Tomorrow is my son’s first birthday, and I seriously cannot believe it. I know everyone says it, but the year really flew by (though if you told me that during the first few sleepless months, I wouldn’t have believed you!). I’m taking the day off to snuggle him extra tight — well, when he’s not crawling away from me to play with everything and anything in sight. Especially cords and cabinets. Sigh.

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Thinking about the past two months, I’m really grateful to be quarantining with my son and husband — even if it is crazy at times. I’d be lying if I told you there weren’t tense moments and arguments. And we’re not the only ones; families around the world are dealing with a tremendous amount of stress. This week, Kelsey Borresen asked relationship experts for the essential pieces of advice couples need to hear right now.

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Xo, Ashley Rockman

In case you missed it:

A few weeks ago, my grandma’s brother — my great uncle — passed away in Buffalo, NY. Because of the current situation, only one cousin could attend the burial and she set up a Zoom call so that the rest of our family could watch and share memories. It wasn’t ideal, but it was better than nothing. Families everywhere are facing the same predicament: do they wait out restrictions and plan a traditional funeral when people can come together again to grieve, or hold a digital memorial of some sort? Brittany Wong wrote about Zoom funerals, talking to people who have lost family members and religious leaders who have officiated virtual gatherings.

FYI:

It’s hard to make time for self-care with everything that’s going on; maybe you’re working from home and also homeschooling children, or out on the front line or making deliveries for an essential business. But that doesn’t mean taking care of yourself isn’t important. As therapist Jennifer Chappell Marsh told us, “Focusing on personal needs isn’t selfish — it actually increases our capacity to care for others. Airline attendants say it well: If the plane is going down, place the oxygen mask on yourself first before turning to help others. This is absolutely critical. If we don’t, we may not be able to help anyone.” We compiled some self-care tips that are easy and accessible right now.

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