Love in the time of Corona
Well friends, it's April.
We've officially been in quarantine for about a month now. How are you doing?
As a lifelong introvert and germophobe, I can't believe everyone wasn't living like this before. It's kind of my ideal situation. Even I have to admit, though, things are getting tough.
It's easy to decide to stay home rather than go out when given the choice. Not having an option has proven to be a pretty different story--not to mention the life threatening disease running rampant across the world right now. My heart breaks for those who don't get the choice to stay home, for those who have spent countless hours worrying about rent, mortgage payments, utilities, food, childcare, etc. because business has slowed to a crawl or they've been let go and deemed no longer necessary. For those who have lost loved ones and can't gather to mourn, or those who are sick and alone, left to fight their battle sans visitors in an effort to contain the virus' spread. For all those who will be robbed of celebrations this year--birthdays, weddings, proms, graduations. For the first year college students who got a little taste of freedom and are now back at home to finish the remainder of their school year, states away from new friends and classmates. It's a weird time.
Maggie was supposed to be baptized on March 29. It would have been my grandfather's 90th birthday, had we not lost him to cancer in 2007. We were so looking forward to it. My grandmother lovingly sewed a baptismal gown from a dress said grandfather brought back from his time in Japan during the Korean War. I special ordered a patch with Margaret Elizabeth's name and baptism date and hand stitched it into the hem of this gown. Michael and I wrote her a letter that she can later read with our thoughts on this special day and what it means for us and for her. It was also Michael's and my college roommate's 30th birthdays and I had planned a sort of surprise party for all three celebrations with friends and family, decorations and food. It was going to be grand. And just like that, all of it was cancelled. I'm no extrovert, but color me disappointed.
Yes, there is much that could bring us down these days. However, there is still ever so much more for which to be grateful:
-Our friends and family are healthy, they are safe.
-We are enjoying our time at home and Michael is getting to witness Maggie's milestones firsthand.
-Spring is in the air and it is BEAUTIFUL.
-Our cabinets and closets have never been so organized.
-We get to find new and creative ways to love on people from afar.
That last one is what I really want to talk about. Maggie and I have been putting our heads together (read: I've been wracking my brain, dusting off old Preschool teacher ideas and searching Pinterest) to come up with ways to enjoy some quality time together and create some beautiful gifts for others (this mama's top love languages). In case you are hunkered down with a young child (or two, or three), here are a few of the ideas we have concocted.
Smush Painting. Obviously, I'm not letting Maggie wield a paintbrush on her own, or eat paint, or cover herself in the stuff, but smush painting during tummy time is entirely doable and mess free. I simply found some old canvases I had and some acrylic paint from past projects. I put a couple globs of different, coordinating colors on a canvas and placed it in a gallon Ziplock bag (or you can cover with Saran wrap) and let baby go to town (supervised, of course). I think Maggie enjoyed this, and I know all recipients truly appreciated the gesture, myself included.
Hand prints! Who doesn't love baby hand prints? No one. So, we have sent all the birthday cards, just because cards, and will soon send wedding cards and graduation cards with hand prints or foot prints--or both! We've even thrown in a "signature" or two, just for kicks. If you never send letters and you don't have stamps, you can purchase them online and have them sent to your doorstep! You can also get the cutest picture cards, stationery, or postcards from Vistaprint, Shutterfly, or any number of photo sites. Your events may be cancelled, but you, your accomplishments, and special moments are not forgotten!
Social Media. I have a very broad interpretation of "social media." I believe it's basically any media that I share. We have FaceTimed with some family members, and I take videos daily to send out to others. I have also always enjoyed Shutterfly Share Sites. These are simple to set up and free to use. We had one every year for our Preschool classes and now I have one solely for our friends and family who wish to receive up to date photos of Maggie as she grows. You certainly don't have to, but I create and date a new album every month and upload as often as I have new photos to share. Viewers are all invited by email, the site is not public and cannot be viewed by those who have not been invited. Anyone can upload photos, which is nice for Michael and I if Maggie spends time with family and we have to be away from her. I feel a little better about this than just posting photos and videos all over Instagram or Facebook, especially since not all of my accounts are private.
Love Languages. My SIL gets the credit for this idea, but I have had to dig deep into the recesses of my brain to recall everyone's love languages. It might be impossible to cater to someone whose main language is physical touch, but you can always send a small gift (shameless plug: use code COVID19 at JacobJewelry and get 19% off a gift for yourself or someone else, sent straight to their doorstep in a bright pink, happy bubble mailer), text a kind word of affirmation, offer to pick up groceries or cut grass for someone who appreciates acts of service. In my case, quality time with my little family has given me life these past few weeks, though I'm truly missing it with other family members with whom we just can't gather right now. Just being tagged in a meme that reminds them of me, receiving a card in the mail, or slowing down to have a conversation in whichever form is easiest lets me know they are thinking of me and value my presence in their life. It really can be that simple.
Self Care. I think this is especially true of parents and caregivers right now, but if you are trapped in a house with another adult or there is someone who is able and allowed to relieve you, let them! Take turns! If you were a mom on the go a month ago, running kids around and scrambling to get things done, and now you're a stay at home mom of four with nowhere to run or hide, let dad tag in! It has been incredibly beneficial to take just half an hour or an hour for myself--taking a bath, a walk, just sitting in silence, or reading a book. Allowing myself to breathe--literally, mentally, and emotionally--so that I can continue on in good spirits.
