Seeking Positivity

I’m reflecting today on #pandemiclife. I’ve been stressed out for most of it, like most everyone, but we’re ironing out a routine and I think we’re getting the hang of it. I feel like I’ve been focusing on the stressful lately so I want to focus on the positives.

Pre-pandemic, Penny was often so overwhelmed with having socialized all day at school that she would just be done by the time the evening and weekend rolled around. She’s been enjoying being home but, even as the least social person I know, is starting to struggle with all of this alone time. We went to my sister’s house the other day (they are our double bubble), and Penny – without prompting – played with her cousins. It’s obviously not the prolonged and attentive play that her cousins are used to with their friends, but they were all so happy to be with each other. They even did a train down the slide and it made me so happy because I totally remember doing that as a kid. (There’s not a whole helluvalot she does that reminds me of my childhood, if I’m honest.)

Rory’s words have exploded. His favourite thing to do is look deeply into your eyes and say clearly, “I…want…be outside!”. If he thinks you don’t understand he’ll sing out “Socks!” “Boots!” “Jacket!” as he collects all of his outerwear. He’s also added “I want…a piece a bear paw!” and “I want…a bitta milk!” among others. The other day I had a video meeting with the kids’ Senior Therapist and he looked in the camera and waved while yelling, “BYE! SEE YA!” (he doesn’t like my attention to be on anyone but him). He’s also singing full songs so clearly that we can actually understand all of the words and he’s independently working on the actions that go with them.

The kids themselves are enjoying being around each other too. Penny loves rubbing people’s arms and faces (it’s a sensory thing) and lately shes been rubbing Rory’s back and he leans into it. So sweet. They’ve also found some common ground with singing songs they both enjoy, watching the same YouTube videos, and throwing rocks into the ocean.

Having more time with the kids has also given me more patience to work on their eating. Rory previously would rarely eat anything for us (but would at daycare) and Penny would mostly eat macaroni and cheese. The other day they both ate a fish cake which is just insanity. We learned that Rory is struggling a bit with holding his fork (instead of learning he just used to run away). That’s probably something I should have picked up on before now, but it is what it is. We’re working on helping him with that and feeding him his meals otherwise. Dude will eat anything now as long as we put it on his utensil for him.

We’re spending a lot of time together connecting as a family. A lot of our time before seemed to be carting the kids from appointments to activities. It’s nice to have the downtime. When I have a rough day I’m just like “I’ll try again tomorrow” instead of feeling like garbage for wasting a day of productivity. And when we can’t bear to go for a drive, walk, or play in the backyard I like to say that we’re saving the world instead of feeling bad.

The kids waking up at all hours of the morning has also pushed me to try coffee (I’ve always been an avid tea drinker and hated coffee). So, that’s been something new. Having to get up at 5 am is also something new but…I don’t want to talk about it.