Coronavirus

Showing posts with label Coronavirus. Show all posts

A Mid-Summer Update

8.04.2020

^^Hammock hangs in the backyard at bedtime.^^

What's been happening around here...

AT HOME:

Overall, we're having fun and doing well!

As a mother, I feel like I'm beginning to get my feet back under me... just in time to start a strange school year. 😜 Adding a fourth child has been simply just that: adding one more -- except it's harder to feed myself actual meals, but that's just the new baby stage. The chaos isn't any worse than it was. And we'd still be dealing the same problems/meltdowns with or without a baby, so bring on the snuggles!

7.26.2020

Baby's first time to church! And our first time to church in five months. Yay! Wearing masks, hand sanitizer, and closed off hallways and pews made church feel anything but normal... and hot. But we bought three new pairs of boys' shoes for the occasion, so I guess we're committed! These kids are growing like weeds!

Over the last few months I've really missed seeing my friends and ward family! I've missed that weekly reminder to keep doing my best and plugging along in the gospel. And I've really missed the music. I feel the Spirit through music and its absence in my life has really been felt. In fact, maybe it's the pregnancy hormones, but I find myself occasionally getting teary eyed at times while singing!

There are a few particular things about church that I have NOT missed, however. For instance, the hustle to get everyone dressed and ready and out the door (relatively) on time! Lol. The break from church attendance also highlighted just how overscheduled we were with church meetings and activities. I hope we can learn from that relief as a church in general and take a step back from it all to concentrate on what's most important in the future.

5.19.2020

Wrapping up this pregnancy journey with one last belly picture. It feels bittersweet.

Because I make much bigger than average babies, the plan is to be induced this Friday at exactly 39 weeks. That's less than three days away!!! That is, if my body says it's ready.

I am so relieved to have an end date; something to count down to. These last couple of weeks have been a bit of a doozy physically. I have felt very tired and even nauseous. Poor kids. As if it was possible, life around here has gotten even more slow and boring! My ankles have become so swollen that I don't even recognize my own limbs! The only shoes I can wear are my flip flops. (Um, yes, that is why I cropped out my face in these pictures. You guys, I am a balloon.) And false labor contractions have kept me on my toes, wondering if they'll turn into the real thing. But nope; he's cozy in there.

Last Wednesday, I thought my water might have started leaking. My underwear was uncommonly wet and I was having mild painful contractions every 20 minutes or so. "Body," I thought, "what is going on?" I decided to err on the safe side and went in to the hospital to see my provider. Wow, things changed in a week! All of a sudden, new policies were in place that required everyone to wear a mask and more restrictive measures/signs were posted throughout the hospital. It felt a bit apocalyptic. Fortunately, the people behind those masks offered the same friendly service as always. Apparently, I had a common vaginal infection that just needed some cheap antibiotics to clear up. Eeew.

Anyway, exciting and miserable physical effects aside, I am so very grateful I got to experience the miracle of creating life within me one fourth and final time. What a privilege! I cannot believe this special time of my life -- the part where I'm pregnant and we grow our family -- is almost over. I will miss this belly. I will miss feeling the flutters and rolls and pressing my fingers against a tiny foot that moves in response. I keep trying to imagine what he will look like, but I know breathing him in for the first time will exceed all my expectations. There is nothing on earth quite like the exciting anticipation of new life and all of the joys and possibilities it brings along with it.

5.12.2020

Funny Faces!

I'm at that point in pregnancy where all I want to do is sit on the couch, eat ice cream, and cry. But Levi gave himself his first real dose of road rash from crashing on his bike today and needed a little distraction. This worked for all of us. It was so fun!

Our own twist on a trend I've seen on Instagram with Mickey Mouse eyes, Chewy eyes, and Jed's very own eyes.

5.08.2020

Welcome to the 8th annual Day in the Life Post -- also known as the annual post that almost didn't happen. Between this quarantine and being nine months pregnant, I feel pretty spent of creative energy. But I knew that if I dropped the ball this year, I'd regret it. So I busted out the camera on Monday May 4, 2020 and went for it. These aren't the prettiest or most creatively done batch of pictures. In fact, I used a new to me preset for fun and I'm not sure I'm in love with the look. But it is what it is and the goal was accomplished for yet another year.

