they readied the nursery and decided to name him conner. laci was nearly 8 months pregnant by christmas, the last christmas before little conner was due. you were supposed to have -- christmas eve dinner. is that right? >> yes. i was. she was having christmas day. and i was having christmas eve dinner. that was when he called. it was close to 6:15. he called and asked if laci was with me. and i said, no, she's not here. well, she's missing. >> reporter: and that was the beginning, christmas eve 2002. laci peterson with her bright smile was nowhere to be found. >> when we come back, the coming up, the missing mom becomes national news. >> a $500,000 reward. >> we thought somebody kidnapped her. >> the first clues, her dog, dragging his leash. her neighbors robbed. her husband, asking for help. did he seem frantic or worried? >> a little bit. >> when "dateline" continues. tis y who invented car vending machines and buying a car 100% online. now we've created a brand-new way for you to sell your car. whether it's a year old or a few years old.