When both parents were employed, A.J. used to go to a nearby preschool. His mom, C.J., was laid off from her job in mid-January. This is the daily life of my toddler, an only child who adjusted to a new routine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A.J., 2, takes a bath on May 2, 2020. He used to take a swimming class, which was cancelled with the pandemic.

A.J., 2, and his mom, C.J., take the elevator on Oct. 6, 2020. He doesn’t enjoy wearing a “maks,” but he doesn’t fight it in common areas. He also learned not to touch the elevator buttons anymore.

A.J. plays at a nearby park on April 26, 2020. Until very recently, Arlington County, Virginia, kept the playgrounds closed.

A.J. cries about having to go back home after playing at a nearby park on June 14, 2020.

A.J., casting a shadow on the screen door, plays in the balcony of their condominium on March 26, 2020.

A.J. sits in a stack of tubs under a folding table on May 5, 2020. He likes to find tight places such as a guitar case or a cardboard box.

A.J. and his mom, C.J., add vanilla extract to cookie dough on April 25, 2020. They like baking, which A.J. calls “making,” together.

A.J. peeks at his mom under the bathroom door on July 29, 2020.

A.J. reacts while playing with his train tracks on the dinner table on May 11, 2020.

C.J. holds her son, A.J., 2, while he washes his hands all by himself like a big boy on Oct. 4, 2020. Unenrolled from preschool and swim class after one parent was laid off, the toddler, an only child, adjusts to a new routine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A.J. enjoys cake on his third birthday while family members are watching him on a video call. Having family overseas, he is already familiar with video calls, but now he receives them from family members in the U.S., as well.

A.J. plays at a nearby park at sunset on April 11, 2020.