Roxanne Marie

June 28, 1942

Dear "Blue Windows" Family,

It seems an age since I wrote you, but I suppose Betty has kept you informed of this part of the family.

Roxanne and I came home from the hospital last Friday, and today is Monday. We're getting along just swell. Betty washed this morning, and is cleaning the refrigerator right now. Tomorrow she plans to go into town.

I'm still supposed to be in bed, but get up for meals, to take my bath and give Roxanne hers, and take care of her, mostly.

I don't like to ramble on about my health, but being you asked about the "complications" this was it. In the first place, I gained only six pounds (usual increase - and loss - is twenty). I was sick most of the time, had a kidney and bladder infection, and later developed a case of toxemia. This necessitated the elimination of absoultely all salt in my food. No butter, bread, bakery goods, canned vegetables. Not much left but fruit and milk. Then too, the baby was in backwards, and was born feet first. Due to the inverted position of the baby, the doctor thought it best to induce birth rather than to let it get any larger. In a breach birth the baby has to be born very quickly, or it will suffocate or stranglt. Also to facilitate a quick birth was a long incision, which is the reason why I can't sit down without a pillow. I had the best obstetrician in the city and everything went off just swell. Roxanne was born in less than 55 seconds.

The young-un is doing just fine. She regained her birth weight in one week and had gained 3.5 ounces when we left the hospital after ten days. Babies always lose the first few days and do not usually regain their birth weight until they are two weeks old.

Betty told us all about your new home, and it surely sounds interesting. I'd like to see it - especially the telephone pole beams and the privy "over yonder".

Our neighbor, Ruth Haakenson, just came in with two huge boquets of flowers. One of foxglove and canterbury bells, and the other a gorgeous arrangement of roses.

I must close now, and feed the babe. Betty, Bob, and Roxanne Marie all send their love.

L.