How to stay safe while returning to normal activities?

Tomorrow is the day our governor has decided to lift our state's stay at home order and from what it seems when I've ventured out, many people believe the risk of the COVID-19 virus is over.  We have been very protective of trying to keep everyone safe and we've pretty much done everything and more to mitigate the risks.  Therefore I'm struggling with how to find a balance in returning to the way our life was somewhat before.

The data I see on the news and the trends in the number of cases reported and the deaths to not seem to be matching what our governor reports and so I am leary.  I've spent enough time in the hospital with my children and previously when Jarrett faced his greatest life battle, and for these reasons I want to still stay at home and shelter in place. 

I know however I can't do that forever, I can see if on my boy's faces and sometimes even the girls.  Madelyn at lunch today asked me if when this is over we can take her to Disneyland?  And Isabelle has asked about 100 times if she can go to the store.  And the boys... they so terribly miss their friends, their activities the socializing that is so much of a teenager's life.  Today Gabe said, "I'm really tired of just being with you guys."  I totally get it, I'm sure we are all sick of each other in some ways.

But I worry and I feel like I just want to keep them safe.  I got an email today that the high school sports training for Gabe starts this next week so I better get comfortable with the fact our life has to start to resume some outside activity, I just need to find reassurance we can still do things to keep our family safe.

I took Jennings to the doctor today for his 9 month check up even though he's turning 10 months tomorrow (NO!!!!) and the pediatrician was telling me that about 7% of their total appointments  are for children who have COVID.  She said this is NOT something to take lightly and she is recommending for all her patients and their families that they still stay home and shelter in place for as long as possible.  She then shared with me that they are very concerned  about what happens this fall when the flu and COVID happen at the same time.  Her words were reassuring to me that it is okay to worry and that  it is okay  to be overly cautious in these uncertain times.

So tonight I'll go to bed with that on my mind.  I sure hope I can sleep because we are getting worn down.  Last night was another short night and today Jarrett and I have been fighting headaches we hope are nothing serious but again want to make sure we stay healthy too.

I'll close again with a few pictures.  The kids have taken over my phone in their "Today is just as boring as yesterday phase" and so I let them take crazy pictures with filters....

Baby filter... it doesn't seem that long ago when he looked like this... 

Oh and this was quarantine haircuts round 2, yes that's how long we've been at home 

And baby Michael... Look at those cute cheeks.

and baby with a baby filter.

and Madelyn with no filter... but with an Oreo milkshake mustache.  

And tomorrow I'll capture Isabelle.  Today she somehow avoided the photos.  

Until next time,

Angie