The first few months of Maria's pregnancy she took with ease as the doctors told her to do so until she was about 3 or 4 months gone which is the danger zone.
Georg brought her breakfast in bed everyday and the children were forever drawing pictures of themselves plus 1. One bright summer's day, about half way into her pregnancy, Georg gave her some money to go into town with Liesl and buy clothes for herself and the new arrival.
Maria and Liesl had set off into town at 9 am and decided to walk so that Maria could get some exercise and stretch her legs as Georg had made her sit all day with her feet up.
Liesl turned to face Maria and started asking her questions about the baby and what would happen when it was born.

"Mother, what will happen when the baby is born?"

"How do you mean darling?"

Liesl looked away as she replied.

"You will still spend time with us wont you. Well what I mean is me really"

Maria stopped walking which caused Liesl to stop. Maria put her hand on Liesl's shoulder.

"Of course I will. Don't you ever think I will stop spending time with you"

"It's because when Louisa was born mother and father spent all their time with her and brought in a governess to look after Friedrick and me"

"Oh Liesl you mean too much to me for me to do that to you. After all, I may be your mother now but you were always more of a close friend to me and I love you very much don't ever forget that"

The pair began walking again arm in arm and shared a joke or two. They mainly talked about baby names and the thought of Georg covered in baby sick was hilarious.
After a long day shopping in the centre of Salzburg Maria and Liesl decided to get something to eat in a little café which was close to the abbey. Maria went and sat down whilst Liesl ordered them a cup of tea and some sandwiches.
Their order was brought over in no time and the couple enjoyed their lunch. When they had finished Maria heard a familiar voice come from outside. Maria recognised this voice straight away and the familiar voice grew nearer and came into the café.

"Good morning Reverend Mother"

The Reverend Mother turned around and saw Maria and Liesl sat near the window surrounded by many shopping bags. She smiled, nodded her head and turned back round to order. Maria thought that this was a brief hello and was quite upset that she didn't have a conversation with her. When The Reverend Mother got her cup of coffee she walked over to where Maria and Liesl were sat and sat down next to Maria.
"You don't mind if I sit here do you Maria?"

"Of course not I feel honoured."

The Reverend Mother took a sip of her coffee and started a conversation.

"So what brings you into town Maria?"

"Well I'm buying some new clothes for myself and….."

She trailed off into a little giggle

"Go on mother, tell the Reverend Mother"

Liesl chipped in.
The Reverend Mother looked at Maria in anticipation.

"Georg and I are to have a new baby. I'm 4 months along"

The Reverend Mother clasped her hands together and gave Maria a hug. This shocked Maria as none of the nuns, especially Maria, had been shown physical affection from the Reverend Mother.

"Thank you Mother"

The Reverend Mother said her goodbyes and returned into the city of Salzburg.
Maria and Liesl decided to return to their home and got on the bus.
On the way home the baby kicked.

"oooohhh"

"What is it, are you ok?"

"Yes, the baby kicked. Do you want to feel?"

Liesl put her hand on Maria's stomach and felt the baby kick again.

"Oh that is incredible. Does it not hurt?"

"It just feels like butterflies in my stomach, very extraordinary. Look this is our stop."

Maria and Liesl walked up the path to the villa and were greeted by Georg who took the bags off Maria and Liesl and led them inside.

"Georg do you mind if I go and get some rest? I'm really tired after today"

"Of course you can my darling, you have to keep your strength up but come here first"

Maria walked closer to Maria and he took her in his arms and kissed her. She returned the kiss by moving even closer and putting her arms around his neck. They broke away and she began to walk upstairs. Georg followed her into the bedroom with the shopping bags and hung all of Maria's new clothes in their wardrobe and put the baby clothes neatly into a set of drawers next to the cot.
Maria showered and changed into her night clothes and got into bed. Georg sat next to her and stroked her arm.

"What time do you want me to wake you up sweetheart?"

"In about an hour or two, if that's ok?"

"That's perfectly alright by me. I will probably send Liesl in or one of the others to wake you up. I have some business to tend to in Vienna this afternoon"

"oh. Do you have to go Darling?"

"I'm afraid so my dear, I don't want to leave you but it's important that I go."

Maria sat up and put her arms around Georg. She wanted him desperately and knew it wouldn't hurt the baby as that's one of the things she asked her doctor. She kissed him deeply and she could feel his arms roaming over her back. She rolled him over and they made love which made him adamant that he wasn't going to go to Vienna, but sadly he had to.

The next few months were harder for Maria. She only had a few weeks left and she was tired most of the time and very frustrated. She was uncomfortable at night and it took her hours before she finally fell asleep.
The children were fantastic throughout her pregnancy which seemed like it took forever. Liesl and Maria had endless nights of conversations about the baby and how Maria was etc and grew a lot closer together. Maria would pray every night that the day would come soon when she would finally bring home their new bundle of joy