During this time of not having sessions in person for an indefinite amount of time, I’m connecting with clients to find out how they’re navigating this #SaferAtHome order during the COVID-19 pandemic. Esther just turned 1mo, and Terra and Garett have had to parent for the first time during a pandemic! So, without further ado, meet The Dill-Volks, and learn how they’re handling this new life.

**Terra and Garett on their wedding day: July 7, 2018**

Katy: How are you handling the #Saferathome order?
Terra: Hi Katy! Overall, I’d say that I’m handling the safer at home order pretty well. I feel relieved to be home safe with my family (my husband, newborn, and dog). We try to make it a daily adventure by deciding what we can do or what needs to be done at home. There’s a lot of cooking, walking our neighborhood, watching shows, and researching baby stuff.

I should also share that I started teaching from home on March 16th. *Whew* teaching or getting set up for teaching from home was very stressful and there were definitely moments I wanted to throw in the towel. I am a special education teacher and there were/are so many elements I feel are unfair to our students. Many students do not have access to the technology they need or that learning right now is not the main focus when their family is focused on survival. Over the weeks though my school adapted to different scenarios and I was able to reach out to students by phone or mail also. I have since taken a break from teaching as my little one arrived. (April 9th)

Katy: If you have kids, how are they doing?
Terra: Esther is doing awesome. She is a little peanut at almost 6lbs and learning about the vast world around. Garett and I are thankful to be home with her during this precious time too. We can focus on her and learn about her wants/needs. Plus the newborn schedule is crazy, it’s nice to be able to just go with the flow.

Katy: What have you found yourself doing the most?
Terra: I have found that I am mostly feeding Esther, at times I feel like a factory. Unfortunately, sometimes I also feel consumed by social media. People want to connect with us/vice versa but at times it can take up alot of time. The least? Garett and I have been missing sleep the most, Esther lets us get generally 2-3 hrs at a time. If we are lucky 4hrs. Missing sleep!!!

Katy: What have you found yourself thinking the most?
Terra: I find myself nervously checking my email and news every day worrying about the state of everyone. Hoping for some good news that the numbers are going down and we can get back to socializing soon-ish. I find myself wondering about family and friends, thankful that everyone is at home though and safe. Wishing I could visit my southern relatives and spend more time with people. It can definitely be overwhelming at times, but we’re taking it day by day.

Katy: Have you tried/done anything you always wanted to do but never had time for before all this?
Terra: Hahahaha this one is kind of funny for us. We are parents for the first time during a pandemic. It’s something we’ve always wanted but wow, it is certainly different than anything we could’ve anticipated. We are also gardening and working on our home which is nice.

Katy: In moments of overwhelm, what brings you back to yourself, to the present? (Share any resources--books, music, food, etc. that may help others if you so desire).
Terra: Garett and I take a lot of pride in cooking meals together, gardening, and working on our home. We have very different styles of doing things but together we’ve really made a life together. I really enjoy music, watching documentaries, reading about powerful women, and getting inspired for when we can get back out in our community.

Katy: What’s one positive thing you keep telling yourself throughout this?
Terra: One positive thing I keep telling myself is that my daughter was born during an election year amidst a pandemic, that must mean something. I plan on taking her out this summer/fall into community and/or election events (if we are able to have them). We are so grateful to have this little life and cannot wait to share the world with her. We are trying to focus on what we have and are thankful for this time all together.

Life During Pandemic: The Dill-Volks