3In December of 1954, our family was excited by the continuing growth. My youngest sister Joy was 8 months pregnant with their second child. Isaac and Joy couldn't be more thrilled and Jessica was very much ready to become a sister. Patsy too was expecting. She and Jim Bob were going to have their fifth child the following Summer. My parents absolutely loved having all their grandchildren close by. Our family was indeed growing.
December 25, 1954
Elizabeth sat down by Joy.
"Anyday." She said with a smile.
Joy smiled and nodded. She closed her eyes and placed her hand on her stomach.
"Breathe Honey." Elizabeth gently coaxed.
Joy did so.
"Contractions?" Elizabeth asked.
"Just a really hard kick. This one's gonna be a real fighter." Joy smiled.
"Do you think it's a boy or a girl?" Elizabeth asked.
"Hmm… I'm not sure." Joy laughed.
"Do you have a preference?"
"A healthy baby. Boy or girl, either one is wonderful. Part of me wants to know what it's like to have a little boy since we've already had a baby girl. But another girl would be wonderful as well. It would be so fun for Jessica to have a little sister."
Elizabeth smiled. "How many weeks left?"
"Dr. Spencer says 2 weeks. He said January 12th is my due date."
"It won't be long now." Elizabeth smiled.
Joy nodded.
Drew handed Judy to Elizabeth.
"I can't believe this little one just turned one." Joy smiled, patting her niece on the shoulder.
"I can't believe it either." Elizabeth smiled. Her eyes filled with tears. "I just Judy so much. She's such a miracle."
"She is." Joy whispered. She swallowed back a lump in her throat. "Isaac and I prayed so hard for you and her in those last few days before she was born. I love her so much!"
"Do you want to hold her?" Elizabeth asked.
The 19-year old smiled and nodded.
Soon everyone ate supper. After supper, there was an opportune quiet moment.
Drew spoke up.
"Everyone, we wanted to wait until Christmas to tell you, but the other day, Elizabeth and I…" he got choked up.
Elizabeth was already crying. She squeezed Drew's hand.
Drew swallowed back the sting in his throat. "Elizabeth and I are gonna have another miracle baby!"
Everyone was thrilled. Some squealed. Some cried. Some jumped up and hugged the couple. But all were ecstatic.
"When are you due, Elizabeth?" Patsy asked.
"Right now, Dr. Spencer said early August."
"He told me late July. We could have little cousins with close birthdays."
"We could." Elizabeth smiled. "They'll be in the same class. They'll be each other's best friends."
