The Bean’s COVIDcation

So far, the Bean is handling her COVIDcation like a pro! Though I’m not surprised, as social distancing comes pretty naturally to her, so she’s in her element. For those of you reading this from outside of Ontario, all of our schools have been shut down for a period of three weeks or, March Break + 2 weeks, and this marks Day 3. Many are predicting that schools will not open as scheduled.

Hubs and I are fortunate as GrandmaGrandpa have offered to help out while we are both still at work full-time. For the Bean to be off her routine is unsettling for her, but mitigated by the fact that she will be spending the time with her 2 favourite people (after her parents, of course)! However, I am starting to doubt that this arrangement will last 3 weeks when, on Day 2, I come home from work to a faint ‘We’re up here.’ I go upstairs, into our bedroom only to find Grandma/Grandpa laying down on the bed, eyes half-closed. The Bean is jumping up and down on the bed between them, wearing a cape. ‘We still have one man standing’, they said.

The next day, my employer announces a two-week shut down. This means that I will be home with Bean! I call GrandmaGrandpa to give them the news. I picture them poppin‘ bottles of champagne and saying to each ‘Phew, didn’t know how we were going to get through 3 weeks of that!’ They deny this.

On Day 1 of my COVIDcation, I locate the super-hero cape and gather a butterfly cape, 2 tutus, 3 old Halloween costumes and a baker’s apron. We play dress-up for the first time ever! Later, I get Bean into her winter coat (with the mitts sewn into the sleeves, so she can’t touch anything, people!) and walk to the new playground near our house. We practice our social distancing skills while enjoying the swingset. I work on teaching the Bean how to pump her legs. It looks more like she’s running in the air and as we giggle, my heart bursts with pride. Our girl is really growing up!