On November 29, 1892, he wrote in his diary, presumably referring to Watching the Cows: "Call from Monet & family after breakfast ... he liked the 'cows and Baby[sic]." Several weeks later, following his return to New York, he mentioned the painting again: "The 'Mill' was done in a good spirit of endeavor and ... also the 'Baby and Cows' but how foolishly I let time pass and did not get more time on both figures and baby."