So my dear readers, may I present A Day in the Life 2020, a special quarantine edition.

4.30.2020

We are on week 7 of "quarantine" with plans to begin our gradual trek back to normalcy in phases beginning this weekend. Hip, hip, hooray! However, I have a feeling it's going to be a long time until life is truly normal again.

I can rattle off two positive personal outcomes from staying at home.

1. Conrad is officially poop trained now! He's such a stubborn turd. (Pun intended.) It only took him a solid year after being pee trained THROUGH THE NIGHT to accomplish the task. Believe me when I say I tried absolutely every tactic out there. I now keep a stash of potty treats in the pantry and eagerly give it out in handfuls.

2. I make the bed everyday. And since I make the bed everyday, I figured I'd better attach another habit to it: my morning prayer. I've never been able to make that a consistent habit... until now. It's amazing what impact a little prayer (and honestly a moment to meditate or reflect) has had on my life as a mother.

In other news, however, it feels like the outside world is preparing to rip itself apart. The economy is in ruin, the food supply chain has been severely disrupted, free speech through media outlets is being censored, and people are verbally and/or physically attacking each other in the name of social distancing. A political power struggle (remember, it's a presidential election year) seems to be running the world these days. It's very concerning.

4.25.2020

Dear Jed,

Happy 10th Birthday to the boy who made me a mother and changed me for the better! Words cannot express how much joy you have brought into my life. Some of my favorite memories of you begin with your little smiling face peeking over the crib rails at me and continue through today when you showed me your latest Lego invention. I am so proud of you, Jed. You have many God given talents and gifts. I hope you come to recognize them as I have. You are naturally caring and compassionate; it helps make you a great big brother. You have a keen sense of justice and an inventive and creative mind. I know that with some work and dedication, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Best of all, you love to tease and laugh.

I cannot believe it has been 10 years since I first cradled you in awe. I hope you know that I still look at you that way sometimes. I love you, Jed. I hope your quarantined birthday becomes a special memory with a cool story to tell.

Love always,

Mom

4.14.2020

I have an enthusiastic toddler who likes to "help" with the chores. Yesterday Conrad emptied my washer and dryer onto the floor at the same time... fed the dogs (meaning he dumped the entire bag of dog food onto the garage floor), helped himself to lunch (emptied my freezer of pizzas and ate three whole apples), organized the new baby's clothes and shoes (put them into a bag and distributed them throughout the house), played outside (he stepped in mud, so he played with one shoe on and one shoe off), and had a moment as Superman in front of the fan. He had a busy afternoon! Needless to say, when he fell asleep on the couch at 5pm, I was grateful for the peace and quiet. It's a good thing he makes me laugh and smile daily.

So tell me, how's your quarantine going?

4.13.2020

As I stared at those two pink positive lines just a few months ago, never in a thousand years did I expect to be delivering my baby in the midst of a global pandemic! So much has changed so quickly. It is the strangest reality.

Hospital policies across the country seem to change day to day. I was told at my last appointment nearly two weeks ago that, yes, my husband can be present in the hospital for the birth of our baby. Whew! However, if I test positive for Covid-19 at the time of delivery, there's a good chance I will be separated from my infant. Holy cow, that would be traumatic for us both, I think! The virus is definitely in our community. So the current plan for me is to wait until I'm 36 weeks for my next appointment and to observe social distancing guidelines until I deliver. That includes the whole family, unfortunately, because whatever illness the kids contract, so do I!

I am crossing my fingers, hoping that this pandemic will be on the downhill slide by May and the world around us will be normalizing. Is that too optimistic of me? I sure hope it's realistic. For the sake of the economy and people's livelihoods, we need it.

So say a silent little prayer for me and for every other woman who is delivering a baby into a world with what feels like an unknown future, will you? I know everything will be okay, one way or another, but it's still a little scary.

I was texting another pregnant friend not long ago and she feels as I do. These 2020 babies being born are a special bunch. I'm not quite sure yet what their unique missions on earth will be, but I have a feeling they will be capable of doing some extraordinary things. I can't help thinking how the timing of this pregnancy was just meant to be. We tried for a year without any luck. Then BOOM, I hop off my birth control for one month and I get pregnant immediately. It was kind of a personal miracle. Coincidences like that don't just happen, do they? At least I don't think so. I like to attribute them to a loving Heavenly Father.

