On the day before Thanksgiving 2004, Andrej and I arrived at my aunt’s house where my dad’s side of the family had gathered to celebrate the holiday. No one knew we were coming. Andrej and I had decided to spend Thanksgiving that year in Michigan and volunteer at a soup kitchen instead of making the long drive down to South Carolina. That was until we had news to share and wanted to share it in person. As we got out of the car that evening, we could see my family through the glass doors gathered around the table just about to enjoy the feast. Our timing couldn’t have been more perfect and my only regret is that I wish I would have informed at least one person and asked them to video the moments that followed. 

Andrej and I walked into the kitchen and watched the shock come over everyone’s faces as they tried to make sense of us standing there in person. It literally took my parents a few moments of just staring at us in utter disbelief before they welcomed us and asked why we had changed our minds.

We handed each of my parents a small bag and told them to open the gift and then they would understand why we came. My dad opened his gift first, and at first glance he saw a little picture frame and commented on how nice it was, but still confused he inspected it a little closer. As soon as he read the words printed on the frame, “I LOVE GRANDPA,” and what we had written inside the frame, “Picture Due July 2005,” he knew why we had traveled so far. He teared up and couldn’t say anything, but just gave us each a hug.

My mom, very confused at this point quickly remembered her own little gift bag and tore into the package. Finding a similar picture frame she quickly announces through her tears to the rest of the family that she is finally going to be a grandmother. That was a moment never to be forgotten.

On the day before Thanksgiving 2006, I heard Kaiya beginning to stir in her crib after a good night’s sleep. I woke my parents, who had arrived late the night before, and told them Kaiya was up and they could go in to get her if they wanted. They jumped out of bed and made a beeline to Kaiya’s room, but I stopped them and said that I wanted to go in first to open the blinds and start the camera to video the reunion.

Once I was all set they came into Kaiya’s room very excited to see their precious granddaughter. My mom quickly scooped Kaiya out of the crib and planted months’ worth of kisses all over her head. I soon realized that they were so enamored with Kaiya that my plan wouldn’t execute if I didn’t step in a little. I asked Kaiya to show Babka and Papa her new shirt. My mom leaned back and read the words on Kaiya’s shirt, “Big Sis ’07.” Catching on quickly she asked, “Are you trying to tell us something?” The excitement and joy of another baby on his way made that moment yet another one to never be forgotten.

On the day before Thanksgiving 2008, Andrej and I quickly rushed out the door leaving Kaiya and Tobi in the capable hands of my parents who had arrived just two days before. As we were waiting in the lobby, Andrej commented on how strange it was to be at our doctor’s office without the kids in tow. I agreed. After we were called back and the routine steps had been taken and all our questions had been answered there was only one thing left to do. Dr. B quickly reminded us that it was early and we may not be able to hear it yet, but she would try. I explained how I really needed to hear it because I had been sick with the stomach flu just a few days earlier and I was really worried.

Dr. B turned on the doppler and quickly found my heart beat. She slowly moved it across my midsection, and it didn’t take long before the familiar whooshing sound filled the room. The biggest smile spread across my face as she said, “I wasn’t sure we would be able to hear the heartbeat at 10 weeks, but there it is and it sounds healthy and strong.” Relief, joy and thanksgiving filled my heart in that moment knowing that God was knitting together our third baby in my womb and by mid-June our family will be blessed once again. Even though I’ve experienced two other pregnancies and listened to two other heartbeats for the first time, it was still so special to hear our third little one’s heart beating strong and I knew that was a moment I never wanted to forget.