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285 Wendy's Birthday - 11:00 P.M. My Darling Wendy's Daddy: Our birthday baby was wide awake at 7:00 this morning, and after I sang “Happy Birthday to you,” I gave her a hug and kiss for each of us, then one for us together, and finally all the rest of the hugs and kisses I was asked to give her. Then I took her into bed with me, and told her that next year she could crawl into bed with both Mummy and Daddy for her birthday kisses- 11:45 Gerry and Dickie stopped by, and we walked to the P.O., but there wasn't any mail for either of us. Now I must get to work making the tablecloth. Its cloudy, so I guess we'll [pg 2] have to party indoors. 1:30 The weather just can't seem to make up its mind. I have everything ready, and the table looks so pretty. I've taken pictures, but don't think there is enough light. The table cloth turned out very well, I crinkled it, so that it looks ruffled along the edges. The napkins are pink and white and at each place there is a pink candy filled basket, lollipop and snapper. Of course I'm using our silver. Wendy will wear white dress with tiny blue dots, blue smocking, and lace edged collar ,matching blue ribbon and white shoes and socks. I'm going to try awfully hard to take at least one picture outdoors of Wendy outside in her high chair, with [pg 3] cake in front of her - some of the youngsters, and one of Wendy and us together. I'm going to wear pink dress, spectators, flower in the hair, and my anniversary pin. Before we sit down to the table I'll help Wendy with her presents- my curiosity is almost getting the better of me! I'm going to send you box of cake separately tomorrow morning, so be watching for it. Sweety, you've just got to be here for Wendy's next birthday-I've missed you terribly much, an al our anniversaries, but I think this is the hardest. Wendy and I are being very cheerful tho, and talking about you all the time, knowing that you are thinking particularly hard of us. [pg 4] Your picture seems to be smiling more cheerfully than ever. I just wish I could give the sun an extra push - its playing hide and seek. When you were speaking of something big impeding, did you mean the announcement about Halsey? Helen has been very glum, Walter has been declared fit for duty, and she's full of scuttlebutt after spending the afternoon with another of the wives. She's very secretive, and it gets under my skin; of course I start to worry about all sorts of things happening to you. Walter is such a dope about some things he writes her about the men. I wish he would get away from close proximity to you, and that [pg 5] at least would be one less thing for me to worry about. I almost wish I could get away from Carmel altogether now that its full of worrying MG wives, and what's even worse - hot scuttlebutt. Its unavoidable, and sickening tho quite natural. Everyone goes around whispering “Do you know” or “Did you hear about so and so,” and if you ask a question, she shuts up like a clam, leaving you to imagine all sorts of things. Now that another group has been given “last leave” its going to be worse than ever. I ask a minimum of questions, and try to avoid her sessions as much as possible, but [pg 6] it seems to creep up anyway. Being a chronic worrier doesn't help any either- That's no way to write today tho - I just want you to know what's in back of my feeling as I do. 2:30 We’re both ready for the party to begin - Wendy looks lovely - she's wearing my little gold baby bracelet too. The sun peeped out for a minute or two and I rushed little sweetie, her chair, the roses and cake all outside and took a few pictures. 7:15 P.M. The party was a huge success, and I've just now finished cleaning up and writing the day up in Wendy's baby book. Forgot to tell you that No. 5 tooth popped in this [pg 7] morning - they’re all quite large and very white. The party started about 3:00, when I let Bobbie and Dickie open Wendy's presents. We started with yours first - the three dollies - Wendy is going to treasure them - The abacus - that was a wonderful surprize, the geta to match mummy's and finally the luscious box of candy done up in blue tin foil which Sammy brought yesterday. Wendy will write you herself tomorrow. Dickie gave her a lovely pink sweater, and Bobbie a wooden duck pull toy whose head waggles. M and F sent her beside the check, two darling dresses, a rag doll, walking harness, two hankies, and two handmade sunsuits [pg 8]. Muz and Helen made her two dresses and sunbonnets, but the package hasn't arrived yet. After that we sat down at the table, pulled snappers, put on paper caps. Bobbie and Dickie opened their books, then we had vanilla ice cream striped with raspberry sherbert, and finally I brought in the cake, while everyone sang “Happy Birthday.” Wendy had her very own dish of ice cream, and two slivers of cake which she got in her mouth and smeared over her face with both hands! That baby of ours has a terrific sweet tooth. The festivities over - Bobbie and Dickie went out to play - They had a rip roaring time - Dickie went to the benjo outdoors [pg 9] evidently not too skillfully, and got his pant leg soaked, much to his discomfort, but not embarrassment. We ended up by taking pictures, and the guests departed at 5:00. Wendy behaved beautifully throughout all the excitement, ate her supper and went to bed like a little cherub. I've tried to make it a happy day for her, and as we’d both want to have it. I've missed you unbearably. This has been such a difficult week - Helen has gotten me into a terrible state of jitters and depression by the way she acts. It isn't fair to blame her I suppose, but I wish I could get away. Tuesday night Gerry is [pg 10] taking Tibby Hafiman and me to the Pine Inn for dinner, and then to see “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.” She plans a trip up to S.F. this month, and I expect to go along with her. I've got to do something to get out of this state, or I will go out of my mind with worry and anxiety for you. Darling, when are things going to be right for us again? This day-to-day waiting is horrible. Sweety- please try to come home to me I love you so much- Bobby
