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.
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.
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!
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.
Scott and I have been debating whether or not to bring another furry family member into our family. We already have two cats, whom have bonded strongly with Robby. Timmy is definitely a dog kid and has been asking for a dog for the past few months.
A few days ago Timmy was playing on my phone and somehow ended up on my
Chewy app. About an hour later I received an email confirming my order
for 40 lbs of dog food, a dog bed, a variety of pull toys and bones and
an outside doggy hammock with tent. Since we don't have a dog (yet) I
immediately cancelled the order. When I asked Timmy about the purchase,
he simply smiled coyly and said that "Friend" (yes, he has already named
his dog) needed food, toys and beds when he came home.
With Timmy's birthday approaching and the family's extended time at home, it feels like this may be the ideal time to adopt a dog. Not a puppy, but young enough to still enjoy playing and running with Timmy. Timmy is at the perfect age to meet his childhood furry companion. I have such a clear vision of him running, playing and cuddling with "Friend" that at this point, it feels like the decision has already been made.
The sun was shining and the temperatures were perfect for playing outside. Timmy and I were able to spend a lot of time running, swinging and playing, which definitely helped the hours pass quickly. Being outside and breathing in the fresh air lifted my mood and helped to recenter my perspective.
The past few days have been a struggle. Being inside, unable to really get out of the house because of the weather, caused my mood to sour and my fuse to shorten. I knew that I was on edge, but sometimes recognizing a situation doesn't undo the feelings. I was probably as grateful as Timmy for the beautiful weather.
It is easy to become frustrated with having to stay at home, but on days like yesterday, there was no where else I would rather be.It is amazing what the sunshine can do for my soul!
Yesterday was extremely uneventful. My day was filled with work and meetings, which kept me busy and allowed the hours to pass quickly. Timmy wasn't feeling fantastic so he was content to watch cartoons and quietly play with his toys for most of the day. I hate when he doesn't feel like his typical energetic self. I'm hoping that he feels better today because, after spending all day yesterday in front of a keyboard, I could use some fresh air.
Being on lock down is becoming more difficult. In addition to the frustrations of not being able to see people and the disruptions to our schedules, we are running into some very real implications of staying at home. Our grocery supply is dwindling and, much to the chagrin of all the boys, we are officially out of ice cream. (The horror!) I've tried to schedule grocery delivery numerous times, but the slots are constantly filled. I have tried at different times throughout the day and night but I still have not found the magic time to submit the order.
Looking at the positive, I assume that all of the delivery slots are taken because the majority of people are following the guidelines and staying home. Hopefully this will soon all be a memory and life will return to normal. In the meantime, I'm going to pull the ice cream machine out of storage and start chilling the bowl. We refuse to allow a pandemic to keep us from our nightly ice cream treats!
