The coronavirus is a major health concern, but it has also been detrimental to our mental wellbeing. I felt like I was going through an emotional rollercoaster of anxiety and was also checking the news religiously to see how things were panning out. I was also extremely pissed off at people who behave in such a disgusting and selfish manner during this outbreak. The pandemic has really revealed the ugly side of human nature with people hoarding groceries, the price gouging of items such as masks, the increase in racist hate crimes, and people breaking quarantine or ignoring the need to social distance. I was so shocked by many of these behaviors and it was very hard for me to understand why people can think that their personal liberties and needs are more important than those of others. I spent an unhealthy amount of time hating on these people and getting frustrated. Let’s not even get started on idiots who want to spew conspiracy theories and compare this outbreak to the flu. However, I realize that there is no point in ruining my mood over the actions of others. I am more than happy to blast people who are putting other people’s wellbeing at risk, but I also want to focus more on the GOOD people of the world who are making a positive difference during this outbreak. Therefore I have been sharing more happy news and contributing to worthwhile causes. Here are some links (1, 2, 3) to uplifting news and also a link to how you can help out during this time.

Having to social distance also takes a toll on our moods. I do consider myself very lucky to be able to be safe at home with my husband and our dog Mister. I love spending time with them and there is a lot to be grateful for. However, I am also a social person who loves spending time with my friends. It is a special period in my life and it is a shame that I am unable to be with my close friends.

There are a lot of things to prepare for during pregnancy and the pandemic definitely changed many plans. Below I have detailed some of these changes that were initially disappointing and how I changed my perspective around them.

Trip to Holland cancelled. We usually go back to Holland every 2 months or so to see Jerry’s family. We cancelled all our travel plans because it was much too risky to travel. We were going to buy a bunch of baby things including the crib and stroller from a specific Dutch brand that I liked. While I was disappointed that I could not make the trip, we were able to find all the things that we wanted in Hong Kong. After a lot of research, we also found a store that delivered that specific stroller to Hong Kong. Problem solved! 

Baby moon cancelled. I was initially thinking of going to Paris after our trip to Amsterdam for our babymoon. I was looking forward to it because it would be the last time Jerry and I would be able to travel as just the two of us. With all travels cancelled, this was just not going to happen. It was a bummer that we would never get this babymoon, but I told myself that it would be just as fun to go as a family with the baby. Also, if I go after the baby, I will be able to enjoy steak tartare and wine! 

Maternity shoot cancelled. My original photographer is also pregnant and we had scheduled the shoot in mid April. She emailed me to cancel because she felt uncomfortable with traveling and work since she was also pregnant. I was initially a bit unhappy but she introduced me to another photographer and we took some AMAZING photos that I am so excited about. It was a blessing in disguise because I really think those new photos are perfect and just what I had in mind.

Antenatal courses cancelled. We had signed up for the antenatal classes at Matilda Hospital along with an Infant First Aid Course. It is our first pregnancy so we were excited to learn as much as possible. I was truly disappointed when they were all cancelled but luckily I signed up for two online courses that I found and that were also recommended by a fellow mama. I would prefer the in-person course, but we will do what we can with the online courses! 

Amazon no longer delivers to Hong Kong. I had gotten SO many goodies from Amazon and had a bunch of things in my basket for my next order. I was shocked to suddenly see that they no longer delivered to Hong Kong. Once again, it was a shame but they were all things that I could find in Hong Kong. There is also time until the baby gets here so hopefully things will be back up and running by then! 

Baby shower up in the air. I was really looking forward to the baby shower and at the moment we are still unsure whether we will be able to have this. If the situation is still very bad in May or June, I may not be able to have one at all. If things are better I could potentially do something something outdoors or at home. 

While I understand that many of those problems are first world problems, I still accept that I am human and my disappointment is valid. However, dwelling on those thoughts won’t get me anywhere and I would rather find a solution and shift my perspective.

During these tense times, I always feel lucky that I have a comfortable home that I love, access to healthcare, access to a well stocked super market, the ability to go on short walks and be near mountains and the ocean, and access to a gym in my building. I also love the extra quality time that I get with my husband who coincidentally is my best friend (and cute pup Mister). I am also incredibly grateful for my health and the blessing of this active little baby growing day by day.

Here are some things I’ve done these past few weeks to stay busy and positive:

• Check in with friends: You might not be able to see your friends, but we have so many apps and tech that allow us to stay in touch 🙂 I also dropped off some food for one of my best friends who is a doctor and it was a happy “errand” in my day.
• Find a tv show to pass time: Crash Landing on You, Tiger King, The Sinner, The Great British Family Cookoff… you name it. There were some shows that I probably would not watch regularly but hey, you got the time!
• Sign up for courses: What a great time to learn something new! I signed up for a bunch of antenatal courses but there are also great classes on Coursera. You can also learn a new language on Duolingo.
• Schedule out the week: This keeps me motivated and excited instead of feeling like each day is drag. Events don’t have to be huge, they could be things like groceries, baking bread, etc.
• Make big batches of food: Ever wanted to make wontons, bread, or other big recipes? This will take up a big chunk of your day and you can also do it with other members of your family. Jerry and I made almost 100 wontons one day and that was a lot of fun.
• Try new recipes: This quarantine seemed to have spurred a lot of cooking… so write out a list of recipes you’ve always wanted to try and get cooking!
• Get your sweat on: Gyms may be closed and hiking trails are full of people, but tons of fitness instructors are doing live workouts and there are lots of other at-home options available!

It’s a tough time, but stay health and safe everyone! We can fight this pandemic together 🙂