Day 8

Our first week went ok, I suppose.  We were finally able to get a pack of toilet paper. 

Here's what we've been up to:

• Near daily dog walks
• Lots of weeding for me (it's not my "me time")
• School at home (which is difficult)
• Home Made mint chip ice cream (because we had cream that needed to be used).
• Then we had egg whites left over from said ice cream, so I made macarons.  I was going to do two batches, but I ran out of almond flour.  So I did these chocolate meringue cookies with the other three egg whites.
• We've watched a lot of tv and movies.  We've watched several Disney movies that were new to the kids.  And some Simpsons episodes too.
• I made the kids play outside.
• I washed and dried an orange crayon.  I had to look up how to clean the dryer.  Then how to fix the clothes.  The clothes came out pretty good.  A few little spots, but nothing too noticeable.  
• Reading a lot of books with the kids.  Bron loves being read to, and Bert does a lot of reading on his own (though, also still likes being read to).  I've been slogging through The Wasp Factory.  I'm not liking it, but I only have like 30 pages left.  I've started listening to audio books as week.
• Bertram and I have been doing to draw along with Mo Willems.  That's been very enjoyable.
• Yesterday afternoon it rained quite a lot.  Both kids wanted to go play in the puddles.  Bertram lasted approximately 3 seconds before there was water on his socks.  But I had to bribe Brony to get her back in the house.  She has so much fun, and didn't care that she was sopping wet.

Today starts week 2.  We've been sick with little things: cold symptoms, low fevers for the kids.  Not likely covid, since that requires an actual fever (to my knowledge).  I've been miffed because Aaron's folks are not following the social distancing protocol.  They are in the "elderly" group.  But they still have been going out, just to run to the store for non-urgent/needed things, have had people over, have been to others houses... Between my weakened immune system, and the kids having cold/fever stuff, we've been trying to keep our distance.  But my FiL keeps popping by to borrow things, or bring the kids a treat.  I'm very prickly about the whole thing.

Pictures from the week:

Orange crayon.

Ugly tasty cookies

Draw with Mo Willems

Bertram's hasty retreat from the rain.

Day 3

• Woke up at 3 something and couldn't go back to sleep.
• Cleaned kitchen
• Napped
• Both kids had low fevers (low 99s)
• Did school
• Pulled weeds
• Family walk
• Did the census
• Sent Aaron to Target (still no TP, we're starting to run low)
• Instant pot dinner
• Lots of tv
• Old Simpsons are amazing.
• Bron didn't nap.
• Bert was testy all day

Isolation day 1 & 2

Day 1:

We went on our walk, and did school work.  Bertram had his normal speech therapy. Aaron and I ordered sandwiches for lunch (He's home for the foreseeable future as well, but is working from home).  This was the last day our library was open, so I went and returned our books, and checked out about 50.  Aaron went to Trader Joe's for my dad.  The line was out the door and around the corner, but they still had some food left. I started a new puzzle.

 Day 2:

(This was technically the first real day of isolation, per the city/county/state instruction.  For the next three weeks we are all to stay at home as much as possible, and only leave for essentials (having to work, groceries, medicine, gasoline etc).  Most food places are open for drive thru, pick up or delivery.  There is no dine in, all non-essential businesses are closed for the next three weeks: clothing stores, movie theatres, salons, etc.  I'm not sure how those businesses or their workers will survive. Aaron and I have been trying to order food a little more often, to help with commerce.  People can go on walks and be outside, but need to remain 6ft+ from non-household members.)

We read Tango Makes Three.  (This was by design, as a few weeks ago Bertram said boys can't marry boys (I don't know why he decided that)). So we talked about different types of families, and what makes a family.  We did 2 math sheets.  That day his teacher sent optional lesson plans we could follow (which is awesome, because I suck at that).  He did an online unit about spiders, and finished a k'nex ferris wheel with Aaron (I need a picture of that).  I pulled some weeds in between rain systems.  Bertram, Bron, Fiona and I went for a walk.  Bertram and I (mostly me) baked cookies.  

Bron has continued her usual routine, for the most part.  Everyone has been having a little more screen time.  

We had dinner down the street with Aaron folks, for Saint Patrick's' day.  I'm not sure if we should continue to visit, as they are not following the city/county/state mandate and are going out just for fun.  They are in the more susceptible group, as am I.  I'd like to follow the rules and stay healthy.

Everything came and went, my mom, Bertram's birthday, the 2nd trimester of school.

My mom was here for three weeks that went way too fast. 

