CEHBates_1922-1923_002a

May 30, 1923

Dear Edward,

What do you think of my children? Aren't
they two of the finest babies you ever saw?
They can't be beat, I am sure of that.

We went on a picnic today to Calaveras
Canyon with your father and mother, and
had a fine day. Mary Helen Bates advises to get
out in the country, but "Baby Buzza" had
a tummy ache so wasn't so happy.

Richard Jocelyn Bates is a wonderful boy as good as
gold and his gaining so fast. He weighs
13/2 lbs now, he'll be four months on the
9th of June. He sleeps a great deal, and
I don't[underlined] pick him up or allow others to when
he cries unless he's in pain which is
very seldom. I read your letter about
nursing babies, and I agree heartily with
you. I have been so thankful that I have
been able to nurse my babies so long.

Dad bought the old transport
"Buford" and has almost made her over
to carry passengers and freight to
Alaska. She went out today for