Parker Bates

Kate gets support from her new boyfriend as she struggles to lose weight; Beth questions the motives of Randall's biological father, William; marriage and raising three children begin to take a toll on Rebecca and Jack.

Jack and Rebecca argue about the idea of starting a family; the story behind the family's love for the Pittsburgh Steelers is revealed; Kevin discovers that the script for his part in the play is relevant to his own life.

Jake and Rebecca take Kevin, Kate and Randall to the community swimming pool; Kevin auditions for his first Broadway play; Toby bumps into his ex-wife at a restaurant; William is mistaken as a loiterer.

When Kate comes down with appendicitis on Christmas Eve, the Pearsons take her to the hospital, where they run into Dr. K, who they realize needs their support; Kevin celebrates Hanukkah with Sloane's family.

With the birth of her triplets approaching, Rebecca forgets Jack's birthday; Dr. K struggles with the loss of his wife; Joe, the firefighter who brought baby Randall to the hospital, tries to save his marriage.

Three separate birthday parties for Kate, Kevin and Randall has Jack and Rebecca busy. Kate reconsiders her surgery. William and Randal work on their time together.