Villlhelllm: How do You even Spell It?

🎉🎈 Celebrating One Year of Adventure! 🎉🎈

Hey there, fellow Vilhelmians!

Can you believe it’s been a whole year since we have embarked on this wild journey of sharing our weekly updates with all of you? Time flies when you’re having fun… and maybe a few minor mishaps along the way!

From the bottom of our hearts, we want to extend the biggest THANK YOU to each and every one of you who stuck around through thick and thin. Seriously, you’re all true troopers! Whether you’ve been here from the start or just joined our merry band of Vilhelmian wanderers along the way, your support means the world to us.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the past year: the epic adventures, the unforgettable memories, and of course, the occasional laughable blunders (because let’s face it, we’re not perfect!). But through it all, we’ve learned that life ain’t always a walk in the park… sometimes it’s more like a stumble through the woods with a questionable map and a stubborn GPS.

But hey, that’s what makes it all worth it, right? The ups, the downs, and everything in between. Because at the end of the day, life is about embracing the journey with positivity, purpose, and a healthy dose of humor.

So here’s to another year of adventures, mishaps, and everything in between. Thank you for being a part of our Vilhelmian story, and cheers to many more chapters ahead!

Parenthood: the scariest hood you’ll ever go through, but the best hood you’ll ever be in. – Unknown

Hello Friends, Family and Fellow Adventurers,

Greetings from the bustling world of Katerina and Damian! As we journey through the world of parenthood, we’re excited to share the latest updates and insights from our adventure with you.

Alyce has brought an abundance of joy and love into our lives, and we’re grateful for every moment we spend with her.

The first 45 days with Alyce were spent in the hospital, where she received around-the-clock care from nursing staff who tended to her medications and feeding needs. Now, as Alyce transitions home, the responsibility falls upon the two of us to provide these essential services. It’s a significant shift, one that comes with its own set of challenges and new technology.

Needless to say, the nights and days have become sleepless for us. The demands of round-the-clock care mean that there are days when even the simplest tasks, like taking a shower, are put on hold. Yet, despite the exhaustion and sacrifices, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing Alyce with the best possible care.

This week brought a significant development in Alyce’s care journey. The final set of neurology test results came back negative. While this news may seem daunting at first, it actually brings a glimmer of hope. The negative test results indicate that whatever challenges Alyce is facing with her swallow function are not linked to any known genetic conditions documented in medical databases. This offers a sense of optimism for the future, suggesting that Alyce’s condition may be something she can grow out of with time and proper care.

In the midst of the chaos, we’re learning to find moments of joy and laughter. From silly faces to spontaneous cuddle sessions, Alyce reminds us of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.

And speaking of parenthood, have you ever heard the joke about kids being like a fancy restaurant? You enjoy the wine, appetizers, mains, and dessert, but at the end of the day, you’re greeted with a check! Indeed, children have a way of warming your hearts with their smiles, but you certainly pay for it with your emotions and sleep!

As we navigate this new chapter in our lives, we’re grateful for the support and encouragement of our friends, family, and healthcare team. Your love and positivity fuel our journey, giving us the strength to face each day with courage and grace.

Thank you for being a part of our adventure. We look forward to sharing more updates with you as Alyce continues to grow and thrive.

With love and gratitude,

Katernia and Damian

Woof Woof! 🐾

Les amis! It is I, Boujee, the diva of the doggy world, here to regale you with the latest antics from our cozy canine abode. And of course, my partner in crime, Dapper, the dapperest of Frenchies, is here to lend his charm and wit to the tale.

Let me set the scene for you: Alyce is home, and oh la la, it’s like a grand soirée every day! Our family is reunited, and the joy in our little Frenchie hearts knows no bounds. I, Boujee, am positively giddy with excitement. I stick to Alyce like glue, ensuring her every need is attended to with the grace and poise befitting a French bulldog of my stature. Whenever an alert sounds or the sweet melody of a baby cry fills the air, I am there in a flash, ready to lend my support and snuggles.

As for my dear Dapper, well, he’s taken to this newfound family time in his own unique way. While he’s certainly thrilled to have us all under one woof, he’s also discovered some rather peculiar hiding spots for his naps. Picture this: Monsieur Dapper, tucked away in the closet, or finding solace behind the laundry room door. Oh, the drama! But fear not, dear readers, for our loyal human, Kat, is always on hand to rescue him from his self-imposed solitude, much to his melodramatic dismay.

But let us not dwell on Dapper’s dramatic tendencies, for there are more exciting things afoot! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and yours truly, Boujee, is positively brimming with anticipation. Ah, the romance! I’ve been busy planning a few surprises for my dear dad, but shhh, it’s a secret! A Frenchie must maintain an air of mystery, after all.

And let us not forget another important date on the horizon: dad’s birthday! Oh, the celebrations we have in store! I won’t spoil the surprises, but let’s just say there will be treats aplenty and perhaps a few extra snuggles for good measure.

We keep praying for Alyce’s continued health and strength so that we may embark on many grand adventures together. Until next time, au revoir les amis, and may your days be filled with love, laughter, and the occasional Frenchie flop.

À bientôt!

Boujee and Dapper❤️

If Our House Could Talk:

I hope this newsletter finds you cozy and well, unlike myself, who has been feeling a tad overlooked of late. It’s me, the steadfast shelter and silent witness to the lives of Damian, Karterina (Kat), and our four-legged companions, nestled here in Hamilton. Today, I’ve taken it upon myself to voice out a few creaks and groans that have been echoing through my halls.

Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room—or should I say, the baby? Alyce’s arrival has indeed brought joy and a deluge of gifts, which now stand as monuments in every corner (sorry everyone!). While my heart swells with love for the little one, my floorboards are groaning under the weight of unopened boxes and well-wishes. It seems every nook and cranny is being overtaken by baby paraphernalia, leaving little room for…well, room.

Now, onto Damian. Oh, the tall one has indeed been bustling about, but alas, not in the ways I’d hoped. My list of repairs and tender loving care grows longer by the day, yet it seems to be buried under baby books and diaper duty. I understand the distractions—truly, I do—but a loose shingle here and a creaky hinge there are beginning to feel like neglected promises.

However, despite my grumblings, I’m not without heart. I recognize the tireless efforts of both Damian and Kat as they navigate this exciting chapter. Their days are long, and their nights, even more so. Therefore, on their behalf, I extend the deepest apologies if acknowledgments for your generous gifts have been delayed. Rest assured, this old house will see to it that gratitude is expressed, and thank-you cards dispatched with all the warmth and sincerity that fills its rooms.

In the spirit of camaraderie and understanding, I kindly ask for your patience. The chaos of preparation and anticipation is temporary, but the love and memories we’re building here will stand the test of time—much like myself, I’d like to think.

So, as we move forward, let’s embrace the clutter, the unfinished tasks, and the overwhelming sense of being part of something bigger than ourselves. Together, we’re not just caring for a baby; we’re nurturing the heart of a home where every crack and crevice tells a story of love, laughter, and life lived fully.

Warmly (and with a slight draft from the window Damian has yet to fix),

Your Grumpy but Grateful Abode

Thank you to our dear Vilhelmians for following our adventures! Hit like and subscribe for more! Get ready for a wild ride! Hit that subscribe button to join our awesome Substack community! Vilheeeeeelm!