We've officially started: "Come in the house, kids, close all the windows, and play quietly while mommy figures out why it smells like smoke" season. (and it's definitely not Memorial Day BBQ smoke)
Blarg.
ETA: Pier fire on SF waterfront. So no risk of spreading.
Ugh. I sincerely hope we have a below average wildfire season this year in California. I cannot even think about having to stay inside for weeks for poor air quality, and that is obviously extremely minor in comparison to all of the other devastation from wildfires.
I need to do something to re-engage myself with our daily walks / scooter rides. We didn’t even go out the past two days because going on yet another walk around our neighborhood park feels blahhhhhhhhh. I’m having to drag my kids along at this point because they are sick of scootering alone and playing ball games alone while I try to prevent my one year old from putting all the things in her mouth.
Post by InBetweenDays on May 23, 2020 12:29:12 GMT -5
I'm sorry sonrisa. Hopefully that will be short lived
I mentioned this in a post on Married Life, but DD (14 next month) applied to be a counselor-in-training at our local boys and girls club. We got an email last night that they are planning to move forward with summer camps, with some drastic changes to increase safety. DD REALLY wants to be a CIT this summer but I'm just not sure I'm comfortable with it.
I think we're sending the kids on a scavenger hunt tomorrow. A friend gave me the idea, but we're going to give them clues to a number of places they have to find in our neighborhood. Then they'll have to go together and take a photo of them together in front of each one. Get them out of the house and doing something together for a few hours.
How long are people seeing for online orders with a curbside pickup, not groceries or target? I did one with Joanne’s that took 5 days before I got the “it’s ready” email. And I’m sitting on 3 days from Lowe’s. I’m trying not to be impatient, but...
Home depot was about 6 hours for the two orders I have done.
A local toy store has a several days wait right now, but they only have the owner filling orders and Pickup has only been open for a few days.
Does anyone know how that whole second, third, once-removed cousins hierarchy works?
My mom and my uncle are sister and brother.
Uncle’s daughter (“Cousin”) is therefore my first cousin.
Cousin and I each have a daughter the same age who like to play together/FaceTime nowadays. Let’s say Cousin’s daughter is named Catherine, and my daughter is named Darcy.
Does anyone know how that whole second, third, once-removed cousins hierarchy works?
My mom and my uncle are sister and brother.
Uncle’s daughter (“Cousin”) is therefore my first cousin.
Cousin and I each have a daughter the same age who like to play together/FaceTime nowadays. Let’s say Cousin’s daughter is named Catherine, and my daughter is named Darcy.
So what are Catherine and Darcy to each other?
Second cousins. "Removals" are differences in generation, so you're not Catherine's aunt, you're Catherine's 1st cousin once removed. But your kid and your cousin's kid are in the same generation, but obviously aren't 1st cousins - so they're second cousins (which is really just counting how many generations since you shared an ancestor - minus 1, since siblings is 1).
I just watched Onwards with my kids. It was super cute, I liked it, but they were oddly terrified. My 8 yo was sobbing at one point, but didn't want to stop watching.
They have watched scarier movies than this, so I'm flummoxed.
Does anyone know how that whole second, third, once-removed cousins hierarchy works?
My mom and my uncle are sister and brother.
Uncle’s daughter (“Cousin”) is therefore my first cousin.
Cousin and I each have a daughter the same age who like to play together/FaceTime nowadays. Let’s say Cousin’s daughter is named Catherine, and my daughter is named Darcy.
So what are Catherine and Darcy to each other?
Second cousins. "Removals" are differences in generation, so you're not Catherine's aunt, you're Catherine's 1st cousin once removed. But your kid and your cousin's kid are in the same generation, but obviously aren't 1st cousins - so they're second cousins (which is really just counting how many generations since you shared an ancestor - minus 1, since siblings is 1).
I just watched Onwards with my kids. It was super cute, I liked it, but they were oddly terrified. My 8 yo was sobbing at one point, but didn't want to stop watching.
They have watched scarier movies than this, so I'm flummoxed.
My kids are young enough that they didn’t really understand the sadness of the plot, but I had to sneak away to hysterically sob in the kitchen. It was a good movie, and a good plot, but holy hell it was sad - especially as I’m contemplating my own mortality with everything going on.
Post by Velar Fricative on May 23, 2020 21:02:54 GMT -5
We decided to see my mom tomorrow for a brief visit. We are meeting up in a quiet park in the morning, masks on, staying apart, and the kids will be on bikes while we walk. It was planned last minute but I realized since my mom retested negative a few days ago and goes back to work at the hospital on Tuesday, this is our best time to meet up. I mean, I’d like to believe she won’t get reinfected, but until we know for sure we are acting like anyone can catch this thing or transmit it.
I just watched Onwards with my kids. It was super cute, I liked it, but they were oddly terrified. My 8 yo was sobbing at one point, but didn't want to stop watching.
They have watched scarier movies than this, so I'm flummoxed.
My kids are young enough that they didn’t really understand the sadness of the plot, but I had to sneak away to hysterically sob in the kitchen. It was a good movie, and a good plot, but holy hell it was sad - especially as I’m contemplating my own mortality with everything going on.
