Hi everyone! It’s me, Alyce, just four months old and already on a big adventure! This week was a bit bumpy, but I’ve got lots of smiles to share, so let’s dive into my little world!

This Monday was a big day for me and my family. We went to the hospital for what grown-ups call a “swallow study.” I’m not quite sure what all the fuss is about, but I’ve heard it’s because I haven’t been able to eat anything by mouth since I was born. That sounds a bit daunting, right? But, being the brave little girl I am, I took on the challenge!

Everyone was really nice, but I must say, it wasn’t the easiest day. Trying to swallow when you’ve never really done it before is quite the task! Sadly, the results weren’t what we hoped for, and it looks like I’ll need some more help to learn this super important skill.

But hey, being a baby means you get loads of chances to try and try again! The doctors are now thinking up new ways to help me along, and I’m all geared up for whatever comes next. After all, I’ve got a whole team of doctors, family and friends rooting for me!

On a yummier note, I’ve been exploring new tastes—well, kind of. I love tasting grapes! They look so funny and squishy, and my dad makes such silly faces when he eats them. I can’t wait until I get to try them for real, myself, one day. I hear there’s a whole world of flavors out there, and I’m super excited about that!

So, even though this week had its tough moments, I’m still full of giggles and gurgles, ready to face whatever my next big baby adventure might be. Thanks for cheering me on, and sending you all big baby hugs and bubbly kisses!

Love,

Alyce 💜

P.S. Did I mention I can grab my toes now? That’s got to count for something, right? Go, Alyce!

Happy 420 to All!

Hello our Vilhelmians,

Hope this newsletter finds you all in high spirits—pun intended—as we just celebrated 420. Every year, this day brings to mind the lyrics from Nas: “Imagine smoking weed in the streets without cops harassing.” Guess what? That day isn’t just a dream anymore; it’s becoming a reality in more and more places around the world. Just recently, we learned that Germany has legalized cannabis in small quantities. It’s incredible to see how the global perspective on cannabis is evolving.

It’s a bit ironic, isn’t it? Many of the same folks who condemned the use of cannabis are now the ones growing it, selling it, and yes, even taxing it. It’s a testament to how times have changed and a stark reminder of the countless lives that were impacted by misguided policies—or as I like to think of it, “human programming.” We often believe we are free thinkers, but in reality, much of our worldview is shaped from a young age by our parents, schools, media, and governments.

Living in a society means we have rules, but it’s equally important that we’re able to challenge these rules, especially when they’re based on outdated knowledge or popular thought of a bygone era. Over the past two months, we’ve seen how rigid programming can lead to madness in the world, preventing many from speaking out for fear of repercussions.

This week, I tackled a personal “programming challenge” myself. Since I was a kid, Saturdays were for cleaning the house. This routine was so ingrained in me that if I didn’t clean on Saturdays, I felt off, my OCD kicked in, and stress took over. To avoid this, I even arranged for a cleaning service on Fridays to ensure everything was perfect for Saturday. This week, however, I tried something different. I asked an AI to help devise a new household schedule for us—a couple with two dogs and a newborn. The result? No cleaning on Saturdays! The AI suggested spreading out tasks over the week, tackling one room or chore a day. It was an eye-opener. I realized that for forty years, I’d been either wasting my Saturdays cleaning or stressing about it.

This realization was a lightbulb moment for me. It showed me that there are programs and viewpoints deep-seated in my brain that went unchallenged for too long. It’s high time we challenge our thinking and see the world for what it is, not what we’re told it should be.

So let’s take this opportunity to reassess not just our views on cannabis but other long-held beliefs that might need a refresh. Here’s to more freeing Saturdays and enlightened perspectives!

Stay curious and open-minded.