Yes, I know. Last chapter was a bit lame... hence no reviews :( Hopefully this is better!
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"Merry Christmas, Mom," Kate sang merrily.
The holiday season spent with family and friends had boosted her spirits enough that she could bare the vacant spot only her mother could fill. It was always hard. Christmas used to be filled with so much joy at the Beckett household, but after Johanna was taken from them it simply became a dreaded holiday. Not anymore, though. She had Castle and everyone at the 12th to thank for that.
"We just got done opening presents. I don't think I've ever gotten so many gifts before! Jewelry, shoes, Rick got me an iPad – which I told him I don't need, but he insisted," she growled. "Alexis definitely had a theme going. I got a 'World's Most Extraordinary Mother' coffee mug, a baby onesie that reads, 'I Have the Best Mom Ever', A Mother/Daughter Spa treatment, and a set of silver plated building blocks for my desk at work. They hold several different photos of Alexis and Rick, me and Alexis, Rick and I; some are blank for the baby. She said we could have them engraved when a name is chosen. I was a blubbering mess after that. The Castle family sure does like to spoil me.
"Speaking of the baby, or shall I say the little monster who won't let me sleep at night!" She exclaimed. "Too many trips to the bathroom or the refrigerator. And it likes to squirm! It's so weird, feeling it move inside me," she said as she placed a protective hand on her now protruding stomach. "No kicking just yet, much to Rick's disappointment. He never misses an opportunity to say 'That's not fair!' when I get to feel all the flutters from the inside.
"We had our five month appointment a couple days ago. I can't believe I'm past the 20-week mark," she mused aloud. "The baby is healthy, but a little small for this stage. They told me it was to be expected, though, with my height and small frame. Apparently I need to eat more, which is really hard to fathom… I eat more than five meals a day it seems like!
"At the appointment we had the chance to find out the gender, but I want it to be a surprise. Rick was not a happy camper after that! He can gripe and moan all he wants, but it will be a surprise," she spoke pointedly. "Our little cutie is about ten inches from head to toe; you could see its little fingers uncurling! I think next time we get to have a 3D ultrasound… I've never heard of such a thing, it's somewhat new. It's going to give us a hint of what he or she looks like! That picture will be framed."
"Well, I must be getting back. A great feast is about to be served and I wouldn't miss it for the world. After it's a movie marathon. I told Rick we have to watch Meet Me in St. Louis because it was your favorite.
"Merry Christmas again. I love you."
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I'm thinking about maybe having a five and a half month chapter... A little ditty added tomorrow. What do you think?
I would love a review, or even an alert... please.