coronavirus

Doing the Best for Our Family

/ annabyang

I was positive that my kids would be returning to the classroom this Fall.

Illinois has been careful in its reopening, and kept Covid-19 mostly controlled.  A little over a week ago, our school district announced its reopening plan with two options: 100% remote learning, or a “hybrid” model of 2 days a week in school and the rest at home, with a rotation of kids for either Tuesday/Thursday classes or Wednesday/Friday classes based on their last name.  Along with in-classroom instruction came a lengthy list of safety guidelines that would need to be followed. Continue reading →

The Things I Do Now

/ annabyang
2020-07-20 Pandemic Parenting

Photo by Ashim D’Silva on Unsplash

“Pandemic Parenting” has turned me into the kind of parent that I never wanted to be.  I have always been responsive and decisive as a parent.  I see a problem, I find the solution.  I rarely second-guess.  I rely on parenting experts, feedback from friends with older children, and my own instincts.

Covid-19 has upended all of that. Continue reading →

Ninety-One Days

/ annabyang
2020-06-11 Into the Unknown

Photo by Alex Ivashenko on Unsplash

I remember reading reports out of Wuhan, back in February, when the citizens had been on lockdown for more than 72 days.  When we passed the 40 day mark, I thought “Ok, breathe.  More than halfway through what China went through.”

We are now on Day 91.  Thirteen weeks.  “Normalcy” isn’t a word I think about anymore.  There is only Before and After. Continue reading →

To Myself, 6 Weeks Ago

/ annabyang

estee-janssens-zni0zgb3bkQ-unsplash

Today marks 6 weeks since our confinement at home started.  Quentin refers to it as the “coronavirus conundrum.”  I think he simply likes the combination of words, but the days feel like a constant pull of being grateful that we are safe and healthy, and increasingly going crazy by the relentless monotony of the days, with no break and little variation. Continue reading →

Acceptance of the New Normal

/ annabyang
2020-04-14 Acceptance of the New Normal

Photo by Matt Sclarandis on Unsplash

Day 32 of our confinement to our home.  The days have now turned into a predictable rhythm of remote learning assignments from the elementary school, juggling work and a toddler, endless dishes and laundry, and time in our backyard if the weather cooperates.  We do telehealth appointments with doctors when needed, FaceTime with family, and Zoom meetings for church.  I text constantly to stay connected, but it isn’t the same.  I miss playdates, going to the museum or zoo, Starbucks, and dinners with my friends. Continue reading →