So here I am, prayerfully asking for a smooth and safe delivery and to bring home a healthy baby boy.

4.12.2020

^^My three boys, soon to be four!^^

The Easter also known as the month with uninterrupted family time.

I'm not sure if it's the mental load of this pandemic or the end of this pregnancy, but I really feel at a loss to put together any meaningful words. But I'll try anyway because I love Easter. It is one of my favorite holidays. It bears a message of hope, joy, and eternal life!

There has never been a better time to reflect on Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice than now -- when the world feels a little dark and upside-down. Yesterday, Saturday, Christ's followers mourned in darkness. They were sad and probably confused. They had no idea what miracle was about to transpire! Isn't this current period in the world's history a little bit like that?

As I've studied the scriptures and Joseph Smith history this month, I've been able to pull so many parallels to our current world situation. Some circumstances really stunk for a lot of people. Some people died. Some faced hardships that lasted years. But everything always turned out all right in the end of the story because a loving Heavenly Father had a wonderful plan in place. I believe there is a light at the end of this crazy Coronavirus Groundhog's Day we've been living in. I'm just super curious to see how it all plays out.

One of my favorite quotes from Jeffrey R. Holland keeps coming to mind: “Don't you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.”

We listened to the Tabernacle Choir sing Handel's Messiah this morning as we made and ate a big breakfast of biscuits, eggs, and sausage. I found myself tearing up during the Hallelujah chorus. And again, I broke into tears later as I heard these familiar hymn lyrics during another presentation.

1. He is risen! He is risen!
Tell it out with joyful voice.
He has burst his three days’ prison;
Let the whole wide earth rejoice.
Death is conquered; man is free.
Christ has won the victory.

3. He is risen! He is risen!
He hath opened heaven’s gate.
We are free from sin’s dark prison,
Risen to a holier state.
And a brighter Easter beam
On our longing eyes shall stream.

I'm just one big emotional pregnant blob these days. But it doesn't matter; music always has a way of speaking to my heart.

I hope that whatever comes my way in this life, I will be able to trust in my Heavenly Father's love and plan for me and place joy and hope in the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Anyway, we enjoyed a slow and peaceful Easter here at home. It began with a big hot breakfast followed by a short but sweet Sacrament meeting. The day also included a funny -- but stressful for Jed and Levi -- egg hunt and ended with pulled barbeque sandwiches and chocolate cupcakes with caramel frosting. Oh, and sprinkles! LOTS of sprinkles for Conrad. My heart is overflowing with love for this family of mine today.

4.02.2020

As much as I appreciate positive sentiments such as "We've got this!" in texts from friends, I've actually appreciated those times friends have opened up about how HARD this transition to isolation and homeschooling has been more. It's a breath of fresh air to know that someone else's kid spent hours in front of a screen one day and that she too wants to pull her hair out figuring out all these new online programs and passwords that don't always work and wondering if she is covering all the assigned material with her son. It really is nice to know that I'm not the only one who does not have it all together all the time... because I actually feel guilty for feeling this way. I am very fortunate and have been blessed with so much! This temporary situation should be a walk in the park; no big deal. But IT IS! Living one day at a time, not being able to plan for the future is unsettling. (I mean, I'm birthing a baby into this mess!) But as my sister reminded me, she's done this before. This is familiar territory for her as she fought cancer just two short years ago. It will all be okay, even if our new normal isn't ever quite the same.

So folks, all I'm trying to say is that I love you for your positivity and wisdom, but I also love it when you're messy and human just like me.

3.29.2020

^^Chasing rainbows first thing in the morning.^^

It has been two fulls weeks since the kids' school was cancelled and we've been practicing "social distancing." Last Wednesday, the governor of Idaho officially mandated a 21 Day Stay at Home order, closing down all non-essential businesses and asking residents to self isolate in order to slow the spread of Covid-19.

I'll be honest. It's been a long two weeks. This is quite the sudden adjustment! A worldwide pandemic was totally not on my radar for 2020. We've had some really good days here at home as a family and a few others where I've just fallen apart.

