were on the same beach at the same time and not see each other?


These photos were taken by an officemate. He did not know he was taking pictures of my son. I, on the other hand, was watching my boys play but I did not see him. I just found out that he was also there a week after we came back.

Rafa with playmate Oliver

He can stay on the beach all day and still wants to come back

Bohol Trip Family Video

Bohol Family Getaway

Bohol has been a very special place for our family.  This is where we had our honeymoon.  Coming back, we had a lot of firsts in this trip.

Bohol first-timers - Our mothers and our kids never set foot on this province until now.

First airplane ride - 2P957 is the first flight our boys took.  There were no crying, whining or any difficulty during the take off and touchdown.  Rafa's seat got kicked a lot during the flight.  The girl behind him was in a really bad mood that day.  Good thing it did not rub off on my boy :)

First beach experience - Armed with their shovels, sand molds and construction trucks and they are all set.  Spent afternoons playing in the sand until sundown.  They even found a new friend who shared their love for the beach and trucks.

Happy New Milestone!

We are off to a great start. Just this week, Lucas is demonstrating a new trick. He can now blow a whistle! I would have to buy him his own whistle because his brother still has to be more consistent in SHARING haha

A Blessed 2010

As we welcome the new year 2011, we would like to count our blessings for 2010.

• a successful pull-through and take down surgery for Lucas in January
• a hydrocoelectomy and herniotomy in one for Rafa last April
• a newer vehicle to accommodate our growing family in August
• Lucas is walking before Christmas
• Last April 2009, there were small stones detected in both kidneys of Lucas. A renal ultrasound done in last week of December revealed NO kidney stones!!!
• Our most recent urinalysis showed normal results.

We will not be surprised if our doctor tells us that the VUR has been resolved. We look forward to our check-ups to hear more great news.

Thank you for praying with us. We praise God for all these!  Have a BLESSED 2011!