Lockdown 1 diary

Week 1

The first week of lockdown my son was sick and then I feel ill as well. We went into complete quarantine.

Being a single mom without family nearby, there are times where I have been sick while my son is healthy. During week 1 of lockdown, my son recovered faster than I did and he had milder symptoms, yet I still needed to plan meals, take care of him, and help with daily routines. Here are some things I did and I share so that other single moms benefit as well:

• Each week I made a bone broth soup in a slow cooker.
• Going Dutch with sandwiches. My son makes as many peanut butter or cheese spread sandwiches as he wants to eat.
• Soup packets that could be added to boiling water
• Re-shelving food that kids can eat on their own to be on their height level and in reach

Week 2

My colleague and neighbours dropped off food supplies from the market and grocery store. It was heart warming since they picked up items I hadn't even thought of, but needed.

My son's birthday was during week 2 and he and I celebrated together. Some presents arrived before his birthday and the main present arrived the day after.

Week 3

A colleague dropped off more food, some books, and flowers for the garden and house. The vivid colours helped make the garden and house feel more alive. We celebrated the end of 14 days of quarantine with pizza.

The desk arrived from Ikea and my son and I put it together. My son insisted on helping me which turned out to be very useful.

Week 4

I went to the market for the first time in a long time. I made a secret hiding spot under the stairs for my son. H pulled a joke on me by setting his alarm clock behind so he could stay up later (but also meant waking up earlier). He also became more interested in music and I got him a guitar. I took him on a long bike ride to the countryside as his first time outside of the house. Marie Kondo's The Life Changing Magic of Tidying up book inspired me to start re-organising my home.

Week 5

This week I read more books and dropped some off at local neighbourhood libraries while also finding other books to read. I cried for the first time in lockdown, missing hugs from another adult. My son and I visited another home for the first time since lockdown. I painted the garden chairs and table and rearranged them to respect the 1.5 meter distance for a tea social with a friend.

Week 6

I finished tidying the house according to Marie Kondo and the entire house feels more cozy. We had friends over from León's former school. We were no longer used to socialising for so long.

Socialising has become talking about:

• what books you are reading
• what movie series you are watching
• what you've done in the garden/balcony
• what you've updated in the house
• where you're favourite spot is in the house

Week 7

Primary schools opened part time. This is blessing and new challenge all in one. School is clearly on days at school, but homeschooling days seem to be "holidays" and a new routine must be found. 

​My son and I cabled the house for TV together. It seemed difficult at first, but we managed to get the cable under all the cabinets.​