Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

The word for this time period in history is for sure "Corona Virus" In the middle of February we began to hear about a virus that was killing people in China. We then heard about how people in Italy were getting this virus and how they were not allowed to leave their house. It sounded like something off of movie until it started affecting us in the United States. It started with the girls sports events being cancelled and then their school was cancelled for two months and eventually for the rest of the school year. Addison and Kaitlyn are currently doing school from home on their Chrome Books. Our church stopped meeting and we have Zoom Video Calls to stay connected with our Connect Group (Sunday School Class). We are not supposed to leave our house except for the grocery store or to take care of a loved one. We are supposed to wear masks when we go into stores. All restaurant lobbies are shut down.

Below is some excerpts from the World Health Organization's Website:

"Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face.

The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).

At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings become available.

To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following:

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
Maintain at least 1 metre distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching your face.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Stay home if you feel unwell.
Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.

Most common symptoms:

fever.
dry cough.
tiredness.

Less common symptoms:

aches and pains.
sore throat.
diarrhoea.
conjunctivitis.
headache.
loss of taste or smell.
a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes.

Serious symptoms:

difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
chest pain or pressure.
loss of speech or movement.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.

People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home.

On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days. "

It was a weird time to have my birthday during this time period because we were not able to go out to a restaurant that serves green beer like we usually do. We ended up getting takeout from Blue Sky and eating at the house. Mimi and Poppy and Brock, Miranda, Sheldon and Peyton came up though. We probably weren't supposed to have that many people in one house but it was the beginning of all of the rules and I was so glad they came up. We all dressed up in green and took our green picture.

Our Easter this year was quite different as well. We dressed up to get another family picture but we did not go to church. We hid eggs for the girls and let Cammie, one of our neighbors, find the eggs with the girls. We went to Nana's for lunch although we were one of the only people we knew who were getting together with grandparents because no one is seeing their parents right now. The Easter Bunny still made it to the house during this time. The YMCA closed so Josh has been working in the office but only with a few of his staff. My work all transitioned to working from home. My work had me come back early from maternity leave due to the unknown effects this was going to have on our business. They also changed my hours from about 30 a week to full-time. That has been really hard for me as I haven't worked full time in over 7 years and now we have three children. The market tanked almost 30% at one point and unemployment has dropped to about 16% at the moment. It was hovering around 3% before all of this started.

Our Green Shirt Family Picture even though we did not go out to a restaurant

Mama with her little Leprechan

Mimi with her Little Pot of Gold

I thought this picture turned out cute!

First Time that Logan got a hold of one of his toys on his play mat. He loves his play mat!

Nana enjoying Tummy Time with Logan

Cute Face

Kaitlyn was trying on different outfits on Logan that our neighbor Laura gave to us and Remi wanted to be in the picture also

Kaitlyn snuggling with Logan one Saturday morning

Look at my cute tie!

Enjoying my swing at Nana's

Strong Like Daddy

Logan's Easter outfit that I bought at Wal-Mart

Easter Egg Hunt with Cammie

The Easter Bunny came!!

The Easter Bunny brought Logan a Bunny Rattle

My Three Blessings!!

My Sweet and Handsome Boy!!

Our Easter Picture in the Living Room with the camera propped up on a table. We didn't go to church so we didn't have anyone to take our picture. The girls wanted to get out of their dresses before going to Nana's for lunch.