A month later Teddy was trying to participate in a virtual meeting while the kids ran amok in the living room.
"Altman, why are you working from home and why do we hear children," another colonel asked.
"I have two children and am expecting our third at the end of August," Teddy explained, "I can't risk exposure to the virus for my self or my three year old son."
"Your son isn't well," a man said.
"Leo has asthma," Teddy said, "my fiance is working in the covid ward and staying on the base."
"You're alone with two kids," the first man said.
"Owen is working with COVID patients," Teddy said, "he's doing this week and next then has to take a test and quarantine before he's home. It'll be the end of May before he's home then I need him."
"Why did you put Major Hunt into that ward," the general asked, "you told me that for your children he wouldn't be."
"Just this week I have three of my surgeons on vents, I've lost three nurses to it and have 12 nurses isolating at home, 7 doctors in isolation," Teddy said, "we had to decide between Hunt and I. I'm losing staff to the disease. The three last week bring my total to nine. We're losing people. The mental toll is climbing."
"And we need to send anyone we can to the hospital ships out of New York and LA," the general declared.
"To do that I have to close to local trauma and only take our own," Teddy said, "all non emergent procedures are cancelled."
"Mommy," Allison said climbing up in Teddy's lap.
"You have to sit quietly with me Allison," Teddy said as the almost two year old snuggled into her mom.
"Mommy," Leo yelled, "Allison bit me."
"Excuse me for a moment," Teddy said before muting her microphone and turning off her camera.
"You need a nanny," a man yelled.
Teddy shrugged as the two kids climbed on her. She preferred her time with her kids to the endless online meetings. She had spent two hours that morning trying to get PPE that did not exist anywhere on the planet. She sorted the two kids out pacifing them with snacks and paw patrol so she could finish her meeting. After this they would have lunch, go to the park and then nap time so she could follow the latest numbers.
"Sorry about that," Teddy said as she reconnected, "three and a half and 23 months they need more outside time then were getting in our hour a day."
"Will you take it," the general asked.
"We're going to the playground," Teddy said, "once we finish here. My schedule I've sent to you is different because it's based on my kids needs. Naptime lines up with the WHO update."
"You need a nanny" a man repeated.
"I'm not bringing anyone into my home right now," Teddy said, "we're safest the three of us."
"Groceries," a man asked.
"Order or Owen drops things off and we talk through the door," Teddy said, "we're making it work."
"I'm on my base away from my wife and kids," a man said.
"It's hard for everyone," Teddy said.
They got down to the business of their call.
"Okay," Teddy said standing up, "lunch, park and naptime."
Teddy quickly made lunch for herself and the kids just sandwiches for the kids and a salad for herself. Pouring three glasses of milk she sent the kids to wash their hands and sat at the table with them. She was worrying about the preschool skills they were missing. She made sure they drew, colored and played with play dough, she read to them, they built with blocks and lego. Teddy wanted new library books for the kids, picture books in English and German she didn't want them to totally lose the German they had learned. She missed the pool and swimming lessons. She wanted to go for a swim and to take Leo to soccer.
They walked to the park with masks on Teddy having trained her toddler and preschooler to wear them out of the apartment because there were too many unknowns. Seeing there was only one other family at the park Teddy sat on a bench.
"Teds," a mans voice said.
Teddy jumped up and spun around, "Owen!"
"How are you," Owen asked, "how are the kids?"
"They need more movement then an hour a day but I found some kids dance videos on something called go noodle," Teddy said, "we're good. What are you doing here?"
"I have a two hour break and you come here every day at the same time," Owen said, "I did a rapid test this morning. I'm negative. And Itotally decontaminated after leaving the COVID wing."
Teddy threw herself into his arms, "I miss you."
Owen pulled her closer, "I miss you too. Two weeks is a long time."
"We still have another month," Teddy whined.
"We'll make it work," Owen said, "I'll try to get my breaks so I can come to the park."
"Owen feel this," Teddy said, taking his hand and pressing it where their son was kicking.
"Wow he's really getting strong," Owen said, "you look beautiful."
"You look tired," Teddy said, running her hands through his hair.
"I miss you," Owen admitted, "I don't sleep without you now. Two weeks is too long"
"I can't sleep without you either," Teddy said, "I need you to come home."
"Not being with you, only seeing the kids on video chat, not being able to hold and smell them. This sensory deprevation is torture. This is the first time in two weeks I've touched another person without gloves," Owen said.
"Hug the kids, I'll bath them when we get home," Teddy said, "they know we all take a bath when we get home from the park and leave dirty clothes in a laundry basket in the entryway. Leo likes running to the bathroom in just his underwear."
"Are they wearing masks," Owen asked.
"Your mom sent toddler sized ones," Teddy said, "they each have three. I've ordered us all more. I did a big order of kids clothes and some stuff for me. It should get here soon. Online shopping for kids clothes is nicer than actually shopping but I want to go shopping for myself."
"Daddy," Leo yelled, running over.
"Daddy daddy up," Allison demanded.
Owen crouched down and pulled both kids into his arms holding them tight.
Teddy beamed and snapped a picture of the three of them. She loved moments like this the simple everyday things, playing at the park with Owen and the kids, story time and bath time.
"I think mommy needs a hug two," Owen told the kids standing up with one in each arm. Teddy quickly joined the group hug. As they held each other and their kids Owen and Teddy both relaxed.
"Daddy coming home," Allison asked.
