Just when you thought I’d learn my lesson, Tuesday came around and I thought, “Hey, why not pull out the tube again? It was fun the first time!” This time, though, Mom didn’t need any help from the ER. She turned into Super Mom and fixed it all by herself! Go Mom!

Later in the week, I met my new nurse practitioner and even got my 4-month vaccines. I was very brave, if I do say so myself.

The rest of the week was pretty chill. Mom made sure we had lots of safe playtime, so we didn’t have to make another ER visit. I think she was pretty relieved about that!

But the best part? Dad came home on Friday afternoon! I was so happy to see him—definitely the highlight of my week!

Through it all, Boujee and Dapper have been the best companions, keeping both Mom and me in good spirits.

I can’t wait to see what fun next week holds, but maybe, just maybe, I’ll give Mom a little break from our unexpected adventures.

Lots of love,

Alyce 💕

Chicago Chronicles: A Journey of Workshops, Wisdom, and a Great Burger!

Hello Everyone,

What an exhilarating week it was! I recently returned from my first work trip to Chicago since welcoming my daughter, Alyce. It was an intense four-day workshop aimed at advancing a significant project. The energy of bustling Chicago provided a refreshing backdrop for our ambitious goals.

Our objective was clear: unite diverse minds and ensure everyone could contribute their thoughts. This wasn’t without challenges, given the strong personalities involved, but through meticulous planning and a commitment to collaborative creativity, we achieved remarkable results. Being together in person, away from digital distractions, truly amplified our productivity.

Evenings brought a delightful change of pace as I reconnected with colleagues over some of Chicago’s culinary bests. A standout moment was dining at Au Cheval, where their famous double cheeseburger with egg and foie gras did not disappoint. Pro tip for visiting Au Cheval: Mention you’re dining solo, and they might let you snag a seat at the bar—no waiting required. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and chat about the day’s work.

However, each night as the city lights dimmed, my thoughts drifted home. I missed Alyce’s laughter, Katerina’s warmth, and the playful antics of our dogs. The fleeting nature of time became starkly apparent when I returned to a slightly wary greeting from Alyce, a gentle nudge reminding me of what I’d missed.

Thankfully, Katerina’s superb management at home made my transition back smooth and deeply comforting.

One unexpected gift from the trip was something as simple as sleep—a peaceful night’s rest in a quiet hotel room, a rare treasure I hadn’t realized I’d been missing for the past four months.

This experience reinforced a valuable lesson about productivity that Tim Ferriss encapsulates well: “Focus on being productive instead of busy.” We accomplished in one week what might have taken a month. Clear, focused effort is key—when we eliminate distractions and concentrate on our tasks, the results speak for themselves.

Now, more than ever, I am dedicated to balancing the rigorous demands of my career with the irreplaceable joys of family life. Thank you all for your continued support and understanding as we navigate these intertwined paths.

Here’s to embracing both the challenges of our careers and the cherished warmth of family life!

Woof Woof! 🐾

Bonjour, dear humans! It’s us, the esteemed French Bulldogs of the household. Let us regale you with the tail-wagging tale of how we took charge while our dear dad was away in the Windy City. Imagine this: two dashing doggos, hearts nearly as full as our food bowls, tasked with ensuring everything ran smoothly in dad’s absence. It was an adventure, with perhaps a smidge of mischief, and oh, so many cuddles!

Our mission, “Protect Kat and little Alyce,” began last Sunday when the suitcase came out, signaling dad’s departure. We donned our best “alert ears” and “watchful eyes,” mainly to score extra treats, and took our positions seriously. Kat, our beloved human, stepped up as the temporary pack leader. She led us splendidly, taking us on daily patrols around the neighborhood with little Alyce snug in her stroller. We were quite the spectacle: a stroller, two bulldogs, and a grand mission!

The highlight of our week was undoubtedly our walks by the water. There’s something about the scent of the water mixed with the potential for finding dropped ice cream cones that really got our tails wagging. With every breeze, we felt like captains of a mighty ship, our furry faces flapping gloriously in the wind.

Even with the thrill of our daily escapades and Kat’s warm cuddles, a shadow lingered in our hearts. Each night, as we curled up in our beds, we’d sigh, missing dad. Kat’s bedtime stories were delightful, especially the ones featuring dogs as heroes.

Finally, on Friday, our ears perked up at the sound of dad’s keys jingling at the door—it was a symphony to our ears! Our tails wagged like hurricanes as dad entered, showering us with hugs and kisses. He even smelled faintly of airplane snacks and that Chicago pizza he probably thought we knew nothing about.

So, what did we learn from our week in charge? Kat and Alyce are pawsome sidekicks, walks by the water are the bee’s knees, and while all this is fun, there’s no place like home with your whole pack under one roof. And, no amount of treats can fill the spot in your heart that only a loved one can.

Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got some serious snuggling to catch up on with dad. Until next time, keep those tails high and those noses wet!

With all our love,

Boujee & Dapper ❤️

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!