Inaugeration 2009: A note to my daughters.

Stephanie, Arianna’s mom, here.  I thought I would post on my own behalf today.  A message to both my girls, on such an inspirational day.  Today I am thankful for the encouragement that is brought forth by the symbolism of todays events.  History will be made in so many ways, and we are blessed to be able to live in such a great country.  Words that come to mind today are Pride, Collaboration, Equality, Hope, Uplifted, and Worthy.  I hope that this feeling will resonate for many years to come.  I pray that the new leader of our country will be able to bring us safely through these tough times.  When you look back and read these words I hope that the feelings of today have been carried through to the future.  I hope the opportunities we fight for now, will be everyday occurances- the norm.  When you speak of history I hope that the true change, today’s events bring, will rank among the greatest moments in life.  Believe, trust, grow, talk, help, reach, push, challenge, empathize, dream, and above all love.

It’s so cold, it’s snowing in my room!

OMG!It is so cold outside, so cold I don’t even want to go outside, so cold I actually want the heat on in my room.But maybe if I asked mom to keep the heat off in my room it would snow!Hmmm, I’ll have to think about that one.We are well underway with prepping for the big trip to kindergarden.I think it’s like going on a really big trip out of the country, because mom has been going to a lot of meetings.I kind of like where I am but it’s exciting to think that I’ll have a new place to rule!I just hope they have a playground, a big red ball, and a water fountain!Of course it must have a totally stocked fridge complete with juice, peanut butter, and ice cream!Hopefully my cousins and I get to hang out together in the same school, that would rock.

We’re also gearing up for my FIFTH birthday.That’s right I’m super big now.And guess what the theme is, that’s right- High School Musical!All my friends are invited, and we’re gonna have an awesome time!

I’ll make sure mom posts some pictures.Till then- stay warm! - A

From Turkey to Resolutions Happy New Year 09

I know I know, it’s been a long time.So there are lots of updates.Since my last report I’ve been through a whirlwind of adventures.I’ll start with the beginning of the holidays.Just prior to Turkey day my silly brain decided to scare the heck out of the rents and cause a couple of crazy seizures… (Note- I am fine now).I took a wicked trip to the ER all clad in my ACDC t-shirt.Mom and I had a slumber party at the hospital.I think I ate EVERYTHING that existed in the pediatric unit that night.All that shaking takes a toll on the appetite!Again, I’m FINE!The awesome docs and nurses got things under control and were super cool to me.Mom kept me occupied with the High School Musical trailers on her phone and the nurses even gave me a Barbie and a homemade pillowcase!I can’t lie, it was scary for me.I still don’t like to talk about it.

When it rains it pours, because that night mom and dad had to have us all say goodbye to kitty Puddle.He got pretty sick and couldn’t get better so we thought that it was his time to go and stay in heaven. Scout and I miss him a whole lot but we are there for each other.

Happier notes Thanksgiving came and went with lots of yummy food.The next week, mom and dad skipped town to Chicago for a gala for Angelman Syndrome (thanks to the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics, Paula Evans, and Colin Farrell for making this possible).They met all kinds of cool people (families, scientists, sponsors).Everyone was awesome.They even got to see Richard Marx.They told me they got to meet so many other families and share stories and support.That’s cool.Mia and I behaved ourselves for Grampa and Gramma and Aunt Lindsay who stayed with us so Mom and Dad could go on their adventure.They have pictures posted on our website www.ariannasawesomeadventure.orgMom wanted me to thank Miss Alayna, Miss Dee, and Miss Alicia for their show donations from Jersey Boys and Wicked (Chicago Casts).I think the rents came back relaxed, so Mia and I fixed that just right by messing up the house.

The next week was Bubbe’s week to visit, and NO I did not break her this time!We had so much fun together, chilling out, shopping, and watching videos (I don’t think she likes Hairspray and HSM as much as Mia and I do.)It snowed a whopping 12 inches the day Bubbe arrived, right on cue.I think she liked the look, but not the temp.

It snowed like that the day after she left too.And the day after that.I didn’t think it would ever stop snowing.At least I got out of school for a bit.

So Christmas and Hanukkah rolls around and we were loaded up with all kinds of cool stuff.We added a new musical to our rep, Mamma Mia!Can I just say, ABBA where have you been all my life?This is the most awesomest musical ever! (Until HSM3 comes out on DVD)We had so much fun opening our presents and playing with our cousins.I had a new found freedom on Christmas Eve as I was able to play with my cousins without mom lingering over me every second.I did manage to dig into the salad bowl a time or two, but no harm no foul.

Ah the stomach bug crept up on us as our final gift of the holidays.Yep it wouldn’t be winter break without us taking 4 days to sterilize the house.I think mom thought she was actually going to have all of break to herself, yeah right!

So the day after Christmas brought us 54 degrees and all the snow melted.But it didn’t take mother nature long to dump another 4 inches on New Year’s Eve!Mom and dad had a couple of hours to themselves tonight to ring in the new year while the baby sis and I stayed home with Gramma Linda.In true angel fashion I stayed up to ring in the New Year, but unlike my counterparts, I fell asleep shortly after the ball dropped!

Today is New Year’s day 2009.We are lounging around watching parades, movies and blogging.My resolution this year is to make even more people smile and to be nicer to my sister.I’m thankful for all of my family, friends, helpers, teachers, therapists, and especially for the doctors who are helping make me the best I can be.Our whole family hopes that each of you have a successful, healthy, happy, and giggly 2009.With love and peace- Arianna Manning