Little girl lost

Chapter 17

  December 24th, 1966

   Laura Beth was 9 months old, and babbling away. Paul enjoyed the long conversations they had together, though he never understood a word.
    She had also become an expert crawler, and was very busy. She was practicing her Independence, and her fine motor skills, which meant her little hands were as busy as her little feet and legs.
   The only way to make sure there was nothing to get her busy hands on, was to crawl on the floor at her level. Paul and Amanda regularly did this, which was an endless source of entertainment for Laura.
   It was also Christmas. Laura was amazed at all the lights, and shiny things, and tried her best to explore them. This meant that Paul and Amanda's job of keeping her out of trouble had become even more of a challenge.
    By Christmas Eve, they had even more of a challenge on their hands.. Laura had started pulling up.

   "Oh no you don't.." Paul said, laughing, as he pulled Laura away from the Christmas tree for the 10th time.
  "Hey darling, what are you doing right now luv?" Paul asked, as he held Laura.
"I'm cooking.." Amanda called from the kitchen.

  Paul put her down, and turned towards the kitchen, where Amanda was busy cooking Christmas dinner.
  "Well, do you think you could drag yourself away for a few minutes?"
"Why?"
"Nature calls luv.."
"Oh... Hang on a sec.."
"Ok.... No!"
"What?!"
"Sorry luv, Laura again.. she's determined to get at the tree.."
"Ok, I'm coming... and I've got a brilliant idea!"
"What?"
"Put her in her little roller thing..." Amanda suggested, walking into the room.
"Oh.. why didn't I think of that?!"
"That's what I wanna know.." she laughed.
"Haha... Very funny..."
"I thought so.... But go head.."

   Paul walked out of the room, as Amanda sat on the floor next to Laura.
"Ahh..... Baby girl... Mummy's knackered.. oh boy, listen to me... I'm beginning to sound like your Daddy.." Laura smiled, as she chewed on her teething ring.

   As Amanda lay back on the floor, Paul walked back in the room.
"You feel better?"
"Oh yeah, much better... And what are you doing on the floor?" Paul laid down over her, and kissed her.
"Be careful, you're teaching your daughter bad habits.."
"She's not watching, she's trying to figure out how to get at the Christmas tree.." Paul laughed.
"By the way.. I have a special prezzy to give my beautiful wife a little later.."
"Oh really.. when?"
"Oh... I dunno, some time after Laura goes to sleep.."
"Oh... That kinda prezzy.."
"Yeah, it's been a while since we've done it.."
"Yeah, two whole days.."
"That long huh..." He kissed her, and smiled.
"Yeah, that's way too long... I have a prezzy to give you too actually."
"Oh yeah, and what's that?"
"Later.."
"Oh come on.. can't I have it now?"
"No, I'll give it to you after she goes to bed.."
"Hmm... Alright, let's get her fed, and bathed, and then it's bed time.."
"Ok, and I need to get back in the kitchen."

  After they ate, Paul bathed Laura and put her to bed, then returned to find Amanda sitting in front of the tree.
  "I'm finding you on the floor a lot these days." He snickered, as he sat down beside her.
"Well, it's become a habit.. I often get down here to play with Laura."
 
   Paul placed his arms around her, as he positioned himself behind her, kissing the top of her head.
  "You know what.. when I was little, and it was Christmas.. I used to sit at the tree all the time, and just stare at the beautiful lights, and all the decorations. It was like magic. Everything looked so beautiful.. and Momma was so happy..  then before I knew it, it was all over, and Momma had to take all the decorations down." Amanda sighed as the memories revisited her.
"You really miss your Mum, don't you?"
"More than anything, more so at Christmas... But.." she turned and looked at Paul.
"I'm so happy to be here with you.. you're a wonderful husband, and I love you so much.. you, and Laura... You're both the best thing that's ever happened to me."

  Paul caressed her cheek with his thumb, as he kissed her.
  "Ahh....darlin, the feeling's mutual... I love you and our baby with all my heart. You've made me so happy."
"Paul..."
"Hmm..." Paul was now kissing her down the side of her neck.
"Can I give you my prezzy now?"
"Oh yeah, I'm about to give you a prezzy of my own, right here at the base of this tree.."
"Paul... Have you given any thought of how many children you'd like to have?"
"Mmm... Lots... Let's get started now baby..." Paul was now pulling off her shirt, squeezing her breasts.
"Paul.."
"Yes baby... Let's make baby number two right now." Paul lowered her down on the floor, as his hands undid the rest of her clothes.
"We already have.."
"Huh..." Paul stopped, and searched her eyes.
"Paul.... I'm pregnant."