Today felt like a dream. Amanda’s two little girls were a year older. Just a year ago, they’d been uncertain if their baby girl would even survived. Born extremely tiny and with breathing difficulties, Elia had beaten the odds and was now a thriving infant. One year old… had it really been a year already? Amanda could’ve just sat all day and reflected on the pictures in Elia’s baby book, but their house was filled with an additional six children, not to mention Aubrey who’d come to keep Angelo company. The morning had been dedicated to Elia. They’d gone to the park and then returned home for some cake. Then, while Elia napped, they continued preparing for Emi’s sleepover. Niels and Amanda were busy serving popcorn and kiddie drinks like chocolate milk and juice. Meanwhile, the kids were engrossed in How to Train Your Dragon 2. It was something that both the boys and the girls seemed to enjoy. Amanda stood in the doorway of the living room, a tray of cake slices in her hands. She could see Elijah giving Jarrett the evil eye. The boys seemed to have some sort of rivalry going on when it came to gaining Emi’s attention. But Emi, bless her, didn’t seem to notice. If only she’d always be this oblivious to male attention... Amanda couldn't believe her little girl was eight. The girls sat rather close together. Maddie's arm touching Emi's and Emi’s leg partially on Tansy’s. The boys, however, kept distance. It was quite interesting to watch the difference. Niels joined Amanda at the doorway, Elia babbling happily in his arms. “Are those two still warring over our daughter?” Niels asked. There was a slight sting in his voice.
Amanda chuckled. “Elia, tell your daddy to calm down.” She grinned at Niels. “Amore mio, they’re just kids…” “So were we,” said Niels. He gave Amanda a knowing look and she understood just what he meant. “Baby, we’re right here. What can possibly happen? And look, Emi barely bats an eye at them.” She pointed with her chin--a small nod towards Emi, whispering something to Maddie and then looking at the TV again. It seemed that even at these ages, the kids wanted more than anything to stay awake late into the night. Aubrey and Angelo were the first to doze off and then it was up to the adults to get the other kids to sleep. “Alright!” Niels announced, getting everyone’s attention when all the festivities were through. “Boys, come with me and Teun. Girls you can stay here with Amanda and Rosa.” Amanda smiled. She was grateful for their parents’ help. It was easier to round up six kids and efficiently separate them. When finally there were four sleeping girls on the floor of Emi’s bedroom and four boys in the guest bedroom, everyone was finally able to relax. Rosa and Teun retired to bed but Amanda and Niels plopped down onto the couch. “That was successful,” said Amanda, all smiles. “Now we can finally--” Before she could finish her sentence, she heard Elia’s cries ring loud and clear through the baby monitor. She laughed softly, “Well I guess our miracle baby wants to party some more.”
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Amanda at a GlanceNames: Amanda Pontremoli, Amanda van Loon Archives
August 2017
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