First, I refuse to say we are adjusting to our “new normal.” Bringing a baby home from the hospital is adjusting to a new normal – living through a worldwide lockdown due to the worst pandemic in centuries is not. This is not normal. At all. To say that this is our “new normal” as so many people have, implies that it is never ending. This will end, one way or another. We can’t live like this endlessly.
Still though, we’re settling into whatever this is. It’s not all bad. If I forget for a minute or two that we’re enduring a worldwide pandemic and the entire economy is on the borderline of a complete meltdown, it’s actually kind of enjoyable. So, today I’ll write about what we’re enjoying the most right now. That’s not to gloss over the very real, very scary implications of what is happening all around us right now, it’s just to take a break from the doom.
Hands-down, allowing myself to be immersed in the wonderful world of Ali and Jurgs is the best thing right now (and really, always). It’s simple, and happy. They know there’s a virus that’s making us do weird things, like stay away from other people, and not see our friends, but overall they aren’t bothered. However, getting outside with them remains the key to our happiest days.
I’m thankful we live in a place where we can explore freely from our doorstep. If we lived in a city I think we’d all be going crazy. Not an hour goes by these days where I am not immensely grateful to live in Colorado where we can socially distance and be outside on the trails, neighborhood paths, and in our yard.
We’ve tried the kids yoga YouTube videos and obstacle courses in the house, but nothing compares to being outside.
Cooking is fast becoming our other favorite thing to do, and I am trying to line up a cooking project each day. Yesterday Ali and I made pasta while Jurgen napped, and today the boys made themselves deviled eggs for lunch. While scheming up our next project, Ali asked, “Is it made with scratch? I really like stuff that’s made with scratch.” Me too, little buddy.
And of course, there’s a lot of this going on:
We are happy, healthy, and making the most of riding this out, but certainly looking forward to coming out the other side.