"No sweetheart," Owen said, "I have to go back to work."
"When," Leo asked.
"Four weeks," Owen said, "I have to work with sick people and I can't make you sick."
"Please," Leo begged.
"As soon as I can," Owen promised.
"Maybe daddy can come to the park with us again," Teddy suggested.
"I will be at the park as much as I can," Owen agreed.
"Why can't you come home," Leo asked.
"Because I'm working with a lot of very very sick people," Owen said, "usually mom and I work with people who got hurt. Right now we have very sick people that need my help. I don't want to make you, mommy and Allison sick buddy."
"Are you sick," Leo asked.
"No," Owen said, "I'm very careful and I'm healthy."
"We miss you at home," Teddy said.
"Please come home," Leo begged.
"As soon as I can," Owen promised, "I don't like it either. I miss you so much Leosaurus."
"Daddy," Allison asked.
"And I miss my princess Allison," Owen said.
"Play," Leo demanded.
"We will go play," Owen said, "give mommy a break."
"We'll all play," Teddy smiled.
"Teddy," Owen asked.
"I'm good," Teddy smiled, "I'm feeling good. You're missing the good parts, when you come home is when I start getting uncomfortable."
"What can we do," Owen asked.
"I'll explain on the phone after the kids go to bed," Teddy said, "I have a plan."
They played in the park for a few more minutes before it was time for Teddy to take the kids home for their naps. Getting inside they all took their shoes off and she quickly hustled the two into the bath for a quick scrub and rinse off. They were used to this routine now and Teddy wasn't taking any chances. Kids tucked in for naps Teddy hopped into the shower herself. She turned the daily COVID update on low on the TV as she wiped down the apartment with disinfectant. She had always kept her homes clean but now it was almost to an OCD level of compulsion. Before she would wipe up spilled juice or food with a damp cloth, now she was using disinfectant. Even the groceries that were delivered were disinfected before coming inside.
She went through the afternoon and evening routine with the kids, art, games, play time and dinner before they snuggled with a story and were tucked in.
Sitting on the couch for story time Teddy scolded, "Leo stop poking my tummy."
"But it's poking," Leo said.
"That's your brother," Teddy said, "stop playing with him, it's time for our story."
"I love you baby," Leo said hugging and kissing Teddy's bump.
"That's so sweet Leo," Teddy beamed, "he loves you two."
"Me," Allison asked.
"Your baby brother loves you two," Teddy said, "now we have a story about a puppy to read."
She read them the puppy story and tucked them into bed.
Teddy made herself a cup of tea and called Owen.
"Kids are in bed," He asked.
"They are," she confirmed, "out like lights. We had a dance party after dinner."
"I missed another one," Owen moaned.
"Soon," Teddy said, "I have a plan. We just need more staff out of isolation. You're the first to move back to normal duties after we get the rest out of isolation."
"Why me," Owen asked.
"I have two other majors and I need you home," Teddy said, "you saw it today the kids need you. Allison kept asking for you at bed time."
"I don't know how much longer I can do this," Owen admitted, "I'm going crazy Teddy. Today was the first time in two weeks I've touched another person. Even then I couldn't kiss you because we had masks on."
"We have to stay masked," Teddy said, "what type of world is this to rais our kids in? A global pandemic that closes their day care, keeps them from their family and friends."
"I need to get home to you and the kids," Owen said, "I shouldn't have even gone to see you today but I saw you at the park and I just had to see you face to face."
"I know," Teddy agreed, "we all needed that."
"It's the best thing that's happened since I started doing COVID patients," he agreed.
"We know so little about this virus," Teddy said, "nothing is fact. The president is spouting off anything that comes to his head with no research. We can't get home. We would not be able to go home if your mom needed us."
"Megan can't get to mom," Owen said, "she's totally locked in the house."
"I know she's losing it," Teddy said, "she's learning to knit and make sourdough."
"They're getting a dog," Owen said.
"I want a dog," Teddy said, "but three little kids."
"When we go back," Owen said, "when we go back and settle some where we can get a dog."
"I have my puzzles," Teddy said, "I ordered another one for me and a few harder ones for the kids. And starting Monday I actually get to be a doctor and consult virtually and get zoomed into the OR to direct and over see residents."
"Do virtual surgery with the kids," Owen asked.
"I bought them a human body puzzle and an operation game," she admitted, "never too early to learn."
"What are you doing tonight," he asked.
"Watching Tiger King," she admitted, "it's horrible and awful but it makes me stop thinking about the dumpster fire that is our whole world right now."
"What episode are you on," he asked.
"Three," she said, "are you watching?"
"I finished the second one," he admitted.
"I haven't started three," she said, "face time and watch together?"
"Then i'm just going to want to be on our couch with you," he whined.
"Have you heard from your mom," Teddy asked.
"She's having trouble getting toilet paper," Owen said, "I found some online and it's being shipped to her."
"Hopefully only a few more weeks of this," Teddy said, "I have three doctors that can take your place out of quarantine on Tuesday then you have to do 14 days."
"To come home," Owen asked.
"I'll check the research but I'd feel better with Leo's asthma," Teddy said, "he hasn't had an attack in a few weeks."
"You know how to manage it," Owen said.
"We both do," she agreed, "I miss you."
"I miss you too," Owen said, "I love you so much."
"I love you always and forever," Teddy smiled.
They chatted for a while longer before watching Tiger King and texting each other about it.