Meeting Lidiya, Ukrainian mother sharing from Washington
Lidiya is mother to a three years old boy named Mathis and to a baby girl called Maya. Originally from Ukraine, she has been living in New York, city of her dreams, for more over five years. But just before the stay-home order came into effect, her family made the choice to temporarily relocate to Washington.
Impressed by her decision and the way she is coping with the lockdown, we asked to her is she could tell us more! She graciously agreed to do so.
photo by @juliebulanov
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAVE NEW YORK CITY?
After a long discussion with my husband, we decided that staying out of the city, which was starting to feel unsafe, would be better for our kids. We thought our children would enjoy having grandparents to spend time with and that a change of scenery would be beneficial to us all, in particular for our mental health.
Washington state is where we grew up and where most of our family still lives. I was born in Ukraine but have been living in the States since teenagehood. So the destination choice was an obvious one!
WHAT HAS THE LOCKDOWN TAUGHT YOU?
Quarantine has taught me to enjoy the beauty of slower paced living. Coming from a big busy city and always rushing about with kids, this new reality has taught to just live one moment at a time.
This life lesson is teaching me daily not to take anything for granted and to have a grateful heart for all I am been blessed with. And most importantly to find the positive side of all situations.
photo by @juliebulanov
WHAT ARE YOU MOST GRATEFUL FOR?
Like many of us, I am grateful for my family and our health. I know that I am also very lucky to be able to go out for daily walks. This is not the case in all states and some countries totally forbid children from leaving their home.
Last but far from least, having loving grandparents to take care of the kids with us has been the best! I have never received so much help within three years of motherhood!
WHAT ARE THE FAVORITE ACTIVITIES YOU HAVE SHARED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE LOCKDOWN?
Our oldest, Mathis has been spending lots of quality time with both of his grandparents. With his grandma they like to paint and play in the sand in the yard. With his grandpa, they enjoy working together in the garden, watering plants and pulling weeds. He also likes to watch and learn all about the different construction tools.
Besides he has discovered that “working” doesn’t only mean talking on the phone and doing something on the computer (this is how he sees his dad's work). So I would say these last couple of months have had huge educational benefits in all kinds of fields for him!
His sister is still too young to take part in her brother's games. Nevertheless we have had some fun time just celebrating the magic of childhood by dressing her in her best dresses and watching her dance and spin around to the music. A real little princess!
As for me, my favorite activity has been taking bike rides with my husband as part of our daily exercise routine and having romantic picnics in secluded areas by the river.
photo by @juliebulanov
HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO ADAPT TO THIS NEW NORMAL FAR FROM HOME?
Living out of the suitcase and not having my personal space was initially quite a struggle. I took up reading more books which I hadn’t had much chance to do lately with two kids. The quote "Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home." says it all!
I have also been careful of keeping the daily habit of getting myself ready each morning, putting on a pretty dress and wearing makeup instead of staying in sweats. It is a way to care of myself, to be more positive and create my new normal.
CAN YOU SHARE A FAVORITE RECIPE?
We have always tried to involve our son in the kitchen. He loves to cook with us even though it makes a bigger mess and involves more cleaning up after him!
He loves making breakfast. It’s the first thing he asks for when he wakes up. Each week, we rotate and try out new recipes. Our favorite so far has been Acozykitchen's crispy waffles!
WHICH INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS INSPIRE YOU THE MOST AT THE MOMENT?
Several accounts inspire me in different kinds of ways. What I appreciate the most on Instagram is honesty and fun. Below are three of my favorites:
@bethanyciotola : Describing herself as mother of three dragons, hopeless romantic, fluent in sarcasm and professional introvert, I love her sense of humor and adorable boys.
@maryorton : Such a funny mother with a very sophisticated style.
@lafrancaise.paris : Creator of handmade dolls, each new one is more beautiful than the last. I am amazed by her talent!
photo by @juliebulanov
WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD ANYTHING?
Yes, I wanted to say that we are in this ALL together. Everyone is dealing with quarantine and we have to remember that it’s not about us only. We must try to check in on our friends and family and help in any way we can.
Let us be kind to one another! Just because someone is not doing it our way doesn’t mean they are not doing their best. Some had to make choice to leave their home and shelter in a different place. Others have to go to work and are on front lines fighting the virus. We all have our unique path and story but kindness goes a long way and every tiny act can make a difference!
Finally positive thinking will help us to go through all this. By showing the right attitude to our children we are helping them grow! Even if we are not homeschooling our kids perfectly, we often are teaching them more than we believe or care to admit at times.
photo by @juliebulanov
Follow Lidiya on Instagram
Discover her blog Next cup of tea