Damian & Katerina = How To [vil-helm] #102

Catch Alyce's adventures with mom & dogs while Dad was away. Damian shares his experience with a new boss & navigating change in the workplace. Boujee & Dapper, the chic French bulldogs, talk about life with Alyce & their favorite gourmet meals.

Tiny Tales from Alyce's Weekly Wonders

Hi everyone! It’s Alyce here! I wanted to share what I’ve been up to this week while my dada (I missed him soooo much!) was in Chicago for work. I had the best time with mom and the dogs—Boujee and Dapper. Even though mom had lots of meetings, she always made time for me and the pups, and we were all so happy together!

Each day started early, with a yummy breakfast (I love breakfast!) and then the nurse or Tay Tay would come to help mom with work. But after work, it was playtime! We laughed, ran around the kitchen, danced like nobody was watching, and read books—oh how I LOVE reading books! It’s my absolute favorite!

Mom and I also watered my dad’s plants together. We made sure to give them lots of love just like he does. I think they like that a lot.

But you know, even with all the fun, I missed my dada. I call Dapper “DA” now, and I’m getting pretty good at it, even though some syllables are still tricky for me!

On Friday, mom, Tay Tay and I braved the cold to go outside for my first-year vaccines. It was a lot all at once, but I was SO brave! I only cried a little, and then, as soon as I saw my dada walk through the door, all was forgotten! He’s back, and I’m the happiest little one-year-old ever!

Thanks for reading! I’m off to play with DA and Boujee now. Love you all!

Alyce 💕

From Hamilton to the Windy City: A New Chapter at Work

Hello our Vilhelmians!

December. The word itself conjures up images of cozy fires, warm drinks, and time spent with loved ones. It's a time for reflection and relaxation. But for me, this past December took an unexpected turn. Just as I was preparing to fully embrace the holiday spirit (and maybe sneak in a few extra Christmas cookies!), my phone rang. It was my boss, and the news he shared felt like a cold splash of reality – a lump of coal in my stocking, a reminder that the professional world doesn't always adhere to our holiday schedules: He was moving on to a new opportunity within the company, leaving me with a new boss to navigate. This is exactly what happened to me, just a few weeks ago. The office was winding down for the holidays. I was practically out the door, ready to embrace the festive season, when that phone call came. It felt like my mom bringing home a new stepfather – a complete disruption to the familiar family dynamic. There are things you can control, and things you can’t. This was definitely in the “can’t control” category.

Like any kid facing a new stepparent, I felt a mix of apprehension and uncertainty. Would we get along? Would he understand "our family" (the team)? This change was the call to adventure, an unwelcome one at first. I knew I couldn’t control the arrival of a new boss, but I could control how I reacted to it.

Well, last week, I ventured down to cold Chicago and finally got to meet my new boss in person. My "stepdad" had officially arrived. Seeing him "drinking from the fire hose" – navigating a whirlwind of new information and responsibilities – I knew getting his time would be a challenge in a place known for back-to-back meetings. But he went out of his way to have dinner with a few of us, which was a great start. It's still early days, and getting to know a new boss takes time, but that dinner proved to be a valuable first step. We talked about everything from the rapidly changing landscape of technology to the joys and challenges of parenthood. It was interesting to swap stories; his kids are in college, while I'm just starting out on this journey with Alyce. We also discussed the office culture and how he's navigating this new environment. It was clear he was also dealing with things outside his control, just like everyone else, and that made him much more relatable.

Since Alyce was born, I have not been spending as much time in Chicago. Now that she's growing, I'm hoping to spend a little more time face to face with my team. It's funny, with Alyce, Katerina and I are learning about the importance of face-to-face time, even in this digital age. Connecting Face-to-face offers a chance to really connect on another level. Video conferences are great but there's something about seeing non-verbal communications for stronger connections. This trip to Chicago felt different. I knew it wasn't all fun and games; there were hard conversations and goal setting to be done, but I also wanted to build real connections. This was the threshold – from apprehension to active engagement, from focusing on what I couldn’t control to focusing on what I could: building relationships.

On this trip, I had a chance to finally take my team out for lunch. Normally, when I'm in town, I try to organize a dinner, but the turnout is usually pretty low. Our office is located downtown in Chicago, and let's be honest, getting in and out of the city, especially after work, is no one's idea of a good time. So, this time, I tried something different and suggested a lunch outing instead. Well, let me tell you, I had 100% attendance! It was like everyone was willing to give the "new family dynamic" a chance—or maybe they just missed me (I'm choosing to believe that!), or perhaps it was the promise of some great Chicago food. And Chicago definitely delivers on that front. If you ever find yourself in the city, I highly recommend Parlor Pizza Bar. Their "Burrata Be Kidding Me" pizza is an absolute must-try. Let's just say the first expense report my new boss receives might be a little over budget (it's always better to ask for forgiveness than permission, right?).

