What my toddler will remember about COVID-19

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

An excerpt from the diary of my 1-year-old son:

6:45 a.m. Ahh! It's getting brighter in my room. That means it's almost time for me to yell to Mom and Dad to come get me to snuggle in bed with them. I love our extra time in the morning these days.

8:15 a.m. Time for breakfast! My mom and dad make all sorts of different food for me every day. My dad loves bacon and even shares it with me. I just wish they would share whatever is in their cup that makes them act so happy ...

10:30 a.m. Mom lays me down for my nap every day. I usually go down after being rocked for one song, but today I want to be with mom for three. I hope she doesn't mind.

12:30 p.m. It's time for three of my favorite things: Food, Mom and Dad! I love when they share. What they're eating tastes much better than what's on my plate.

2:15 p.m. Mom, Get off the phone and come play with me! Dad, Get off of your computer! I have so many different balls to throw. Yay! You're both over here. I love playing with both of you together.

3:45 p.m. Man, I am tired from all of that excitement! It's time for Dad to lay me down. I love when he puts the beach sounds on while I nap.

6:15 p.m. I just woke up and am ready to head out for a nightly walk. Mom and Dad take me around the neighborhood. I love getting to see all of my friends with their parents outside. The cool breeze feels good on my face and I love the sun on my skin. Plus, there are so many puppies!

7 p.m. My favorite part of the day! Daddy makes us dinner. I think Mom likes it as much as me. We all dance and smile while dinner is being cooked.

8 p.m. Please stay awake! Please stay awake! I love spending long days with my parents at home. I want to stay awake so this day doesn't end, but I know when I wake up tomorrow, I have another amazing day to look forward to, in my home, with my favorite people.

We are in uncharted territory, my friends, having to navigate this new world of working from home while also having little ones begging for our attention full time. It can be frustrating and overwhelming.

However there is one thing I do know for sure: When our babies look back on these days, they won't remember what we didn't do right. What they will remember is all of the wonderful memories they made with Mom and Dad while safe in their homes.