Turning 10, distance learning and social distancing -- from June 6th

I've not updated here in quite a while. There is so much craziness going on in the world right now, I really don't have room to complain. It's more for documentation and just to release a bit so I can move on.

My sweet boy turned 10 during the pandemic. We had planned a party with all of his friends from school and elsewhere but canceled it. Not a big deal because he doesn't realize so much, or at least he doesn't vocalize, his disappointment about things of that nature. But the trickiest part of it all, is that he can no longer spread his love to those around him. We live in an amazing neighborhood and he is used to visiting our neighbors regularly, sitting on one neighbor's porch in her rocking chairs, ringing the doorbell on another and then walking through their house to say hi to everyone and asking for a banana from their kitchen. This is a mutual love thing. They love him and he loves them. And now he can't even give a hug, let alone visit their homes. And it's almost like having a toddler and trying to explain something like that to them. He is so upset and he's gotten used to it now that it's been 2 months, but he is just sad and confused. 

Speaking of almost like having a toddler, the "messes" which he loves so much, are driving me batty! Every single day, if I use the restroom or step outside to grab a package or something, he goes, first, to scan the house to see if anyone left a device free for him to pick up. Then, he proceeds to make whatever mess he can and then lays in it. It could be toys (if I'm lucky), cards, pencils/pens/crayons, a full trash can, or if the fridge is unlocked like happened the other day, 3 baskets of berries :(

On a "normal" day, this is a bit irritating but I'm used to it and I deal. I ask him to clean it up, and share my frustration, depending on if it's appropriate or not. But with all that's going on, including having no true break from him and trying to be his teacher every day while Lila is trying to keep up with her work but I have no time to barely check in with her. And Mike is working from home, upstairs, which is loud and we have to keep quiet. It's a bit much. 

Although, we have a wonderful home in a beautiful space. Although we get on each other's nerves, we love each other very much. And we have wonderful weather to take walks, bike rides and just eat meals on the patio. These are the things I keep reminding myself. We have it so good, especially compared to so many.