Bertram had a Star Wars themed party.  It was pretty calm.  We surprised him with the Disneyland trip.  He was/is excited.  I haven't mentioned that Disneyland is currently closed, because hopefully it'll be open and ready in a month from now.

Bertram's report card came home on Thursday.  For all academics he is either on track, or above.  But he needs work on things like: cooperation, sitting still, waiting, following directions etc.  He has his first ABA this coming Friday. Hopefully that will help things some.  But his teacher said his behaviour really is improving (overall). 

Because, like most of the country, we are on Covid-19 self isolation.  Bertram is out of school for the next three weeks. It has really left a lot of parents scrambling, as it was announced Friday (after school) and started pretty much immediately.  I really feel for the parents that are working, single, health workers, grocery retail, etc.  But the district is providing free bagged breakfast and lunches during the week, so that's good for many.  It doesn't particularly effect me, as I'm home all day anyway.  But I've been trying to get some school stuff in order for Bertie.  I want to try to keep a routine, because he does a lot better with routine.  This is what I'm going to try:
7am: Wake up normal time, eat (or not (he's not always hungry)), and go for our morning walk.
8:30ish: reading/language arts/writing practice
9ish: Math (I only have a little of that)
9:20ish: Science.  I got my dad's old microscope.  I ordered more slides, since there are only 4.  He really wants to see a Water Bear/Tarigrade.  So we'll have to get some pond water and see what we can find.  But we'll do things like: cheek cells, various plants, salt, sugar, and maybe blood if I can prick myself.
10ish: I'm trying to think of an ongoing art project we can do, but I haven't thus far.
Free time
12: Lunch
12:30-1:30 (or longer): quiet time Rest/nap/read/possibly additional tablet time.
Afternoon: play outside
4ish-5:30: Baths, tv

So we'll see how that goes.  I don't consider myself a very effective teacher. 

Examples:

Currently the library is slated to be open for a few hours in the afternoon tomorrow.  Hopefully, I can get over there and exchange their books.

Bronwyn is doing a weird sleep schedule.  She will either nap really late, or not at all.  If she naps late, she, of course, won't sleep.  If she doesn't nap, she's grumpy in the afternoon, but sleeps well. Aside from that she's parroting like crazy, and always has a lot to say.  She still loves reading, she is not as into art as Bertram was at her age.She likes to help unload the dishwasher by handing me one item at a time.

I'm still working on my depression.  My doctor switched my meds a little.  I'm not sure it's helping, but time will tell.  He really wants me to start exercising again (aside from walking).  I haven't as of yet.

Bronwyn Interview 2 years 7.5 months

1. What is something mommy always says to you?  Rachel!

2. What makes you happy? Bert-bert's birthday!

3. What makes you sad?  Angry monsters

4. What makes you laugh? Ha ha loud (then growls)

5. How old are you? 2

6. How old is Mommy? 2

7. How old is Daddy? 5

8. What is your favorite thing to do? Mario

9. Who is your best friend?  At school

10. What do you want to be when you grow up?  Cookie

11. What are you really good at? Bronwyn Alice Keeley

12. What are you not very good at?  Bronwyn Alice Keeley

13. What did you do today? At work, at school

14. What is your favorite food?  cookies

15. What is your favorite song? 39 (by Queen)

16. What do you want for your birthday this year? Get some doggies

17. What is your favorite animal? Lion

18. What is love? Red balloon

19. What does daddy do for work? .at work

20. Where do you live? San Jose, California

21. Where is your favorite place to go? Oh! The Places you'll go!

Bertram's 6 year interview

1. What is something mommy always says to you?  I love you

2. What makes you happy? Hugging you

3. What makes you sad?  Not being with you.

4. What makes you laugh? Tickles, although I hate them

5. How old are you? 5, I mean 6!

6. How old is Mommy? I don't know

7. How old is Daddy? I don't know

8. What is your favorite thing to do? Play Legos

9. Who is your best friend?  Kaylee, or my school favourite is Liko

10. What do you want to be when you grow up?  BattleBots Builder

11. What are you really good at? Building Legos

12. What are you not very good at?  Closing my eyes in bed

13. What did you do today? I don't know

14. What is your favorite food?  Pizza

15. What is your favorite song? Yellow Submarine 

16. What do you want for your birthday this year? Lego Millennium Falcon

17. What is your favorite animal? cat

18. What is love? Hugging and Kissing

19. What does daddy do for work? .Gives us money

20. Where do you live? San Jose!

21. Where is your favorite place to go? Stay at home.