December 15, 1921

Olivia had been feeling sick lately. She asked John to take her to the doctor. Zeb and Esther had taken the grandkids over to see Maud Gormley and John was done with mill work, so this was the perfect time to go.

Once finished examining Olivia, Doctor Vance had some news for her.

"Baby Number Four is on his or her way." Dr. Vance smiled.

John and Olivia decided to tell the family on Christmas Day.

"It will be so special." Olivia smiled.

December 25, 1921

Christmas fell on a Sunday in 1921. Everyone went to church in the morning. Then they went home and ate lunch. After that, the children had opened their presents. They then went out and played in the snow. Soon it was time to eat again. Once supper was over, Esther and Olivia cleaned up the dishes. Then everyone was seated in the living room.

"We had something to share with y'all." John smiled. "It's Christmas and we have a lot to be thankful for. Children, Mama and I are so thankful for you. John-Boy, you're a great young man and a wonderful leader for your siblings. Jason, you're very quiet but you're a leader even though you don't know it. And Mary Ellen, you're just blazing your own trail. We just love your spirit. And we're also thankful for your new little sibling who will be here in June!"

"Are you serious, Daddy?!" John-Boy asked.

"Very. You're gonna have three little siblings instead of two in a few months."

Everyone was thrilled at the coming of another little Walton.

June 12, 1922

The heat of summer came early in 1922. The middle of June felt more like late July or early August.

John and Olivia were in bed. Olivia tossed and turned for quite a while. She looked at the clock. It read 4:50 a.m. The sun was beginning to rise. She sat up and put her hand on her stomach and closed her eyes.

"You okay, Liv?" John asked as he woke up.

"I'm fine, but Benjamin or Erin won't stop kicking."

John put an arm around her and helped her under the covers. "You've done good, Mama."

"I don't know how much more heat I can take. This is ridiculously hot for early summer. It feels like mid or late summer."

"I know it is. I can't imagine being 9 months pregnant in this heat. You're really tough, Baby."

"Well I'll hopefully have just about a week left. Doctor Vance says this baby will be right on time."

"I'm so excited to meet our baby." John smiled.

"I am too. Maybe next week at this time we'll be holding Benjamin Charles or Erin Esther."

"I hope so." John smiled. "I'm gonna go back to bed for another hour or two."

"Sounds great. Night John."

"Night Livy."

June 18, 1922

The following week brought more typical June temperatures. It was raining now.

"It's raining, it's pouring." Jason sang as he danced around the house.

"I just love the rain, don't you Jason?" Olivia asked her 4-year old son.

"Yes Mama, I sure do. I can't wait to meet Brother or Sister."

"Any day brother or sister will be here." Olivia smiled. "Do you know what we've decided to name Brother or Sister?"

"What?" Jason smiled.

"If the baby is a brother, he'll be Benjamin Charles Walton. If the baby is a sister, she'll be Erin Esther Walton."

Jason smiled. "I can't wait for Brother or Sister to get here."

"I can't wait either." Olivia smiled.

June 21, 1922

Olivia went into labor at 7:30 p.m. Zeb took the children into the barn. It was pouring rain, so Zeb grabbed his umbrella.

"I don't know about you kids, but I'm hungry. Esther didn't get a chance to fix supper since she's helping your mother. How would you guys like to have a little rain adventure and walk to Ike's for a sandwhich?"

"Yeah!" the kids cheered.

So Zeb took the children to Ike's.

"Hello Ike." Zeb greeted.

"Hi Zeb, how are you this fine rainy evening?"

"Wonderful. My fourth grandchild is on the way. Livy's been in labor about half an hour now."

"Well congratulations Zeb."

"Thank you. Ike, could you spare 4 grilled cheese sandwiches and 2 bottles of Coca-Cola, please?"

"Comin' up." Ike smiled.

Zeb and his grandchildren had lots of fun eating in the store's back room. Ike had always been partial to the Walton family. John was born ten months before him. He and John had been best friends since high school and were in the same class.

Time got away from Zeb and his watch soon read 9:30.

"Oh dear me, look at the time. I'm sorry Ike, I hope I haven't kept you up."

"Not at all Zeb. The store's open until ten. You and the kids can stay here if you'd like."

"No, that's fine. The rain has quit. We'd best be getting home to see if the family needs us."

"All right Zeb. Have a good evening. See ya later, kids."

"Bye Ike." The kids smiled.

Around 10, they got back.

"I think we'll sleep in the barn tonight. That way we won't be underfoot." Zeb told the kids.

"What does underfoot mean?" Jason asked.

"It's a fancy word for in the way. Your mama is working really hard and we don't want to bug her now do we? She's getting your sister or brother here."

So Zeb helped his grandkids up the ladder and they slept in the loft in the barn.

June 22, 1922

Shortly after 6, John woke his father.

"Pa, your fourth grandchild is here! It's a girl!"

Zeb woke his grandchildren.

"Your mama had her baby! It's a girl! You've all got a sister!"

Zeb and the children went into the house.

Erin Esther Walton was greeted by her grandparents, parents, and siblings with great joy. She was adored.

"I think she's our most beautiful baby yet, John." Olivia smiled.