This letter was written just about a month after my mom was born, prematurely, when Winnie was 43. Until I saw this, I didn't quite realize how dramatic her birth was. Or that her parents barely got to see her, let alone hold her, for so long. I found Judy's original birth certificate recently. Her footprints are incredibly tiny! [kp 2021]
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Topeka, Kansas
July 2, 1940
Dear Gladys:
Every day since I've been home (two weeks) I've thought surely I'd get to write to you, but it's hard to get my mind settled to write letters. I've certainly appreciated your thinking of me and your frequent cards.
I'm feeling fine -- I even did the washing Monday. However, that's all I did do. I feel better now that I can keep busier -- I don't have so much idle time to think of the baby. We went over to see her last night -- it was the fourth time I've seen her -- then it was through a glass. But she is beginning to gain now -- she weighs four pounds. So I can sorta quit worrying about her and maybe worry about the war. You know we mothers can always find something to worry about.
My incision is all healed -- don't have to wear a bandage or should I say "dressing". and I don't believe it's going to spoil my "beautiful" figure.
I still prefer the normal style of birth -- I just don't take nausea that follows ether very gracefully. I was fortunate to be in the care of the best obstetrician around these parts -- Dr. Davis. We;ve known him about ten years (before he specialized) and his present wife we've known about that long, too. She was the widow of John's former employer -- Ray Lundgren. Dr. Marcotte has sorta slipped -- dope -- I understand. Dr. Davis operated assisted by Dr. Morris and Dr. Boyd took the baby. Mrs. Davis came in to see me, and she told me Dr. D. never touched the baby. Dr. Boyd didn't pause as he passed John and Bricky in the doorway, but rushed the baby directly to the nursery and incubator. I looked at the clock as they were strapping me to the operating table and it was 12:03, and they took the baby out of the room at 12:15. However I was there until about one-o'. Bricky said she lived three years that afternoon. She has sure been a "brick". She called the Doctor, the ambulance, and went along with me to the Hospital, then she has "kept the Home Fires Burning," which is really a job in a household this size even if only the necessities are taken care of.
Yes, she got the birthday book and was pleased with it.
Judith is a funny-looking little thing -- she reminds me of a little featherless bird. She even opens her mouth as though she'd like a worm. I think her hair is going to be red or reddish brown, though she just has a suggestion of hair right now. I've seen her once with her eyes open and they seem awfully big and dark.
I guess I've never written and told you "Thank you" for the nice long letter and handkerchief I received on my birthday. Well -- I did appreciate all of that, too.
I suppose of course that Lucile told you that Jack gave Judith some blood -- not a transfusion. They just injected it in her hip muscle. He felt very proud and heroic. Dr. Davis suggested we get a Baby Specialist -- his name is Krehleil -- don't you know someone by that name?
Jack has been going through a "mixed up" age this last year. I think I've talked to him on every subject under the sun -- He and Bricky are the talkative type. Neil was always so much the opposite -- however that may have been my fault as I look back. I may have been so occupied with several small children that I missed my opportunity. He'll talk now, sometimes. Jack failed in one subject which wasn't at all necessary. He is really brilliant, but sorta has been rebellious against conventionalities. I'm really surprised he passed in anything. He and Neil are both helping John this summer -- Neil, willingly; and Jack, well ---- somewhat unwillingly.
Your baby, Gloria, became a lady Monday -- if you know what I mean. She didn't like it very well -- even though she was prepared. She seems so young.
July 10
I seem to be as bad about letter-writing as you.
Baby Judith weighs 4 1/2 lbs now.
Dorothy was here a few days ago with her family. Dennis is the outstanding one there.
Well -- I'm going to quit.
Lots of love,
Winifred
