Birthday Boy

Birthdays always render me emotional, and this year is no different.  It is so hard to believe that my sweet little Timmy is turning six years old.  He is no longer a baby or a toddler. He is a full blown little big boy. I love him so much it hurts.

Where did the time go? I really don't know, but I do know that I love every moment of being his Mom. He has frustrated me to tears and tired me to my limits and beyond. But he has also provided me with more laughter, love and smiles than my heart can hold.  In six short years we have both grown and changed so much.

Timmy, my sweet little Hamlet, I love you to the moon and back. I hope that you have a wonderful birthday. Today we will have party #1. I promise we will celebrate again when the quarantine is lifted and when you can be with your cousins and Nana again. We will climb trees, have picnics and go on family camp-outs. Until then, I hope that you enjoy your special day.

We love you!

Delivery

Timmy has decided that he wants to convert our living room into a movie theater. He has carefully crafted tickets for the movie and has arranged all of his "paper" and "metal" money in preparation for selling those tickets. The only thing that has been missing from his vision is a theater style popcorn machine. 

Unfortunately, we don't have a movie theater popcorn machine. But lucky for him, his Nana does and she was more than willing to lend it to us for our movie theater venture. We planned on picking it up after the quarantine lifted, but my sister stepped up and offered to drive it down to our house. I initially refused the offer because driving 5 hours round trip to deliver a used popcorn machine seemed wasteful. However, I was reminded that she has also been quarantined and was eager for a social distancing approved adventure. 

It didn't take much encouragement for me to agree to the plan. I know how excited Timmy is going to be when he finds the popcorn machine in the morning. As soon as I knew that she was coming down I decided to push my luck a little bit by sending her our grocery store list. Since she is the designated shopper for my Mom, I was hoping that she would be able to help us replenish our quickly diminishing stockpile.

Last night she loaded up her car with two of her three kids, the popcorn machine and our grocery haul and headed to Virginia.  It was incredible seeing her pull into the driveway. Although we maintained a safe distance, I was so happy to see both her and my niece and nephew. 

As she was pulling away I was struck with intense sadness. I miss seeing my family and my friends so much! Most of the time I am so busy that I can tuck away the sadness and mask it with another item on my to do list. But last night the grief so was profound that I just curled up and cried.  

I am so grateful that she went to the herculean effort to deliver a popcorn machine for Timmy. I am also relieved that our groceries have been replenished. I can't wait until this is all over and I can give her, my Mom and my niece and nephews a proper hug.  Until then, I hope they know how much they are appreciated.

Party Supplies

After nearly two months at home, being socially responsible by maintaining distance, it is amazing how little things have become coveted. Yesterday Scott and I went on a quick car ride to pick up some party supplies for Timmy's quarantine birthday party. The package was delivered curbside, so we didn't even get out of the car. Yet just being out of the house and seeing sights beyond our yard felt like such a treat.  

I know that we didn't need party supplies for the four of us to celebrate, but I wanted Timmy to know that his day is special. Even though we are at home and the celebration is different this year, I want some aspects to remain constant. I'm sure that the desire comes from me and not from him. In reality, he will be just as happy with a cake and his presents.

In a weird way, I guess securing party supplies was me grasping for normalcy in an extraordinarily abnormal situation. With everything feeling out of our control, I was determined to make Timmy's party as "normal" as possible. I was thrilled when I learned that our local party supply store was open for curbside delivery and, although the selection was extremely limited, I'm content with our decorations.  

I can't believe that my little Hamlet will be six on Friday. While I know that he won't focus on the decorations, for some reason, it is important to me. It is weird how quarantining can skew priorities and perspectives.

Unexpected Picnic

I was busy with work from the moment I woke up until it was time for dinner. Although the reasons are both frustrating and scary, I was very grateful that Scott was home. It was so much easier working knowing that the boys were being tended to by another adult. 

After dinner I logged off the computer and headed outside to play with the boys. Timmy swung for hours while Robby and I went on a long bike ride and played ping pong. After I came home from riding bikes with Robby Scott took the opportunity to hop in the car for a covert mission. 

I have to be honest- I was quasi jealous that Scott was leaving the house. I've been holed up for so long that the prospect of going to a store feels like a luxury vacation. In order to minimize risk of exposure, Scott was designated the family community liaison, which means that he gets all of the "field trips."  

Although the boys didn't know where Scott went, they were excited about the prospect of a surprise. They spent the entire time debating their Daddy's intentions. They were absolutely delighted when their Daddy came home with milkshakes and french fries for an impromptu snack picnic.  

Unexpected surprises, especially those that involve milkshakes, really are the best!

Yard Fun

Yesterday was my Mom's birthday, and I tore me up that I wasn't able to be with her. Knowing that she is also in the same predicament definitely made it easier, but sometimes social distancing stinks! Having to celebrate birthdays through video chat just isn't the same as singing to her in person.  

In addition to celebrating my Mom's birthday, we spent the majority of our weekend outside playing. The weather was gorgeous, allowing us to enjoy the fresh air and the freedom of our yard. If we lived in an apartment without access to a yard I would be far more emotionally spent during this pandemic.  

Every time I open the door to go play outside I am reminded about how fortunate we really are.  Between the trampoline, swing set, the woods our bicycles and the tree house, the boys are not lacking for activities. Although it has been physically exhausting being a constant playmate, my boys are happy and secure. Right now, that is the most important thing.