A House Abuzz

January 27, 1934  It is Saturday.  I took care of my beloved.  Mary and the boys did Saturday’s work.  C. Dalkes were here this morning.  Mrs. Dalke took care of the baby.  In the afternoon Mother and sisters came over, also Mrs. John H. Reimer.

Cornelius’ emotions made another rare appearance in the diary in the day after their seventh child was born as he mentions caring for his beloved wife, Margaret.  Women were expected to stay in bed for a week or more after giving birth to rest and to regain their strength.  It would have been a very busy time in the family.  Cornelius was busy helping his wife Margaret.  The three boys, Jake, Corney, and John, had to help Mary with cleaning and baking.  Mrs. Dalke was busy taking care of baby Anna.  And of course, relatives came over to see the new baby – Margaret’s mother Katharina (Barkman) Reimer, Margaret’s sisters, and sister-in-law.  It would have been a houseful of joy and excitement.