Those hard days have happened for two reasons:
1. This exhausted pregnant mama needs more sleep to keep up with three energetic boys!
2. I was still mentally kicking against this new reality.

My concerns in my last post still stand... along with a few others. Wow, the physical, emotional, and economic effects are far reaching! It can feel very heavy.

But overall, however, I think I am finally settling in to this new reality with hope that restrictions will begin to lift in the next few weeks. I am truly fortunate in this pandemic situation. I am thankful for a community that is working to keep people safe and protect our health system. I am grateful Bron is still working and bringing home an income. (Those cows still need to be milked and food brought to the masses!) I am extremely fortunate to live in a nice warm home with a full pantry and a big yard. Best of all, I am surrounded by the people whom I love more than anything. We have our health and each other. What more really matters?

I sincerely do wonder what I will learn from all this time in isolation glued to just my family and home. What will I learn about myself? What will I learn I need to change? What will I learn about motherhood and my boys? I'm hoping I come through the next few weeks a little wiser and not bald because I've pulled all my hair out just trying to meet the needs of three very energetic and extroverted boys. Haha.

For the record, I feel just as busy with the kids all home as I did when they were in school. The really nice advantage is that I've dropped my role as taxi driver. There is no longer any pressure to make sure dinner is ready promptly at 5pm so that the boys can make it to swim team at 6pm. And my house is staying cleaner because there's more time to clean it and the boys help!

I feel much more relaxed. I might even be a better mom now that time isn't an issue! I can focus on my child's immediate need instead of preparing for the next thing.

Just an observation...

3.18.2020

I know, I know. This is all just going to be a blip in the big scheme of things. This too will pass. I am actually optimistic in a bright future. In the mean time, however, please forgive me for expressing all of my feelings. When I write them down, I am then able to leave them there and move on.

We are officially on day three of "social distancing" for Covid-19 and my feelings have suddenly swung in an entirely different direction. I am no longer in shock. I am angry. What the hell just happened? I am questioning nearly everything with no concrete answers to show for it. I feel there is just too much minutia to wade through to possibly ever discover the whole truth.

3.13.2020

^^I made brats for dinner one night and then let mine get a little cold while I grabbed this shot in the living room. #photogproblems^^

Well, this is one of the craziest things that has ever happened in my lifetime. I've lived through a couple of natural disaster emergencies as a kid, but this is the first time I can remember a worldwide pandemic. I mean, I remember SARS and Zika viruses as relatively recent scares that required precaution but they never ensued a run on the stores for possible quarantine supplies. (The stores are out of toilet paper, guys? Really?) The viruses never closed schools and businesses and halted domestic and international travel... at least not in the United States. It feels strange. In a matter of just a week the world around me has gone into a panic as one event after another has been cancelled: the NBA, March Madness, Disneyland, and even church on Sunday. I feel it's not really a matter of if but when school is canceled for the boys. It'll most likely happen as the government and local businesses take precautions to curb the inevitable spread of Covid-19.

I get it. Social distancing is the right thing to do. It protects those who are most high-risk for complications from the disease. It allows the healthcare system to not become overburdened. And to me, that's really important. I value the ability to get medical help when I need it, especially for my children. I assume other people do too. Plus, who is chomping at the bit to actually contract the virus? That sounds miserable.

Nelson Notes

SLIDER

A Mid-Summer Update

8.04.2020

Back to Church... with Masks

7.26.2020

4th Baby Bumpdate: 38 Weeks

5.19.2020

Funny Faces

5.12.2020

A Day in the Life 2020

5.08.2020

Life Lately During Quarantine

4.30.2020

Happy 10th Birthday to Jed and a DIY Escape Room Quarantine Party

4.25.2020

My Independent and Helpful Three Year Old

4.14.2020

4th Baby Bumpdate: 33 Weeks

4.13.2020

A Stay at Home Easter

4.12.2020

I Love Your Positivity But I Love Your Honest Messiness More

4.02.2020

Coronavirus Update: Under the Governor's 21 Day Stay at Home Order

3.29.2020

How I'm Feeling About the Covid-19 Pandemic Five Days Later (Hint: I'm Angry)

3.18.2020

How I'm Feeling About the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Moment

3.13.2020

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