Yet this pregnancy was quite difficult. I had to be confined to bed for weeks because my last baby had been born two months premature. Dr. Morrison told me that all pregnancies were different so I tried to separate the two pregnancies in my mind; yet I constantly feared losing this child. For weeks I lay very still in bed, waiting to feel the first tiny pain signaling my body's betrayal. I was certain I would have a girl. I sometimes allowed myself to dream of a beautiful daughter, only to find myself terrified of losing her. I passed the long hours in my bed alternating between overwhelming fear and sweet dreams, as I waited for my husband to come home. But Sug stayed away as much as he could, probably avoiding fears of his own.
Because of my extreme loneliness and impending due date, I spent the last month of my pregnancy living in my parents' home. My doctor's practice was in a neighboring town, and Sug and I found a house to buy. Daddy even helped get Sug a job at the Alton BoxBoard. I thought everything was going to work out. It was nice being home and getting a little spoiled by all my family.
One night, as the ten o'clock news came on, I went into the living room where my parents were watching TV. I had been to the doctor for a check up just that afternoon. "Mom, I think maybe I need to go to the hospital," I said. She was settling down to doze in front of the TV, as was her nightly habit. "Are you having labor pains, did your water break?" she asked. I answered no to all her questions. I told her that I felt like I was sitting on an egg, and having contractions but no pain. She laughed, "Well, you're probably having false labor. Why don't you go back to bed, the hospital would just check you and send you home." I agreed and went back to bed. A few minutes later Mother came into my room, where I was trying unsuccessfully to get comfortable. "Daddy thinks I should go ahead and take you to the hospital," she said . I got out of bed and quickly dressed.
During the fifteen-minute drive, I decided I would sure love a root beer float, so Mom and I stopped, bought one each, and brought them with us.