First Impressions, Baby Heart Beats and Sonograms, and Thanksgiving Together

Chapter Two: November 2018

On November 2nd, just three short weeks after first talking with Ashley, we embraced in the parking lot of an ultrasound studio. Daily, I imagined what this first meeting might look like. Though the logistics were planned, there is no way to prepare to meet someone who would become so instrumental in the life of your family. The memories of that day will forever be etched into my heart.

As Austin pulled into the parking lot of that ultrasound studio, my eyes met hers, our smiles were synonymous. Though she was not yet showing, I could not wait to jump out of that truck and wrap my arms around the girl who chose to give my baby life. The nerves were high, but the excitement was higher. We quickly shared brief introductions, which now seems a little trivial, because even then we were already so connected. We shared a similar love, our baby. This was made clear when that tiny baby showed up on that big television screen! As that little body came into focus, we smiled and celebrated, and Austin cried. This was a special moment.

The heartbeat was strong, and now our bond was stronger. I requested extra sonogram photos of our baby, who at nine weeks resembled a perfect little gummy bear, and we were off to lunch. For the next couple hours, we broke bread while sharing stories, and building the foundation of our friendship. Looking back, the details of the conversation, while important, pale in comparison to the quality time of simply being together.

After lunch, we hugged again, a little longer this time. We postponed our ‘goodbyes’ and instead opted for ‘see you laters’. Both our hearts knew, this friendship was more than just a friendship, it was the beginning of building an extended family.

For the rest of the day, I coveted those adorable first pictures of our baby. The following day, Austin and I took pictures with our sonograms. Within a couple hours, we announced our growing family through adoption. The response and support we received as a result of that announcement will never be lost on us. Your support meant, and means, the world.

On November 4th, we flew back to Raleigh. Our hearts were full from the events of the weekend, but even then, my heart was longing for our next trip back, our next ultrasound, our next day with Ashley. It was the start of a beautiful journey to bring home Baby Bracci.

A few short weeks later, Austin and I came back to Florida for Thanksgiving. We had planned to be in Raleigh for Thanksgiving this year, but due to a recent hospitalization for my grandma, we decide to come to Florida instead. Early in the week, I met Ashley for lunch. I could not be in Florida and not spend time with my new friend. While eating lunch, we discussed our Thanksgiving lunch plans. We quickly realized since our Thanksgiving events were not planned at the same time, we could have Thanksgiving lunch together!

Thursday, Ashley and her two beautiful kiddos joined our family for Thanksgiving lunch. Before eating, we visited the chickens and played with the puppies. Then it was time for traditional turkey day lunch, but the real crowd favorite was Brittany’s key lime pie. Ashley’s, almost 4 year old, son loved it so much he had to get a little extra by brushing his finger through the whip cream. Together we laughed. This small, unplanned moment united us all. The innocence of a child and the love of all things sweet.

This year, with the excitement of Baby Bracci around the corner, the holidays are a little different. These are the days I hope to never forget. Togetherness is a blessing.