Damian & Katerina = How To [vil-helm] #89

How To Villlhelllm: How do You even Spell It?

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Tiny Tales from Alyce's Weekly Wonders

Hello everyone, it’s me, Alyce, your favorite 10-month-old! This week was a big one for me because guess what? My mama went back to work for the first time isince I was born! That’s almost my entire life! For two very long days, I didn’t get to see her at all – she got up so early to take the train, and she didn’t come back until it was almost dinner time! Every time I saw my dad during the day, I thought, “Oh, yay! Mom’s home!” But nope, it was Dad. And, don’t get me wrong, I love my dada a lot, but not seeing my mama felt strange in my little baby heart.

Luckily, my nanny made things pretty awesome, even though I missed my mom. We did so many fun things together – we cooked, we went for a walk, and we had some wild playtime with Boujee and Dapper. Those two are so happy when the nanny’s here, they get right in on the fun! Boujee prances around like she owns the place, and Dapper – well, he sneaks his way right into the middle of everything, like he’s the star of the show. We are a real team, Boujee, Dapper and I!

Oh, and Friday had a little surprise too. A new nurse came over, and I could tell she’s still getting to know Boujee and Dapper. It was a bit of a full house, and I loved every second of it!

The best news? Now that my mom’s settled into her new routine, she’ll be working from home. So, I’ll get to see her way more often! Just the thought makes me super happy. Plus, I’m already counting down to my birthday, getting ready for a big dance performance! My dad found this amazing Jamaican version of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” on YouTube, and I can’t get enough. I shake and giggle so hard I feel like I’m the next big thing in dancing!

Counting down the days until I see you all at my party!

Alyce 💕
PS: If you want to listen to my jam, here it is: Row Row Row Your Boat Remix Featuring Big Freedia

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Finding Balance and Embracing the Night Out

Ever since Alyce was born, we’ve been by her side almost nonstop. It’s our first adventure into parenthood, and she’s needed us in those early months. But now that she’s growing stronger and more independent, Kat and I have been thinking about what “normal” life might look like. Then, I got an invitation that really put this idea to the test: my friend Kevin’s birthday party, right in downtown Toronto.

It’s been ages since we’ve had a night out—an understatement, really. When I got Kevin’s invite, I turned to Kat and asked, “So, you in for a night out?” She didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely, let’s do this!” You’d think by now we’d have our babysitter game all figured out…but, well, let’s just say we’re still working on it. And unfortunately, our nanny was tied with her other family for the weekend. A few calls later and no luck. So there I was, facing a tough choice: stay home and miss celebrating with Kevin, or take the plunge and head out, knowing Kat would have to stay home and would have to cancel her birthday massage that I got her for Sunday.

Back in the day, this would’ve been easy—throw on a shirt, trim the hair, and hit the town. But things are different now. We have Alyce, and with her in the mix, every decision feels layered. I kept thinking, What time do I need to get home? Will I miss Alyce’s bedtime routine? Could a night out with friends ever top the little “party” she throws for us every day?

Honestly, I’ve never felt so torn. On top of that, there’s the challenge of breaking away from the routine. I’ve spent years in the nightlife scene, and while I loved the energy and the time with friends, there’s a certain lifestyle to it that’s hard to balance with family. Going out isn’t just about the night itself; there’s the preparation, the logistics, and most of all—the time, which is a rare resource when you have a young family.

For most people, the decision might seem straightforward. But with my recent ADHD diagnosis, the back-and-forth can be exhausting—hello, analysis paralysis. A million questions flashed through my mind: Do I need a new shirt? Do I have tickets? What’s the plan for tomorrow if I’m out too late? What about Kat—will she be okay with me going out? And as the clock ticked on, I started feeling that familiar rush of anxiety. I hadn’t even cut my hair yet, hadn’t showered—and my head was spinning.

So, what did I do? I took a deep breath, found my balance, and reminded myself it’s okay to step out of routine every once in a while. I threw on a shirt, wished Kevin a happy birthday and danced for a bit. The night was surreal—friends, music, a reminder of my old self. Yet, even while celebrating, I found myself thinking of Alyce, Kat and the dogs. I realized I could enjoy the night without losing sight of home.

Heading back, I felt refreshed, knowing I could have these small adventures without sacrificing what mattered most. Back to the family routine, I was a bit more balanced, grateful for the reminder that it’s okay to step out—sometimes, it even makes you a better parent.By the time you’re reading this, I’m likely already in bed, wishing for a few more hours of sleep. But that’s the life of a parent, right? No matter how late we get home, there’s no hitting snooze on Alyce, Boujee, or Dapper the next morning.

So here’s to finding a little balance and embracing the moments that come our way—whether they’re spent on the town or right here at home.

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Woof Woof! 🐾

Mon dieu! What a week, les amis. We, Boujee and Dapper, have survived a monumental event—Maman Kat, in her infinite wisdom, decided to leave the house for not one, but two whole working days! Do you believe it? Neither did we. She said it was for a "work retreat" in Toronto, but we’re convinced it was a top-secret meeting to discuss how to improve belly rub distribution for French bulldogs globally. Très important, non?

Now, don’t get us wrong, our dads—that’s right, plural, because he had the honor of stepping up this week—made sure we were treated like royalty. But without Kat's footsteps echoing through the halls, who could we follow, huh? Who could we sit on? Taylor, or should we say Alyce’s nanny (but she is basically ours too), stepped in. Let us tell you, she’s a goddess of belly rubs and love. Every time she came to care for Alyce, she brought an extra stash of pats and scratches just for us. It's almost like she knows our souls.

And speaking of our family—it’s a balancing act between showering Alyce with all the love our little hearts can give and staying on top of our bodyguard duties around Kat when she’s working. With her back, we’re back on high alert. Someone needs to make sure the entire house and her Zoom calls are secure with our majestic snores. She'll be in meetings, thinking she's in charge, and we’ll be right there, defending her feet, making sure everyone hears our snores loud and clear. Brrr-honk, brrr-honk! They’ll know Kat has class on the line.

But hold on to your kibble, folks, because the week’s adventures did not end there! Just as we thought the excitement was over, a new nurse arrived on Friday. We were ready to meet her with our best paws forward, but she gave us a look—a look that said, “Do I trust these fine Frenchies?” Imagine! Scared… of us? Scared of us?

Fear not, however, because our dad introduced us with all due ceremony. We gave our warmest welcome—the Boujee belly flop (it’s legendary) and the Dapper Side Eye of Supreme Friendliness™—so we’re hopeful she’ll relax when she returns next week.

And so, here we are, reunited with our maman, living our best lives, sleeping on her feet, dividing our love equally between Alyce, our dads, and Kat’s many work calls. We’ll be here for all of it, making sure no one forgets the true stars of the household.

À bientôt!

Boujee & Dapper ❤️

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Thank you, dear Vilhelmians, for following our adventures! We appreciate your support and would love for you to join our awesome Substack community. Hit that like button, subscribe, and get ready for a wild ride with us! Vilheeeeeelm!