This wasn't just about a team lunch (or a slightly over-budget expense report). It was about navigating change, building trust within the team, and preparing for a new "family" dynamic at work. The challenge was preparing the team for integrating this new leader and creating a productive and positive working environment. I knew I couldn't control his management style, but I could control my communication with the team and my willingness to collaborate with him.

The potential for division and disconnect was real. The temptation to focus on the things outside my control and let them dictate the situation was strong. But the genuine connection forged during that lunch with my team was a breakthrough. It wasn't just the full attendance; it was the shared laughter, the open conversations, the feeling of being heard and understood. We had taken the first steps toward strengthening the team and preparing for the new leadership. I realized that by focusing on what I could control – my attitude, my actions, my efforts to connect with my team – I could positively influence the outcome.

This experience reinforced the power of face-to-face connection, especially during times of transition. Seeing non-verbal cues is invaluable. It also reinforced the importance of focusing on what you can control, rather than dwelling on what you can’t. Transitions aren't disruptions. They're opportunities to build something new, something stronger. We weren't just a team with a new boss; we were a team forging a new identity. And I had played a part in shaping that identity by focusing on the elements within my control.

Moving forward, I’m committed to fostering these connections, both in person and virtually, to build a stronger, more resilient team. We’ve learned that even when change feels like an unwelcome guest, it can lead to positive outcomes if we embrace the opportunity to connect and build relationships. The key is to treat the "new guy" with an open mind and a willingness to build a new kind of "family," focusing on what we can control and accepting what we can’t.

Speaking of things you can and can’t control… being away, especially when some people aren’t on social media (no excuses!), can really distract you from important things at home. I messed up big time and forgot two birthdays: my brother Everton and my brother-in-law Santino. Talk about messing up big time! These are two of the most influential people in my life, and missing their big day was a mistake that no amount of bad singing can ever make up for. As my brain is always active, I tend to forget things; I call it object permanence—as I’ve recently learned, this can make it difficult to remember things that are not in my immediate environment. That's why I love systems, as they keep me focused. Since I never want this to happen again, I’ll be building a birthday reminder automation.

Just like navigating a new work dynamic, and occasionally forgetting important dates 😉, Katerina and I are learning to navigate parenthood with Alyce. There are definitely things we can't control (like her sudden bursts of energy at 3 AM!), but we focus on the joy she brings us every day. It reminds me that even in the midst of change, focusing on the positive and building strong connections is what truly matters.

What changes have you faced recently, Vilhelmians? How did you navigate them? We'd love to hear your stories and connect with you on this. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Woof Woof! 🐾

So, mon dieu, where do we begin? Our dad was away for the entire week, and we have to admit, we missed him. The house felt a little quieter, a little less magnifique without him around. But—et bien sûr—Kat took great care of us, as always. She’s like a mother hen, you know? Not only does she take us for our walks (well, when it’s not too cold and the vortex hasn’t taken over), but she also makes sure we eat like royalty.

And don’t get us started on TayTay, Alyce’s nanny. The meals! C’est incroyable! TayTay is a chef in disguise. We get premium meals, my friends. Premium! The kind of food that keeps us healthy and svelte. We look AMAZING. Sexy figures, you know? Dapper and I—vraiment—we are the definition of chic. You want the recipe for these gourmet meals? Bien sûr, we’ll share:
• Extra lean ground beef
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Green peas
• Sweet potatoes

And here’s the secret: You cook it all with the broth from the beef—no salt, no extras. Just pure, simple, delicious goodness. Et voilà! A recipe for sexy French bulldogs. You’re welcome, mes amis.

Now, let’s talk about Alyce. This girl, I tell you—c’est un phénomène! She talks and talks and talks. And when she’s not talking, she’s walking… and walking… and walking! Nothing, and I mean nothing, can stop her. She’s like a whirlwind. We can’t wait for her to be a little more aware of her surroundings, though. You know, so we can sneak in some of those snuggles we love. Until then, it’s tous aux abris (that’s French for ‘take cover’ because Alyce might come charging at you like a little tornado).

But we love her! We really do. It’s just a matter of time before we can enjoy some quieter moments with her. For now, we’ll keep our heads down, stay out of her way when she’s in full-speed mode, and maybe sneak a kiss or two when she’s not looking.

Until next time, bisous from Boujee and Dapper, your favorite, chic French bulldogs, living the good life one gourmet meal (and walk) at a time!