Pandemic

It's been a long time since I posted. The pandemic has been so unkind to so many. It has been difficult for everyone. We are no different, though, we really don't have room to complain. Business hasn't picked up, but it hasn't really slowed either.

I know many have been stuck at home. I was one of them. After losing Zoe, we started trying to get pregnant again November of 2019. The pandemic shut us all down in March of 2020. I continued to go to the farm until the entire family (sans Hubby, me, Mema, and Papa) got Covid in November of 2020. We had just started seeing a fertility specialist. In an abundance of caution, I was required to stay at home.

Needless to say, life got very dull. I got up every morning with my alarm. I did my computer work as I could. I went to Dr's appointments. But, like most of the rest of the US, I was locked in my house, desperately avoiding getting sick.

In January of 2021, we received the most amazing news that we were finally pregnant again. The majority of 2021 was spent in these same 1700 sqft. Every one of us got vaccinated. I started going out 1 day a week for a while. Mom and Sis came for a week in June to paint the most wonderful mural in Little Bug's room. Otherwise, I was alone in the house until Hubby got home from work.

I didn't go out to eat. I didn't even pick up food to go. We were doing church online. I didn't even get groceries. I don't know of many 30something year olds that stayed locked in to this extent.

I have done online classes on French, book keeping, accounting, and marketing. I kept our books up to date. I read my old college books about childhood development all over again. Finally, in September, Little Bug graced us with her presence. I had 6 weeks more at home, but as many of you undoubtedly know, I was busy again.

6 weeks went by so fast. We were seeing the pediatrician regularly, and I got to start going back to work. Little Bug came with me from day 1 back at work. We packed up the pack'n'play, diaper bag, diaper caddy, baby monitor, white noise machine, and pump. All of this just for Little Bug. I felt like I was getting ready for a month long trip.

It didn't take long for Mom to figure out she had some of these items available so I didn't have to pack the whole house just to come to work. Soon the office was overrun with items for Little Bug. We have a Bumbo, Rocker, Rolling Walker, and tummy time mat...and that's just the toys that stay at the farm.

It is such a treat to have the ability to bring her to work with me. She and I have developed such a wonderful bond, and my anxiety is so much lessened because I have her. It's not without its struggles though. First, it is impossible to get much work done. Between play times, reading, feeding, and diaper changes, nearly half of my work day is taken up caring for Little Bug. Then trying to pump with men around is awkward. There is a window right by my desk, so discretion is a forgotten word. My nursing covers are getting their purpose fulfilled though.

I have grown very accustomed to alerting to engine sounds. If I hear one coming close, I shut off the pump and make sure I'm unhooked and back to normal. So the other day, Mom and Papa went to put out hay. Papa also got some hay up to the house to give to a customer later this afternoon. He left the tractor near the house so it was ready when the customer came, but it meant I couldn't hear it coming back to the barn. So when he came walking back, I had no warning sounds and was still pumping when he came in the door. HAHAHAHAHA Thank goodness he didn't look my way. HA, I was scrambling to try and get everything shut off and resituated.

I always have everything covered, so no real concerns, it's just awkward. We all make do. Yesterday, Little Bug had a bit of a melt down. Mom was there to step in and help when I felt overwhelemed with migraine and Little Bug screaming. We do our best, and Little Bug is the biggest blessing and treasure here for all of us. We still feel the restraints the pandemic has put on everyone, the expenses and limitations are no joke, but God has given us the biggest positive in the midst of this craziness.