1949 Jean's Letter -May 2

Monday

[5/2/49]

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Decided to start off better this week with a letter reaching you by Friday at least instead of Saturday.

Thursday I went out to the Library & took Catherine.  It is the day the Prenatal Classes meet so I was able to see Mrs. Bradley & Mrs. James who have charge of them.  They were both very busy so just spoke to them.

Most of the library staff was on hand and took time off to admire our little girl.  Miss Miller wasn't there but all the others were including Bobby Smith Guidovee [sp?] who has just been working mornings.  She is quite anxious to have a baby & says she wants one just like Catherine.

Miss Beatty was busy with a patron but all of a sudden I heard her say, "I'm sorry, you'll jut have to excuse me a minute – this is one of OUR babies and I just have to see her," leaving the woman standing there with her mouth wide open while Miss Beatty walked away to see us.

We also stopped to see Mrs. Ackerman -- Lee had knit a pair of booties for Catherine -- very pretty but she neglected to put any string or ribbon in them so there is not way to hold them on.  I wanted to say something for they are so useless without but -- perhaps I can fix them up with narrow pink ribbon myself.

We finished up the box of Pablum which you bought and so we started giving Catherine Clapp's Cereal Food -- (we got the box free because of a coupon sent to us).  It is not as course as Pablum & she doesn't seem to take it as well.  I've heard so many say they like Gerber's Cereals so will try them next.  They have sent us three samples of their cereals -- cereal food, barley cereal and strained oatmeal.

It's looking quite dark this morning & has sprinkled off and on.  Yesterday we took Catherine for a long walk or rather she in her carriage and we on our feet.  Soon after we got in it began to pour.

I was certainly shocked & sorry to hear about Mabel Patterson as I didn't know she had been in the hospital.  I remember when she was little how seriously ill she was then but never dreamed of this.  That's two deaths in the Patterson clan in such a short time.

I left the announcement of Nancy & Scott Hallett's son – Scott Clinton at home for it around while we were there, do you still have it perchance?  If so, I'd appreciate it if you'd save it til we get there.

Do you have plans for this weekend?  If so, please just let us know.  If we do come, Harold will be studying most of the time (just to get out of work you have been laying aside for him, you say).  Or we would be glad to have you come over here -- after all it will be Mother's Day and you deserve a rest from company, cooking, etc.  Do hope to hear from you soon concerning your plans -- that's this weekend -- 6-7-8 of May.  You visit your other children, why don't you honor us on this occasion?

Catherine has been real good and sleeps from the end of her 7:00 feeding until the next morning now with no ill effects.  We've not had any trouble at all since we've been back of her being awake for a long period in the evening.  Usually I keep her up from her 3:00 feeding on -- or take her for a carriage ride, bring her in & give her some water when she gets fussy, fix our dinner, feed her & put her to bed for the night.

Jean Keil Walker called & wanted to see us this weekend but I told her Harold was busy studying.  She says Carole never has given up her 10:00 feeding & now wakens at 2:00 since they've been trying to wean her.

Waiting for your reply -- whether you come up -- or we come down or any plan you have made.

Love, Jean, Harold

and Catherine