I hope this has given you a few ideas to love on people during this difficult time of distancing. This virus may present some obstacles, but it cannot separate us or crush our spirits. Just remember, this is temporary. One day this will all be a distant memory. One day.
Best,
Emily
We've officially been in quarantine for about a month now. How are you doing?
As a lifelong introvert and germophobe, I can't believe everyone wasn't living like this before. It's kind of my ideal situation. Even I have to admit, though, things are getting tough.
It's easy to decide to stay home rather than go out when given the choice. Not having an option has proven to be a pretty different story--not to mention the life threatening disease running rampant across the world right now. My heart breaks for those who don't get the choice to stay home, for those who have spent countless hours worrying about rent, mortgage payments, utilities, food, childcare, etc. because business has slowed to a crawl or they've been let go and deemed no longer necessary. For those who have lost loved ones and can't gather to mourn, or those who are sick and alone, left to fight their battle sans visitors in an effort to contain the virus' spread. For all those who will be robbed of celebrations this year--birthdays, weddings, proms, graduations. For the first year college students who got a little taste of freedom and are now back at home to finish the remainder of their school year, states away from new friends and classmates. It's a weird time.
Maggie was supposed to be baptized on March 29. It would have been my grandfather's 90th birthday, had we not lost him to cancer in 2007. We were so looking forward to it. My grandmother lovingly sewed a baptismal gown from a dress said grandfather brought back from his time in Japan during the Korean War. I special ordered a patch with Margaret Elizabeth's name and baptism date and hand stitched it into the hem of this gown. Michael and I wrote her a letter that she can later read with our thoughts on this special day and what it means for us and for her. It was also Michael's and my college roommate's 30th birthdays and I had planned a sort of surprise party for all three celebrations with friends and family, decorations and food. It was going to be grand. And just like that, all of it was cancelled. I'm no extrovert, but color me disappointed.
Yes, there is much that could bring us down these days. However, there is still ever so much more for which to be grateful:
-Our friends and family are healthy, they are safe.
-We are enjoying our time at home and Michael is getting to witness Maggie's milestones firsthand.
-Spring is in the air and it is BEAUTIFUL.
-Our cabinets and closets have never been so organized.
-We get to find new and creative ways to love on people from afar.
That last one is what I really want to talk about. Maggie and I have been putting our heads together (read: I've been wracking my brain, dusting off old Preschool teacher ideas and searching Pinterest) to come up with ways to enjoy some quality time together and create some beautiful gifts for others (this mama's top love languages). In case you are hunkered down with a young child (or two, or three), here are a few of the ideas we have concocted.
I mean, if that's not art!
Pollock, or at least Rorschach, would be proud.
Smush Painting. Obviously, I'm not letting Maggie wield a paintbrush on her own, or eat paint, or cover herself in the stuff, but smush painting during tummy time is entirely doable and mess free. I simply found some old canvases I had and some acrylic paint from past projects. I put a couple globs of different, coordinating colors on a canvas and placed it in a gallon Ziplock bag (or you can cover with Saran wrap) and let baby go to town (supervised, of course). I think Maggie enjoyed this, and I know all recipients truly appreciated the gesture, myself included.
Social Media. I have a very broad interpretation of "social media." I believe it's basically any media that I share. We have FaceTimed with some family members, and I take videos daily to send out to others. I have also always enjoyed Shutterfly Share Sites. These are simple to set up and free to use. We had one every year for our Preschool classes and now I have one solely for our friends and family who wish to receive up to date photos of Maggie as she grows. You certainly don't have to, but I create and date a new album every month and upload as often as I have new photos to share. Viewers are all invited by email, the site is not public and cannot be viewed by those who have not been invited. Anyone can upload photos, which is nice for Michael and I if Maggie spends time with family and we have to be away from her. I feel a little better about this than just posting photos and videos all over Instagram or Facebook, especially since not all of my accounts are private.
Love Languages. My SIL gets the credit for this idea, but I have had to dig deep into the recesses of my brain to recall everyone's love languages. It might be impossible to cater to someone whose main language is physical touch, but you can always send a small gift (shameless plug: use code COVID19 at JacobJewelry and get 19% off a gift for yourself or someone else, sent straight to their doorstep in a bright pink, happy bubble mailer), text a kind word of affirmation, offer to pick up groceries or cut grass for someone who appreciates acts of service. In my case, quality time with my little family has given me life these past few weeks, though I'm truly missing it with other family members with whom we just can't gather right now. Just being tagged in a meme that reminds them of me, receiving a card in the mail, or slowing down to have a conversation in whichever form is easiest lets me know they are thinking of me and value my presence in their life. It really can be that simple.
Self Care. I think this is especially true of parents and caregivers right now, but if you are trapped in a house with another adult or there is someone who is able and allowed to relieve you, let them! Take turns! If you were a mom on the go a month ago, running kids around and scrambling to get things done, and now you're a stay at home mom of four with nowhere to run or hide, let dad tag in! It has been incredibly beneficial to take just half an hour or an hour for myself--taking a bath, a walk, just sitting in silence, or reading a book. Allowing myself to breathe--literally, mentally, and emotionally--so that I can continue on in good spirits.
I hope this has given you a few ideas to love on people during this difficult time of distancing. This virus may present some obstacles, but it cannot separate us or crush our spirits. Just remember, this is temporary. One day this will all be a distant memory. One day.
Best,
Emily
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