Year in Time

Part 10

November 25, 2014 — Four Month Old Checkup
     She's not quite sure how she's leaving her baby girl's four month appointment. It feels like Avery was just placed on her chest for the first time yesterday. But no. In fact, on Friday it will be exactly four months since that day. She stares down at her baby and realizes she doesn't have a newborn face anymore. Now she has a full baby face which to others might appear the same, but to Beckett it breaks her heart because her baby already looks older than she did a few months ago.
     She loves seeing her grow and learn new things, but part of her wishes she could stay little forever. A tiny, tiny part of her wishes she never left the womb — that she was still snuggled up in her belly, hidden and protected. She's been feeling this way for a few days and a small part of her is wondering if it's Avery she wished she was still pregnant with or if she was longing for another baby. She knows the thought is crazy and that's why she's kept it to herself. These feelings are bound to go away anyways. Right?

November 27, 2014 — Thanksgiving
     She watches her husband move around the kitchen with quite a haste as he puts the finishing touches on the dishes before their guests arrive. Their morning started with him insisting they all sit on the couch and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. So, that's what they did. He held Avery in his lap as she cradled a cup of coffee and sat next to him watching both sets of blue eyes light up in wonder at all the different floats, balloons, and performances. Avery even laughed at some of the balloons like Snoopy which in turn made her parents laugh.
      After the parade, Castle began working on Thanksgiving dinner while Beckett nursed Avery and put her down for a nap before she herself went to shower and get ready. She took over making some of the sides so Castle could get ready, but he quickly kicked her out of the kitchen after re-emerging in a maroon button down and a pair of slacks. So, she now sits at the bar watching him work diligently. "You sure you don't want help?" She asks once again. Before he can answer, Avery's cries cut through the baby monitor. "Saved by the bell." She says as she makes her way upstairs.
     Once in the nursery, Beckett lifts Avery out of her crib. "Good morning, beautiful. Did you have a good nap?" She coos. She settles into the rocking chair and quickly lifts her shirt to nurse Avery before she gets her ready for dinner. She places her in an adorable white, long sleeve onesie that says 'My 1st Thanksgiving' that goes along with a orange and brown plaid overall skirt. "You're so cute!" Kate coos. Once her daughter is ready, she carries her downstairs and smiles when she sees their kitchen is full with family and friends.
      Lanie squeals as she makes her way over, "How's my little pumpkin?" Lanie asks. Beckett passes the baby over to her best friend. "She's doing good — getting so big everyday." Beckett says. Espo makes his way over to Lanie and the baby, "Hey Little Chica." He coos before holding his hands out. Lanie rolls her eyes and passes the baby to him, "I'm her favorite anyways." He jokes which earns him a smack to the bottom from Lanie as he walks with the baby towards the living room where Ryan and Jenny are with Sarah Grace.
     Lanie soon follows him while Beckett makes her way to the kitchen. "Can I help now?" She asks her husband. He chuckles and kisses her cheek, "I just have to set the table." He says, "Let me. Please?" She asks. He nods towards the plates on the island and Beckett quickly picks them up and arranges them on the table. "Dinner is ready!" Castle announces as he place the turkey on the table with the other dishes. Beckett takes the baby back from Javi and places her in her high chair while everyone else takes their seats at the table.
      They fill their plates with turkey, stuffing, rolls, mashed potatoes, yams, green beans, corn casserole, and so much more. "Dad, you going to say grace?" Beckett asks. It was a tradition — Jim always said grace when she was growing up. He nods and they all join hands. Jim clears his throat before speaking, "Lord, we thank you for this meal before us and for the company around us. We ask that you watch over those less fortunate and those who couldn't be with their families and friends today. We also ask that you continue to watch over us as we go into the new year. Amen."
     They all repeat the closing of the prayer before they dig into the meal. "So, what's everyone thankful for this year?" Alexis asks. "I'm thankful for a beautiful, healthy, and happy family." Rick says as he stretches his arm behind his wife's back. She smiles up at him. "I'm thankful for this little angel." Beckett smiles as she kisses Avery's cheek. "I'm thankful for second chances." Jim announces which makes Beckett smile wider. She knows her dad regrets a lot of his decisions after her mother died, but she's so glad he got the help he needed.
      Once everyone has stated what they are most thankful for, they continue to enjoy their meal and the small talk. Beckett can't believe she's finally here. After 15 years of lonely Thanksgivings, she finally has a family to celebrate with.
Part 10! Comment please!