gratitude in the time of pandemic

There are plenty of things that are unclear in the world right now. I am currently at home after all PA schools were closed on Friday with our four kids and this 36 week pregnant belly. We are working on a very loose schedule for the morning and afternoon hours while I stay in contact with my students who are working virtually during this break. Our normally busy schedule has been wiped clear and if we are being as practical as possible - it's been an adjustment to this 'new normal' over the past few days if nothing else. 

My biggest concern of all is about the birth of this new baby brother. As the reports are coming in, it sounds as though the hospitals will be hit hardest right at the time this baby is supposed to be born which has me whiplashing through feelings that I hope he's born as soon as possible to get ahead of that surge and oppositely hoping he stays in there and isn't born until the end of April (past my due date) so he's as healthy and fat as possible to enter this world. 

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But we are doing our best to do our part. We are staying at home and hunkering down. Brandon has been our gopher since he is still working (on a modified schedule). We stocked up on regular groceries for about a month and we've turned down family and friends for visits and sleepovers (it is heartbreaking to do but necessary to keep those we love safe). We have been strictly following the suggestion for social distancing, "You have to behave like you have the virus." 

At the end of the day, what will help all us through this, is to remember to seek out all the things you can be grateful for right now in this confusing moment. Here are some of the things that are bringing my peace and thankfulness. 

extra hugs and snuggles from little hands

kids sleeping in 

leggings and big tshirts over this 36 week pregnant belly

dirty, tired kids smiles after a day outside in the yard

a forced cleared schedule on our family calendar

hearing the kids tell family, "we are doing homeschool, momma is our teacher"

modified half work days for my husband

students who email, message, and check in and close their message with "hope you are healthy"

no screens until after 3p

navigating this life in limbo with my favorite person as an anchor (i love you, B)

nightly kid campouts in various rooms of the house

time to catch up on home projects that we've been meaning to get to for forever

kicks and wiggles of this new baby brother

my midwife and cousin Meg who has been so patient and gracious answering my questions

Rusty's funny personality that is shining bright these days

Violet's dimples with that mischievous smile

Gemma's momma bear-helpful tendencies coming out strong

Grey's inventiveness to create games and missions to combat boredom

text messages from friends and family

daily phone calls and video chats with family and friends for our long distance socializing time

sibling teamwork and inside jokes

Rusty singing "Red, White, and Blue" after the kids do the pledge before homeschool (their idea, hah!)

free resources from TeacherPayTeachers for the kids' homeschool hour

Gem and Violet delivering our chicken eggs to neighbors with a 'knock, run, & wave from the yard'

healthcare workers

essential business workers 

longer days of sunlight

slower paced days

sending love, patience, and good health wishes to all of you out there. 

find the good. 

be the good. 

xxox