“That’s right… Up on your tippy-toes,” Amanda encouraged. She had to struggle to keep from laughing at the concentration etched on Emi’s little face. Her little girl held on to the ballet barre, observing Amanda, who demonstrated just what she wanted her to mimic. Amanda smiles. “That’s my girl,” she said proudly.
She sat on the floor, beckoning Emi over to her. As Emi sat with her legs stretched in front of her, Amanda reached out to correct her little feet. She gently slid her fingers along Emi’s arches, pressing the tops of Emi's feet forward and turning them out into first position. It seemed Emi had a naturally good point, making Amanda’s smile grow wider. In the back of Amanda’s mind, a voice constantly nagged at her, demanding her to pay attention to it. She couldn’t help but wonder if she’d been interested in dance at Emi’s age. With each of Emi’s new developments, she wondered if she’d been the same way at that age. She wished there was someone to tell her tales of when she was an infant or a toddler. If only… Before her thoughts could go further, Niels’ voice infiltrated her mind. “Would my ballerinas mind taking a break for some apple juice?” Right away, Emi got up and ran over to Niels, jumping into his arms. Amanda chuckled and stood up as well. What was the point of fussing over what she didn’t know? What she did know was good enough for now.
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Two years old... Amanda could still hardly believe it. Even days later. It was hard to believe that the little toddler, running around her house with her dolly in her arms, was the same minuscule being that had blossomed in her womb. This was the same tiny infant that she held in her arms for the first time, two years ago!
Emilia was growing into such an intelligent individual, seeking more and more autonomy every day. Yet, in all of her moments of seeking independence, she often found herself right back in her parent's arms, clinging to them. In the face of a stranger, she still clutched Amanda's leg tightly, holding on to her like a beacon. Moments like those always made Amanda smile. Despite it hindering her from sometimes leaving Emi at daycare, it was a reminder that her little girl would still need her for quite some time. Oh how she loved watching her personality develop. Surely they had to be doing something right as parents... Welcome to Emilia's Sesame Street birthday party! We're so glad to have you all here. Feel free to make yourselves at home. The snack table is over there *points*and we have fun and games over there. *points to the opposite side* It's a lovely spring day, thank Kobe. So we have lots of outdoor activities and a big backyard for the kids to play. For the adults, we have some punch and water. Sorry, no alcohol since we have a lot of new mummys here. *grins* Before you leave, be sure to take a goodie bag. The birthday girl has her own hat, and a cute cake to show off, but all the little ones get hats and cupcakes of their own. The birthday girl would like to thank you all for coming. She'll have her shy moments, but trust me, she appreciates all the fuss. *giggles* Thanks again for coming everyone! Comments #1. Aww, lovely work Amanda and Niels! And happy birthday Emi!
Cecilia Barthel #2. Thank you, Ceci!! *beams* Emi, come say thank you. Amanda van Loon #3. *holding on to Amanda's leg* tanchoo.. Emilia van Loon #4. *smiles widely and nearly melt* I have something for you *reaches her a little gift with a lollipop on top* Cecilia Barthel #5. *looks up at Amanda uncertainly* Emilia van Loon #6. *smiles encouragingly and nods* You can take it. Amanda van Loon #7. *slowly lets go of her leg and takes the package in both hands, a big smile on her face* tanchoo! Emilia van Loon #8. *ruffles her hair with a just as big smile* You're welcome little girl. You have to meet my niece Ayu later, she's hiding behind her uncle's leg over there. *chuckles* Cecilia Barthel #9. *looks over at Ayu with big eyes before looking at Amanda* go? Emilia van Loon #10. *laughs* yes, you can go. Give daddy your present. *points to the present and then to Niels* Amanda van Loon #11. Thank you for a lovely party, Amanda. *kneels down to talk to Emilia* Sawyer wants to say goodbye to you. *smiles* Ceci, don't give too much candy, sugar is not good for their teeth. And don't give any to Sawyer. He's too young. Tyler McGuigan #12. *moves closer to Amanda's leg, waving shyly to Sawyer* bye bye! Emilia van Loon #13. *smiles* Thank you so much for coming, Tyler. It was nice to see your little one again. He's so cute! *grins and agrees silently with Sawyer being too young* Amanda van Loon #14. Bye bye Emi. *waves at her and gently moves Sawyer's hand as he would be waving too, though being sound to sleep* Thank you having us. It was fun. And yeah, he is. *smiles and looks at Sawyer* He is the most perfect little boy in the world. Tyler McGuigan #15. *smiles sweetly at Sawyer* And he's growing so quickly. Don't you just wish they'd slow down sometimes? *looks down at Emi* Amanda van Loon Amanda threw her head back and laughed as Niels twirled her around the kitchen. She spun on her tippy toes, giggling almost constantly, only stopping to grab a chocolate-covered strawberry. She held it to his lips, teasingly snatching it away and biting into it when his lips parted to welcome its sweetness. With a wicked glint in her eyes, she sashayed away to check on the pasta while it cooked. Meanwhile, they could resume their fun. It always amazed Amanda that after being together for so long--13 years--their spark never seemed to die down. Their love for each other still burned like the hottest of flames. Having the villa all to themselves only ignited the flame even brighter. Grinning, Niels pulled Amanda back into his embrace, waltzing around the kitchen with her just like old times. Oh how she loved her forever valentine. Eternally... Comments #1. I loved our Valentine's day bby! It was so perfect, thank you
