I wanted to document this time because hopefully it will happen only once in our lifetime; once in the girls lifetime. The pandemic that rocked our world and continues to wreak havoc for so many people and families this year, 2020.
Laila's birthday back in March was the last time that we saw some of our family. It was right when the airlines started taking precautions and the schools announced that they would be closing. Our work schedules were altered and we started working mostly from home. We are both fortunate enough to keep our jobs right now whereas many Americans have lost their jobs and are out of work.
For the first month or so of quarantine it rained so much. We kept a schedule and Laila's teacher sent several assignments to complete each day (thankfully!). She navigated the assignments so well but as for the rest of the day it was hard to keep busy and with all the rain it was difficult to get out and enjoy outside. This was one of the first days we actually got out and was able to enjoy some fresh, spring air.
We had gotten so much rain that our field was flooded and almost looked like a lake. The girls put on their boots and waded through the water and enjoyed the fresh air.
Laila got to have Zoom meetings with her teacher and classmates and she participated in a summer book club to keep her reading skills moving over the summer. All of the spring, school activities were canceled and the kids didn't get to tell their teachers or friends good-bye which would at times weigh on Laila's heart during these months. We were able to set up Facetime calls with friends so that they could 'see' each other and chat. It helped a little but it didn't replace the daily interaction they had with each other. On nice days we were able to have picnics outside and take a break and go for a hike in the woods. The girls and I did a lot of baking and making messes together too! Laila even got Student of the Month for the month of March! We made some bread to take to some of our teacher friends and we bought teacher gifts to drop off on their porch as an end of year thank you for everything they did through this time of uncertainty.
At the end of March we were able to visit Papa Hammond at his Assisted Living and tell him Happy Birthday through the window. Nobody was allowed out; especially the older folks that were more at risk of catching the virus. Four months later we're still waiting to celebrate his 92nd birthday.....
We played outside any chance we got; took bike rides, Lena learned how to fish (somewhat) and we've been able to get out and pick berries as some mandates have relaxed. We've made S'mores many times at Mamaw and Papaw's and Travis has even built our own fire pit in our yard during this time. For the first time, I really enjoy S'mores now and feel that using Reese Thins between the marshmallows and graham crackers tastes the best! The girls have gotten creative with their playtime and they were forced to kind of grow up too fast during this time. So when times called for slumber parties in the hallway - we had slumber parties in the hallway!
Easter was really different this year. We had to watch Easter service on TV and we had a very, small Easter dinner at home with just our family. Quarantine didn't stop the Easter bunny from hiding eggs or stopping by - thank goodness! Although different for us, I don't think the kids noticed. We still colored Easter eggs and colored pictures that were sent from church.
And also, for Mother's Day we visited my mom and had brunch in; very relaxing day.
Laila and I were able to get out to the store to find some fairy garden treasures to make our own fairy garden. It was a fun project and we love checking in on the fairies here and there to see how they're getting along in their new garden.
It was kind of a big year for Lena because she was to graduate Pre-K and tell her teachers and friends good-bye that she had been with for the past 5 years of her life! With all of the uncertainties and mandates on childcare her graduation kept getting pushed back and we weren't sure if we'd ever experience this special time for her. It created a lot of frustration for me and some anxiety because I wasn't sure we'd get there for her. BUT! We were able to get it scheduled and it was on a day that we had scattered storms; the sky was literally black driving to her graduation. When we got there the rain held off JUST in time for her to take her last ride, see her friends and hug her teacher one, last time. We got some great pictures of her also that I was SO happy and grateful for! We were all SO excited for her and I KNOW she was happy to see her friends; they picked right up where they left off months ago.
We also were finally able to have Lena's eye surgery scheduled once some of the restrictions were relaxed at the hospitals and outpatient procedures could resume. We had been waiting years for this and it was finally happening - so many emotions! Lena was resilient of course; did much better than I would have and it went SO well. I prayed SO hard for her and her doctors and we couldn't be more thankful for how it turned out for her and SO proud of her for handling it like a complete champ! She'll remember this and remember how strong she was too.
Afterwards she said, 'mommy, the hospital wasn't so bad at all - I got these new, fuzzy socks and that bed was super comfy!'
Due to the virus and having to be 'quarantined' our summer/fall plans to travel have been derailed. We plan to stick around home and make the best of what's left (hopefully) of this challenging time. Although most days have been fine and most days I've been so thankful for our time together as a family; there have been trying days as well. Days I've lost my patience, and days I've felt like a terrible mom for not understanding all of the emotions and feelings that play in to the mundane everyday; just trying to stay afloat most days and continue to live and learn as we go along.
For Father's Day I wanted to have Trav's photo taken with the girls. I did it a few years back for Mother's Day so I wanted him to have his time. They turned out SO pretty! He definitely has shown more patience and forgiveness of everything during this time. I KNOW that I don't know what I would do without him! He's our guy, for sure.
Most of our days look like this, hanging in the yard, making our own fun and catching frogs (even the big, creepy ones)!
We'll be doing a lot of camping this summer and just finding creative ways to celebrate at home while we look forward to the possibility for travel and fun times next year. Some days are easier than others for sure, but we just take one day at a time and for me, I take a deep breath and be reminded of ALL our blessings and that this too, shall pass. The family time that we've spent together will forever be cherished; we really made the most of it and somehow found a way to see the joy in each and every day.
xoxo always,
Mom
