Quarantine Week 6

We've developed a little more of a routine, now that we've gotten through 5 weeks of "safer at home".  We do circle time and crafts everyday, which the kids really like.  I'm so impressed that they are willing to try any of the random crafts I find online.  Some turn out better than others.

Both kids have had a low grade fever for a few days, Daphne last week and Silas this week.  They were lethargic and Daphne seemed to have a lot of mucous/post nasal drip, but no other symptoms.  Daphne seems to have gotten over it fine.  Silas isn't quite over it, but his temperature and his activity level is much better today, so hopefully he's over the worst of it.  It's odd that Silas has had a fever exactly once in last two years, but he picked up something now when he's only been directly exposed to immediate family over the last month.  I'm grateful that whatever it is, it seems to be minor for both of them, and Steve and I haven't had any symptoms.

3 Weeks and counting

So we've been under "safer at home" orders for 3 weeks now, it looks like this will be the new normal until at least June 30th.  It has been hard, but I definitely can't complain.  We are very lucky to still be able to work from home, that we are all healthy, and have everything we need. 

We have a loose routine that we follow which includes circle time, outside time and a daily craft/activity.  The kids are doing really well with it.  Silas has been having a harder time lately, which is completely understandable.  I know he really misses school and misses his friends.  Hopefully Ms Mary Jo will start doing regular zoom sessions so he can at least see some of his friends and talk with them a bit. 

We've been really busy trying to work and balance taking care of the kids.  I definitely feel like I have less free time now then before.  I got a little sad watching Silas doing the zoom meeting with his class last week, his teachers are so great and they do so many fun activities all the kids will be missing out on.  I've been really trying to find fun crafts and activities to do at home.  He has such a great imagination, he's always happy to try anything.

Social Distancing

A lot has happened in the past several days.  Due to COVID-19, most everything is shut down and we are  told to stay home for at least the next several weeks.  Steve and I will be working from home, and the kids preschool/daycare will be closed.  People are pretty panicked about it, understandably, so we've stocked up on some extra foods and essentials.  Hopefully we can stay healthy and safe during this crazy time.

I started some activity planning to keep the kids entertained, fortunately there are many online resources offering free learning aids and ideas for kids.  Day 1 (yesterday) we colored Easter eggs and read about rabbits.  Today was car day, we made race cars out of toilet paper tubes the kids decorated.  The kids seem to be doing OK so far, but I'm sure Silas will really start to miss being able to see his friends. 

 

Settling In

We are more or less settled into the house and back to our normal routines.  Still lots to do with the house, we do need to make it more of a priority.  We are slowly working through things.

Trains!

Silas has such a good memory and will randomly ask for certain toys we have packed away.  They hadn't played with the trains in awhile, and I was actually considering selling them, but yesterday he asked for it.  Both of them enjoyed playing, and Daphne is getting really good at putting the tracks together! 

Late pictures from Silas' birthday

 We celebrated Silas' birthday at the new house, just a party with the family.   I had wanted to try to have a party at the house, but we just couldn't get things ready in time.  Hopefully we can next year.  Having a party out somewhere is so expensive, so hopefully we can clear space for a jumper here.  Still expensive, but not quite so much. 

Happy 5th Birthday, Silas Tam!!

Happy Birthday, Love!!  

I am so excited to be able to celebrate your birthday with you.  I am so proud of how much you have grown and how much you have learned over the past year.  I love your endless creativity, your excitement for learning and your pure compassion for others.  You are such a good person and a terrific big brother.   I love you more than I can ever say, and just being around you makes me so happy.    I'm really trying so hard to do the best I can for you.  Thank you for your patience as I make mistakes and learn along the way.  

I love you, always, no matter what. 

Mom