April 2020

Well, the middle of a pandemic seemed as good a time as any to resurrect the blog. I'll be going backwards. Right now, Pete is newly 5 and Hank is almost 2. We've been at home since March 7. Pete just started back at Montessori on Monday. They're doing socially distant learning, and while it makes me nervous, it's a decision everyone is going to have to make, whether now or in the fall. Zoom learning was not going particularly well for Pete. He wasn't engaged by the screen, and we spent most of our time threatening him to provoke even the most minimum participation.

Mat and I finished teaching last week (or the week before? Is there such a thing as time anymore?). My parents have been coming for half of the week since this began, from Birmingham (where they moved in November). If I weren't seeing them I'd probably lose my mind (that's what Mat thinks, anyway). I've been enjoying the time at home, with nowhere to be, no obligations of any kind, which is funny, since it's not as if my life pre-pandemic was that stressful. If one doesn't think too long or hard about the complete breakdown of the social fabric, one kind of finds herself enjoying this unexpected time at home.

We've been cooking a lot, and gardening, and doing house projects. Just like everyone else who's lucky enough not to have to leave the house. Pete is a homebody, but he's confused by the world. He knows he's supposed to be scared of coronavirus, but he doesn't understand exactly what he should fear. Although, early on, he told us he couldn't hug Hank because of coronavirus, so he will use it to his benefit when necessary. Hank is in hog heaven because he gets to hang out with Pete all the time, who is his god.

Quarantine hair

Hank is not interested in toys, but he is interested in climbing stuff.

We are all Hank

Our victory garden! This was planted 90% by Donna and 10% by Pete.

Pete was very taken with this butterfly. I think it was dying, which was why Pete could handle it.

Watching the rain. Hank developed a fear of thunder during that storm (he's no longer afraid) and would beg to be held whenever he heard it for a few days.

That striped chair is where Pete's head should be. But it's down, not participating.

Junior! Feenie died and we adopted two dogs since I last posted.

Here Pete is protecting his dye from Hank

Quarantini

My parents got these hats for the boys in Morocco last year and H and P rediscovered them and they are the source of a lot of joy and pain (pain when one boy gets the hat he did not desire).

In my defense, it's the first monogrammed thing Pete has ever worn, and only the second monogrammed thing Hank has ever worn.

I had to take Hank to the pediatrician (he had a fever, which was absolutely bizarre because we hadn't gone anywhere in WEEKS). It was totally empty besides a few staff. Apparently their business is down 70%.

I made scallion pancakes

Pete is actually into masks because he likes accessories

Their personalities in one pic

My dad is obsessed with Coke Zero and the boys now drink the dregs of it. I've given up.

With my friend's new book!

It tasted better than it looked.

With his birthday dinner, and a "salad" of carrots and bacon bits Pete made him

Zoned out

My writing situation

He's wearing a sweater--the weather is weirdly gorgeous. I can't help but think that it's because there are so few emissions, even though I know that's not how it works.

In the hats

Helping with a house project

Alone in a wagon