Milestones during Shutdown!

As most of you know, I’ve been in Pittsburgh for a long time!  I went home for 3 days to re-group…and by re-group I mean, pack up additional leggings and pajamas for what Katie and Anthony were calling the “long haul.” 

I had no contact with anyone during these 3 days and I packed up for the “long haul.”  I returned to Pittsburgh and have been here since.  I started my stay here on March 17.  All in all, it’s been good.  We have found ways to make it work (without disrupting everyting!)…giving each other space as often as we can and more when someone needs it. 

These two kids are so good to me.  I couldn’t be more grateful…I just didn’t want to shelter in my apartment all alone.  I also had no idea I would still be here as we approached May!

During this time, I have been able to watch Gabriel thrive!  I was here when he celebrated his 7 months in our family!   We’ve been waiting and watching him do so many things.  He’s been a real treat!

The first thing I worked on with him was mastering a fake cough.  Now, don’t ask me why, but it seems babies can imitate this “cough” without much effort.  Within a couple of days, he had the cough mastered.  Now, in hindsight, I’m not sure this was the best time to teach a “cough” to someone, but we did it and there’s no turning back.

I then started saying “hi” to him with my wave, just about every chance I could find.  We were trying to get him to wave.  It has taken some time, but yes, my friends, he is getting it.  Sometimes, it’s a little delayed, and not always in the right direction, but I call it a wave and he seems to approve.

We’ve been clapping at everything good he does.  In addition, we squeal “YAY” as we clap.  This past weekend, he found his clapping hands!!  Now, he likes to clap!!   This is what gets us excited these days!

Now…the big news!  We have a crawler!!  We have watched for a couple of weeks as he has gotten on all fours and rocked and rocked.  He looked like he was going to take off at any time.  There was a lot of frustration on his part.  I have been fascinated by his thought process and this energy to move.  Finally, he did it!  He moved forward, just a little at first and then, he took off…moving from one room to another.  Life has changed for sure and this little guy is about to discover so much more!!  As much as we encouraged this crawling thing, the realization that baby-proofing is going to the next level!

For me, the milestones have not been as dramatic and yet I think they are milestones on some level.  I have been away from home for 7+ weeks.  I have mastered Zoom for work and socializing.  My jeans fit...easily!  (although I have found a new appreciation for stylish pajamas and leggings!) I have not been to the hair salon since March 2!!!  (this is not really a milestone, but I have altered the way I look at that obnoxious gray/white streak of hair that extends from my part!). I have learned not to over-react to things I cannot control.  I have started to master taking one day at a time for the sake of my sanity.  None of these are monumental, but small victories worth celebrating!

Now, I’m heading back to Cincinnati on May 1, to check in on my apartment, pick up mail, grab some groceries and after that, who knows?  I keep thinking I’m ready to go home, but then, I get a little weepy thinking about leaving. I’m nearly 62…I can be alone and survive!  I need to go.  Katie, Anthony and Gabriel need some family time too.  I’ll be fine!  Stay tuned…xoxoxoxo