This was me with Finding Dory. I don't remember what was going on in my life when I saw it but I was a mess in the theater.
We decided to see my mom tomorrow for a brief visit. We are meeting up in a quiet park in the morning, masks on, staying apart, and the kids will be on bikes while we walk. It was planned last minute but I realized since my mom retested negative a few days ago and goes back to work at the hospital on Tuesday, this is our best time to meet up. I mean, I’d like to believe she won’t get reinfected, but until we know for sure we are acting like anyone can catch this thing or transit it.
Enjoy it!!! Hope she’s feeling well and you have a great time!
I let the girls visit with their mom this weekend. She's an essential worker but works with her boyfriend flagging so not normally exposed to a lot of people. She's visited with my ex and shopped but things seem to be okay. They've been taking his 18 month old on the weekends so I thought it would be fair-ish since they've been doing their schoolwork. We took their mountain bikes there and she has five acres to climb around so it will be more fun there. As long as they're observing social distancing and stay on the property I feel it's safe. Especially since the younger has asthma and the older has anxiety and is scared to get sick so they'll take precautions. Doesn't make me less nervous about taking this step since she's not always made the best decisions in the past but she seems to be making many of the more correct ones lately. (But I'm still chewing my fingernails.)
My kids are young enough that they didn’t really understand the sadness of the plot, but I had to sneak away to hysterically sob in the kitchen. It was a good movie, and a good plot, but holy hell it was sad - especially as I’m contemplating my own mortality with everything going on.
This was me with Finding Dory. I don't remember what was going on in my life when I saw it but I was a mess in the theater.
I sobbed at this movie. My kids were so confused...they were all "this isn't even sad. She's talking about how awesome she is."
"Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies-"God damn it, you've got to be kind.”
Post by seeyalater52 on May 24, 2020 10:27:38 GMT -5
I want to stab my pregnancy app. They never adjusted any of the recommendations and tips for preparing for baby so they’re all suggesting I use second trimester to take advantage of getting spa treatments, long relaxing shopping trips sans baby, and going to concerts.
Post by Velar Fricative on May 24, 2020 10:52:39 GMT -5
Visit went well! Park was close to empty and we had a lot of space to stay apart. This really helped my anxiety as well. DD2 did try to and get close at one point but we were able to stop her by pointing out a squirrel to “chase.”
We were prepared for it, but DD2 also did puke on the car ride up, as she almost always does. This was only her second car ride since March and by far the longest one, and she hates Dramamine. Ugh.
My friend is getting married in July. She said it’s a private ceremony at a B&B with party later. I’m making them a pair of bride & groom masks. Just for fun. Her’s will be a silvery silk with pearl trim. For him, black, with a white v area and a bow tie. Something like this listing on Etsy. But not an exact copy or anything www.etsy.com/listing/787487276/bride-groom-black-wedding-protective
So now, the @ part. She has an ~18 SN son (autism). I was kind of thinking I’d make one for him, too. I can’t imagine he wouldn’t be there. So, should I match the groom look? Or do something different?
My kids are young enough that they didn’t really understand the sadness of the plot, but I had to sneak away to hysterically sob in the kitchen. It was a good movie, and a good plot, but holy hell it was sad - especially as I’m contemplating my own mortality with everything going on.
This was me with Finding Dory. I don't remember what was going on in my life when I saw it but I was a mess in the theater.
We watched Up with DS (he was 3 at the time) and my recently-widowed mother when it first came out, not knowing the underlying premise. There was much hidden sobbing.
Is any other parent of a toddler (1-2) feeling bitter that the pandemic happened at this age?
I am fully aware that the pandemic is not about me and I am devastated for the families who have lost loved ones. But if it HAD to happen, I would have really liked to not have a toddler. I need a break. (And I don’t even have it that bad because he goes to daycare three days a week...but my job is not a break).
Is any other parent of a toddler (1-2) feeling bitter that the pandemic happened at this age?
I am fully aware that the pandemic is not about me and I am devastated for the families who have lost loved ones. But if it HAD to happen, I would have really liked to not have a toddler. I need a break. (And I don’t even have it that bad because he goes to daycare three days a week...but my job is not a break).
Yes. I’m doing better now but I went through a good deal of resentment and anger. I had to take a break from most of my friends with older kids who keep talking and posting about all the fun things they are doing with their older kids. I know it’s hard for everyone in different ways, but I think this is extra hard on us parents of small children who need constant attention. Never mind trying to work on top of it. It’s exhausting.
Is any other parent of a toddler (1-2) feeling bitter that the pandemic happened at this age?
I am fully aware that the pandemic is not about me and I am devastated for the families who have lost loved ones. But if it HAD to happen, I would have really liked to not have a toddler. I need a break. (And I don’t even have it that bad because he goes to daycare three days a week...but my job is not a break).
I have a 9 year old and am still bitter, lol. Parenting during a crisis is haarrdddd. Makes the newborn colicky years look so easy.
