Count Your Blessings: A Journey of Strength, Gratitude, and Hope
Tiny Tales from Alyce’s Weekly Wonders: It’s Official – I Am A Month Old! 🍼✨
Hey world! It’s meeee, Alyce! Officially one month old today, and I’m ready to spill the baby beans on my little world. Who knew a month could be so full of surprises, fear and love at the same time?!
In my short time on this planet, I’ve become a seasoned pro at medical check-ups. Seriously, who signs up for so many exams in their first month? Not me! But here I am, facing each one with the spirit of a tiny warrior. And you know what makes it all better? My incredible parents. They pretend everything is fine, even in the toughest moments they share pep talks and words of encouragement with the most amount of love and that’s pretty awesome!
Guess what else I discovered? Dogs! Meeting them for the first time was like entering a world of fluffy wonders. I love them, but here’s the kicker – they went on a little vacation to my aunt’s place, while I am in “hotel hospital”. Can you believe it? I miss their investigative looks and Boujee’s barks, but I hear they’re having a blast over there. I can’t wait till we meet again!
Now that I’m a whole month old (imagine that!), I’ve decided to spill the baby beans regularly. Yup, you heard it right. I’ll be sharing these short blog entries each week, so you can keep up with my tiny escapades, and mostly the ones from my swaddled escape adventures — sorry dad!
One baby step at a time, Alyce🍼
PS: My dad thought I was a mermaid 🧜🏾♀️
Count Your Blessings: A Journey of Strength, Gratitude, and Hope
Dear Friends, Family, and Loyal Vilhelmian Readers,
In the swirling tides of life, where uncertainty often reigns, we find ourselves reflecting on the profound journey we’ve embarked upon with our little Alyce. This week, amidst a sea of anxieties and hopes, we received news that brought a sigh of relief – Alyce’s neurological test results came back negative. While we were grappling with the darkness of uncertainty for over three weeks, this news was a beacon of light.
However, it’s not just about the outcomes; it’s about the journey and those who walk with us. The healthcare professionals who have become a part of Alyce’s story remind us daily of the human side of medicine. Our doctor, who delivered the test results, shared a heart-wrenching experience of the loss that day of one of his other newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU. His vulnerability reminded us that behind the professional facade, there are real people facing real challenges. His story is a testament to the emotional toll that caring for the young and vulnerable can take on these dedicated individuals.
In the face of such challenges, Kat and I have come to realize the importance of gratitude. We’ve grown to see Alyce not just as our daughter but as a symbol of life’s fragile beauty. We’ve watched her little quirks, like her skill at escaping swaddles, and we’ve celebrated every sign of her growth. Each moment with her is a reminder of the incredible team supporting her, and we are endlessly thankful for their commitment.
This week, I engaged in a deeply impactful conversation with my sister, a cornerstone of resilience in our family. She opened up about the extraordinary ordeal she faced when both of her children had to undergo a sibling kidney transplant. Imagine the overwhelming anxiety of watching your children enter an operating theater, their futures hanging in the balance. The successful transplant stands as a testament to the incredible power of love – a sister’s selfless love for her brother, and a mother’s enduring love for her children. Her experience serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and faith necessary in the face of adversity. Her unwavering strength and deep belief in Jehovah inspire us to remain steadfast and keep faith during challenging times.
In this journey, we’ve learned to count our blessings in every form. We’ve learned the importance of giving thanks, not just for the positive outcomes, but for the people who make them possible. We’ve seen signs of hope and felt the power of prayer. Our story is one of drawing strength from those around us, of finding light in the darkest of times, and of holding onto faith when it’s most needed.
In closing, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you – for your prayers, your support, and your love. You are part of our journey, part of our strength. As we continue to navigate this path, let us all remember to count our blessings, cherish our loved ones, and support those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
With love and gratitude,
Damian and Kat
If Our House Could Talk
It’s me, the House! You know, the one with the sleek smart home features and quaint backyard. It’s been a spell since I gave you an update, and oh, how the tables have turned… or should I say, the cribs have rocked!
Before I dive in, a quick shout-out to my walls – currently as empty as a student’s fridge during exam season. You see, there was a flurry of excitement just before Christmas. Decorations, laughter, and then – ta-da – they brought home the little bundle of joy. And let me tell you, that tiny human had a set of lungs rivaling the roar of a Niagara Falls tour boat! I was half-expecting to sprout headphones to muffle those impressive decibels. But curiously, I haven’t seen the little noise-maker in a few weeks. I’m hoping they didn’t opt for an Amazon return (kidding! Mostly…). Yes, she was a symphony of loud and ‘poop-tastic’ moments, but oh so adorable.
Now, about Damian, the tall one. He’s been looking more worn out than a doormat at a mud-wrestling contest. It’s as if he’s juggling two jobs, or maybe three if you count deciphering baby manuals. He had this ambitious to-do list ready for the baby’s arrival, but it’s gathering more dust than my attic. He did manage to fix one of my toilets – a heroic feat that required a part from Chicago, of all places. I mean, who knew toilet parts were such globe-trotters?
Katerina, or Kat as they affectionately call her, seems a bit down too. Her Amazon deliveries have dwindled to a trickle. It’s like watching a slow season of your favorite show – you know something’s up, but you can’t quite put your finger on it.
And together? Well, I hardly ever see them in the same room. It’s like they’re on shift work, but the only thing they’re manufacturing is mystery. Even the Christmas tree is still up and the dogs are also being understanding.
I’m perched here, eavesdropping on life, rooting for them. I’ve got grand plans for this family, and I’m not just talking about the new paint in the nursery. Here’s to hoping they find their groove soon. After all, a house isn’t just walls and a roof, it’s the laughter, tears, and love stories that unfold within.
Until next time, stay sturdy and keep those foundations strong!
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!