Class: A Memoir of Motherhood, Hunger, and Higher Education

Stephanie looks forward to learning the biological sex of her baby. She thinks it will be a good morale boost for her and Emilia. Emilia accompanies her to the ultrasound appointment. Stephanie is struck by the procedural differences of experiencing pregnancy at age 28 compared to age 35; now the staff are much more concerned about things going wrong and do not assume that everything will be routine. She and Emilia are ecstatic to learn that she is having a girl.

Emilia starts seeing a children’s therapist. Stephanie hopes that this will help resolve some of Emilia’s issues and also hopes that this will help Stephanie in court. She learns that she will receive an increased food stamps budget.

Stephanie’s car breaks down, and she decides to buy a new car in Idaho. The new car handles the ice and snow much better than the old one. Emilia’s school has a snow day, so Emilia attends class with Stephanie. Stephanie and Emilia discuss baby names, and Emilia vouches for Coraline after the movie Coraline. Stephanie decides to read the book before she makes a decision about the name.