Niels van Loon #2. Thank YOU! ;) Amanda van Loon #3. You're welcome? ;) Niels van Loon #4. haha :D Amanda van Loon It was still strange sometimes... thinking about how much more complicated their family was becoming. If she thought too hard, she'd remember that their parents' recent engagement would 'technically' make them stepbrother and stepsister. She had to continuously remind herself that it was just a technicality; nothing to feel awkward about. Still, it was so strange. Sitting on the beach with her mum and Niels' dad nearby, she observed them. It was obvious that they were in love. Teun constantly cast tender glances at Rosa and every once in a while, he would gently caress the large mound of her belly. It had been years since she'd seen them both this happy. She would be a monster not to be excited for them. Come to think of it, there were plenty of reasons to be excited. There was going to be a new member of their family. The littlest sister. Amanda chuckled, trying to imagine just how spoiled her new baby sister would be. She had so many older siblings to spoil her. That night, when they got back to their hotel room, Amanda suddenly had a great idea of a present for the baby. She beamed as she showed it to Niels and they both agreed that it was perfect. One present out of many. Comments #1. It is a perfect gift, certainly seeing it is coming from us *winks* Since you're the best dancer I4ve ever seen *gently kisses her*
Niels van Loon #2. *smiles widely* thank you, love. Maybe our little sis will follow in her big sis' footsteps. *giggles* Amanda van Loon #3. *Smiles* Who knows? Her big sis dances beautifully *winks* Niels van Loon #4. *smiles widely* thanks, baby. Amanda van Loon #5. You're welcome love *blows a kiss* I love it here *winks* Niels van Loon #6. *blows one back* so do I. Amanda van Loon #7. I'm glad you do baby Niels van Loon Amanda had to laugh. Now she was officially one of 'those mums'. She'd made more than a fuss when Emilia first asked to 'go potty' on her own. She'd danced around with Emi before running into the living room to inform Niels. She'd sent pictures to half of the family, bragging about their little girl's progress. Yup, she was officially one of 'those mothers' and she was proud of it. But not as proud as she was of Emi. Comments #1. Our baby girl's so grown already
Niels van Loon #2. *grins* Yeah but I'm gonna keep the diaper on. We already had too many accidents today. I think I got too excited about her asking. *giggles* Amanda van Loon #3. *Grins* So, keep it on, certainly for now... We need to train her some more *winks* Niels van Loon #4. *laughs* yeah we do. So... back to pull-ups tomorrow. And certainly tonight! Amanda van Loon #5. *Smiles* Diaper tonight, pull-ups tomorrow? *winks* Niels van Loon #6. Yup, exactly! *smiles* Amanda van Loon #7. So that's decided *smiles* I4m proud of you by the way *grins* Niels van Loon #8. *smiles widely* thank you babe! Amanda van Loon #9. *Smiles* You're most welcome! Niels van Loon It was another Christmas, just the 3 of them. The house was decorated, evidence of Christmas cheer in every room. A sea of presents surrounded the Christmas tree, which Emi had been able to help decorate this year. It had been even more fun than last year since Emi was able to participate more in preparations for the holidays. She was also able open her own presents with ease. Niels and Amanda smiled widely and took pictures as Emi ripped into the wrapping paper on her packages. Among the presents this year was a colouring book, crayons, and new stuffed animals. It made Amanda even more aware that their little girl was growing up.
In the evening, Amanda and Niels admired their little girl as she made scribbles all over the pages of her new colouring book. She made sure to exclaim “wook!” and hold up the colouring book for her parents to document every stroke of her crayon. Yet, as the time ticked by, Emi grew more and more cranky as sleepiness took over. Soon, she broke into a customary pre-bed tantrum, but after the fun-filled day, there was not much fuss to fall asleep. Once they got Emi to sleep, it came time for them to clean up all the wrapping paper, put away Emi’s toys, and then the rest of the night was theirs. They curled up on a blanket near the fireplace, grateful for the lovely day they’d had with their daughter, but relieved to have time to themselves now. With some hot cocoa, freshly baked Christmas cookies, and no lights except for the crackling fire and a string of Christmas lights, they enjoyed a romantic picnic. Hours later, they lay awake, tangled in one another, the lights entwined around them. Amanda grinned and planted a butterfly soft kiss on Niels’ nose. “Merry Christmas, mi amore,” she whispered. “I can get used to this tradition.” |
Amanda at a GlanceNames: Amanda Pontremoli, Amanda van Loon Archives
August 2017
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