The Birth and First Days of Kate

The Gift

This subplot follows the family’s preparation for Kate, her difficult birth, and the first days of her adoption by the Whittakers.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Baby Expected A Baby Expected from "The Gift". Preparing for an Unknown Child Medical Attention Maribeth Robertson sees Avery MacLean and learns how to care for herself during pregnancy.

A Baby Expected from "The Gift". Preparing for an Unknown Child Medical Attention Maribeth Robertson sees Avery MacLean and learns how to care for herself during pregnancy.

Preparing for an Unknown Child Medical Attention Maribeth Robertson sees Avery MacLean and learns how to care for herself during pregnancy. Tommy Whittaker helps her attend appointments and understand the guidance. Emotional Distance Maribeth expects to place the baby for adoption and avoids buying things for it. The approaching birth still grows more real with each passing month.

The Whittaker Home Prepares The Whittaker Home Prepares from "The Gift". A Household Makes Room A Request Accepted The Whittakers agree to adopt Maribeth Robertson’s baby.

The Whittaker Home Prepares from "The Gift". A Household Makes Room A Request Accepted The Whittakers agree to adopt Maribeth Robertson’s baby.

A Household Makes Room A Request Accepted The Whittakers agree to adopt Maribeth Robertson’s baby. John Whittaker and Tommy Whittaker prepare the family’s old bassinet while Elizabeth Whittaker readies the home. Hope with Caution They know Maribeth may grieve or reconsider after the birth. Their preparations express hope without pretending the decision is simple.

Labor Begins Labor Begins from "The Gift". A Sudden Arrival Warning Signs Maribeth Robertson has cramps and a backache but mistakes them for ordinary discomfort.

Labor Begins from "The Gift". A Sudden Arrival Warning Signs Maribeth Robertson has cramps and a backache but mistakes them for ordinary discomfort.

A Sudden Arrival Warning Signs Maribeth Robertson has cramps and a backache but mistakes them for ordinary discomfort. After a walk with Tommy Whittaker, strong contractions reveal that labor has begun. Urgent Journey John Whittaker drives her to the hospital while Elizabeth supports her. The family moves quickly as the birth becomes imminent.

Kate Is Born Kate Is Born from "The Gift". A Daughter Arrives Difficult Delivery Avery MacLean helps Maribeth Robertson through a long labor, including a difficult position and forceps.

Kate Is Born from "The Gift". A Daughter Arrives Difficult Delivery Avery MacLean helps Maribeth Robertson through a long labor, including a difficult position and forceps.

A Daughter Arrives Difficult Delivery Avery MacLean helps Maribeth Robertson through a long labor, including a difficult position and forceps. Elizabeth Whittaker stays beside her throughout. First Meeting The newborn girl is placed in Elizabeth’s arms as Maribeth recognizes her daughter. John Whittaker and Tommy meet the baby at the nursery window.

The First Homecoming The First Homecoming from "The Gift". Adoption Enters Daily Life Care Begins The Whittakers take Kate home and begin feeding and tending to her.

The First Homecoming from "The Gift". Adoption Enters Daily Life Care Begins The Whittakers take Kate home and begin feeding and tending to her.

Adoption Enters Daily Life Care Begins The Whittakers take Kate home and begin feeding and tending to her. Maribeth Robertson tries to keep distance when the baby cries. Loss Beside Joy Elizabeth Whittaker loves the child immediately, while Maribeth mourns the role she is relinquishing. Their first days together make adoption a lived relationship, not merely a legal arrangement.

Autumn 1953

December 1953, before Christmas

Christmas Day 1953

After midnight on Christmas night 1953

New Year’s Day 1954