Self-Isolation: Week 2 (3/22-3/28)

The new normal, 24/7.

Today marks two weeks of isolation. It's been a mix of excruciatingly long hours of non-stop kid interaction and sweet family moments that I'm so grateful for. Alone time is something Jordan and I both really need as individuals and just don't have right now. As much as we love our kids (of course), we're both really missing it. I have found myself contemplating what this time is like for people who don't have children, or people who live alone- young and old, or people who are feeling very economically insecure, or people who are immunocompromised or high-risk, or people who are in essential jobs and risking their own health with daily exposure in order to keep things working for everyone. We're all going through the same thing and yet probably having very different experiences in a lot of ways.

We're attending church in a new way these days...

Reading the comics, a fave Sunday ritual.

The walking rainbow science experiment!

After finishing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone last week, Noah decided he felt brave enough to watch the movie! He definitely had moments where he felt he needed to retreat and find a new vantage point, but he made it through to the end and loved it.

Last weekend we found plenty of ways to fill our time and developed a new schedule for the coming work week. It was hard to figure out what would work for our family as Jordan is working from home and needs space/quiet to concentrate and we have a very active 5 year old and a very needy 3 month old. Monday was our first chance to try it out and I think we've gotten it relatively stable now.

In the mornings, Noah and I do some "academic" time while Evan naps (if we're lucky.) We have several workbooks he can pick from, or we can do an art/craft project. Here is some of the stuff we've been doing...

Evan supervises and checks his brother's work

Getting the necessary fuel is essential!

Building our scissor skills!

Remember making these when you were a kid?

Evan is working on his grasping skills

We ironed our design- the plastic melts! Wow!

Noah decided we should paint rocks...

The final product!

Finished a number board!

Making fireworks prints in water!

After a couple hours of "academic" activities, then we will usually bake something or head outdoors if it's nice out. Noah decided to use his allowance money that he had saved up to buy himself a scooter, and my mom was kind enough to send Noah a bike too- so this kiddo has plenty of new toys to practice!

Chocolate chip cookies on Monday...

Brownies on Thursday...

First ride on the new bike!

And trying out the scooter

Evan was happy to soak up the vitamin D

Me and my little bear

 Buds on the willow tree- spring is here!

Jordan wanted to try the scooter too

I got a few solo (w/ baby) walks in too...

...which was wonderful.

After our baking or outdoor time, then Noah gets to spend some time on the iPad either using the PBS Kids games app, or watching PBS Kids videos. We've definitely loosened up some of our time restraints on screen time lately but the PBS apps are so high quality and educational I don't feel too bad. This gives me time to do things like shower (what a luxury!), clean up, make lunch, tend to Evan, or just get a little while to breathe. After lunch, Jordan has been doing a scavenger hunt with Noah each day which is usually the highlight for him. Then he has at least an hour of quiet time typically in his room either reading, building with blocks, or resting. He also has a trampoline in his room and I hear him burning off some energy on that sometimes too!

iPad time downstairs with dad!

Hanging in Noah's room

Math problems and writing on the wall!

Quiet time for this bub

A new book - thanks Grandma MJ!

One day we Zoomed with friends...

It was pure fun and chaos!

My hearts.

Before dinner, Noah gets some free time and a little more screen time (thank you PBS!) We typically all eat at the table together and then have family time until it's time for bed. This week Jordan gave Noah an old calculator, then he found an old digital camera and radio. All of these fascinated him and Noah actually decided to use another chunk of his allowance to buy himself a digital camera. I'm looking forward to seeing the world from his perspective. Here are some more random pics from the week...

They closed down the playground this week. The caution tape was probably unnecessary and just makes it look even more sad.

Baby model! I think Evan definitely looks like a redhead in this pic. His hair is still too short and fine to really guess what hair color/type he'll end up with though.

Bath time fun! Noah took a bath in our big soaking tub in the master bath this week. This was the first time he's had a bath in the big tub since we moved in a year ago. It was like a mini swimming pool for him.

Pancakes for dinner is acceptable, right?

Supporting local business with takeout!

What I found this morning after putting Evan down for a nap... Jordan decided it was time for spring cleaning?!

Experiencing a radio dial for the first time... maybe sending SOS signals into the universe?

Purging a lot of old school papers!

"I'm Harry Potter!"

Say 'cheese' mommy! 

The artist checking his work...

As of today we're 15 days into isolation with probably many more to go. We're aiming to get groceries just once a week or even less often and trying to limit our online purchasing. I hope you're all well and I'll check in again next week!