It wasn’t the most romantic of anniversaries. While Amanda had awoken to a soft kiss from her hubby, their silence was promptly disrupted. As usual, Elia awoke just when they did, her cries ringing loud and clear through the baby monitor. Since they had to leave early anyway, they took the opportunity to get the kids ready and head out for Elia’s appointment with the pediatrician. It was a rather quick check-up, and this doctor had been their second opinion, but even as they drove back home, Amanda was silent with worry. “Do you think we need a third opinion?” she asked Niels.
He glanced at her as he drove. “Maybe not... Allergies do explain the long-lasting ‘cold’, and it is pretty much allergy season. Let’s see how the medicine works out before we resort to a third opinion” “You’re right,” said Amanda, although something inside of her was screaming: you’re wrong. But maybe she was just being paranoid. They returned home and the kids were hungry, so they all cooked brunch together. There was lots of giggling in the kitchen, random tickle attacks, and whenever Angelo and Emi thought that their parents weren’t looking, they flicked flour at each other and giggled about it. Niels and Amanda exchanged glances, amused at the scenario. Midday brought more fun. They’d originally thought of a walk in the park, but with Elia’s diagnosed allergies, Amanda was wary to spend outdoor time too soon. Today, even when she was coughing every now and then, the infant seemed in good spirits. Lunch followed, then later in the afternoon Elia's mood dropped and she threw a tantrum, refusing to be consoled. She'd been fed, changed, played with, and she'd already taken a nap. Yet she refused to stop crying. Amanda rocked her in her arms and kissed her forehead. “I wish you could talk,” she said. “So you could tell us how you’re feeling.” Elia pouted at her, her green eyes filled with tears. Amanda took another approach to calming her baby girl down. She rocked her and said in a soothing voice, “Did you know today is mummy and daddy’s anniversary? We’ve been married for 9 years!" “Mummy?” came a small voice. Before Amanda even noticed him, Angelo was climbing into her bed. “A’ you ta’king to Ewia?” he asked her. “I am,” said Amanda, smiling as Angelo nuzzled up beside her. Elia was looking at them with curious eyes now. “9 years ago, daddy and I got married. It was a pretty big wedding since you have so many aunts and uncles. And then we had a big party in our home here.” “A big party?” asked Angelo. "Hea'?" “Yup! It was amazing. Let’s see.. can you--” She stopped as she heard a small knock on her door. Emi was standing there, giving her a strange look. “Am I missing a cool story?" she asked with a playful grin now. Amanda laughed softly. “Join us,” she said. “I was just telling your brother and sister about my wedding. I was just about to ask if anyone could guess how old I was when I met your father.” “I know this one,” said Emi, beaming proudly. “Nine,” came another voice. It was Niels, standing at the door. “Daddy!!” Emi exclaimed. “I knew the answer.” She pouted a bit. Niels chuckled and climbed into bed as well. “Ok, ok. How about… how old was I?” “You were turning 11 soon,” said Emi. Amanda smiled widely and looked at her family. The result of 9 wholesome years. Elia was relaxed in her arms, Angelo now cuddled up between himself and Emi, and Niels holding them all together. Despite their worries lately, and discussions about their future; despite the small tensions of things they didn’t completely agree on, their lives were good. They had 3 happy children, 9 years of marriage and 2 decades of friendship. Despite everything, it was a happy anniversary.
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Amanda at a GlanceNames: Amanda Pontremoli, Amanda van Loon Archives
August 2017
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