Is any other parent of a toddler (1-2) feeling bitter that the pandemic happened at this age?
I am fully aware that the pandemic is not about me and I am devastated for the families who have lost loved ones. But if it HAD to happen, I would have really liked to not have a toddler. I need a break. (And I don’t even have it that bad because he goes to daycare three days a week...but my job is not a break).
Yep. Our lives would be so much easier if my youngest was nearly 5 (as my middle child is) than the very active and opinionated 2yo I have. DH is jobless, so he watches them while I work, then I get to do the majority of breakfast and bedtime. For most activities that we do, it'd be so much easier without a toddler in the mix. There's just no escape from it - when I emerged from my office for lunch, DS2 says "yay, Mama", runs to me, and says "I want up please." It's amazingly cute, but it happens sooo often. I walk out of a room and back in "I want up please"... And obviously we're super privileged that I still have a high-paying job and we're able to totally isolate ourselves, etc. We keep considering having our usual babysitter come so we could actually have a break, but she lives with her dad and her dad has to take his dad to all sorts of doctor appointments (and lives in a home) - so we're super concerned about either getting it from them or giving it to them. Sigh.
Is any other parent of a toddler (1-2) feeling bitter that the pandemic happened at this age?
I am fully aware that the pandemic is not about me and I am devastated for the families who have lost loved ones. But if it HAD to happen, I would have really liked to not have a toddler. I need a break. (And I don’t even have it that bad because he goes to daycare three days a week...but my job is not a break).
I hear ya. DD is nearly 3 and just does.not.stop. Bouncing, singing, asking questions, wanting to touch the computer while we’re each trying to work ... ooof. She still takes a nap, thank goodness, otherwise we’d be so so screwed.
Post by somersault72 on May 24, 2020 18:52:12 GMT -5
My baby girl is 2 today! She had pizza and a replica cake from Frozen Fever. She was just so sweet to watch. These past two years have flown. I thought time with my first went fast this has been even faster!
My kids asked to have a sleepover (with each other) tonight. I told them I'll think about it. My son (6) says "that means yes. You're yes parents now."
So. That's how the pandemic has apparently affected my parenting.
Is any other parent of a toddler (1-2) feeling bitter that the pandemic happened at this age?
I am fully aware that the pandemic is not about me and I am devastated for the families who have lost loved ones. But if it HAD to happen, I would have really liked to not have a toddler. I need a break. (And I don’t even have it that bad because he goes to daycare three days a week...but my job is not a break).
I do think it’s a blessing your children won’t remember and aren’t affected by missing school, friends, sports or other activities. My anger related to the shut down is related to my school age children missing things. As hard as it is to have babies or toddlers during this, their life is not turned upside down like older kids. Just a different perspective.
Is any other parent of a toddler (1-2) feeling bitter that the pandemic happened at this age?
I am fully aware that the pandemic is not about me and I am devastated for the families who have lost loved ones. But if it HAD to happen, I would have really liked to not have a toddler. I need a break. (And I don’t even have it that bad because he goes to daycare three days a week...but my job is not a break).
I have thought numerous times about how dd is at a decent age for all this. It is absolutely hard on her but she’s old enough to understand, can entertain herself, play outside alone, make her own simple breakfasts and lunches. We can do crafts that are actually fun for us both. She can carry on a real conversation. She still does stupid shit but the day-to-day is so much easier than it would be with a toddler. Your feelings are totally valid.
Is any other parent of a toddler (1-2) feeling bitter that the pandemic happened at this age?
I am fully aware that the pandemic is not about me and I am devastated for the families who have lost loved ones. But if it HAD to happen, I would have really liked to not have a toddler. I need a break. (And I don’t even have it that bad because he goes to daycare three days a week...but my job is not a break).
DD2 is almost 3 but it’s hard for sure. But I also have a 6.5yo and I see the pros and cons of dealing with this at that age too. Ultimately, what trumps everything about this for me is that DD2 won’t remember this but DD1 will, so I kinda wish DD1 was younger too in that regard. And homeschooling while WFH is the worst, and I don’t feel that same pressure with DD2.
I also feel fortunate in both regards that these are not milestone years for either kid. I’d be so sad if one or both of them were graduating from wherever they are.
Is any other parent of a toddler (1-2) feeling bitter that the pandemic happened at this age?
I am fully aware that the pandemic is not about me and I am devastated for the families who have lost loved ones. But if it HAD to happen, I would have really liked to not have a toddler. I need a break. (And I don’t even have it that bad because he goes to daycare three days a week...but my job is not a break).
I get it. I have 11, 8 and 2yo boys. I’m really bitter because I love the toddler age and activities. I had big plans with ds3 before the big kids got out of school and brought their sarcasm and derision home with them — zoo, children’s museum, story time, splash pad, Little kids water park, bounce house place and lots of playground time. My big kids are not bad, but they don’t want to go spend 3 hours running through fountains anymore. I am really really unhappy that I missed out on one on one time with him. Instead all he does is piss me off that he’s trying to climb on me while I read PowerPoints about the revolutionary war and double check three digit subtraction. It’s made me really depressed and lonely