Villlhelllm: How do You even Spell It?

Tiny Tales from Alyce’s Weekly Wonders

Hi everyone! It’s your favorite 5-month-old, Alyce with lots of love and cuddles! This week has been quite a ride for me. It all started last Saturday when I decided to surprise everyone by taking out my NG tube. Oops! Off to the ER we went, where they gave me a shorter NG, du to low supplies. Let me tell you, it was so annoying! Sleeping, eating, and taking my meds with that tube was no fun at all.

But my mommy swooped in and saved the day! On Wednesday, she got me an appointment with my nurse practitioner, who switched my NG tube back to the regular length one. Ah, what a relief! Even though I don’t really like getting the tube put in, the longer one feels much better.

After that, mommy re-taped it to my face and off we went to see the GI doctor for a G-tube consultation. A G-tube is a bit different from my NG tube—it goes directly into my tummy. If I still have trouble swallowing, I might get a G-tube in July. But guess what? There’s some good news!

I’ve been super interested in food lately. I got to try mango, sweet potato, white potato, and carrots. Mangoes are my absolute favorite! They’re so tasty! With me being so eager to try new foods, the hospital OT suggested I visit her next week to try some purées. If I do well with those, I might not need the surgery in July!

So, fingers crossed and bibs on! Let’s see how this food adventure goes.

Big hugs and baby giggles,

Alyce 💕

Roots of Resilience: Lessons from Trees, Dogs, and Life

Hello our Vilhelmians!

Today, we want to share a story about roots and resilience. Just like trees, we need deep roots to weather life’s storms. Without these roots, even the most flourishing tree can be uprooted by a strong wind. Before we can truly thrive, we must ensure our roots are deep and strong.

Throughout my life, I believed my roots were deep in many of my personal and professional relationships. However, I was often shocked when the first sign of trouble rolled around. When the wind picked up, I realized my roots were just on the surface, and the tree quickly blew over during a storm. Despite my efforts to grow my roots deep, I found that people often didn’t reciprocate. The moral of this story is that roots are important, but humans aren’t like trees; we don’t handle storms the same way.

One particularly challenging time in my life was during a major transition. The uncertainty was overwhelming, leaving me feeling like my roots were being severely tested. I faced a choice—yield to the winds of change or draw strength from my own foundations. I learned that sometimes, our roots are all we have to rely on, and occasionally, they can even support others. However, this support is not infinite. This experience taught me that even unconditional love has its limits, underscoring the importance of cultivating deep roots. I was grateful for the support that came not only from family and friends but also from our two dogs, who exemplify resilience and loyalty every day.

Someone once asked me, “How come you, a Jamaican, have dogs living with you?” I was taken aback by the comment, only to realize that this person had never experienced the loyalty, friendship, unwavering support, and unconditional love that dogs bring. Our two dogs, ever loyal and steady, demonstrate these qualities daily. Just as trees provide shelter and stability, our dogs provide us with a sense of rootedness and resilience. Humans are not dogs, but we could learn a lot from them.

Research supports the importance of deep relationships in enhancing our well-being. According to a Harvard study, the quality of our close relationships significantly impacts our happiness and health. It’s not about the number of friends but the depth and quality of these connections. Furthermore, fostering positive interactions and mutual respect in relationships, whether personal or professional, can greatly enhance emotional well-being and resilience.

As we turn the page to the next generation, I hope to instill in Alyce the strength to weather any storm. I want her to understand the importance of deep roots and the resilience they bring. I know she’s strong, and I hope that we can also be strong for her, providing the support and stability she needs to grow and thrive.

So, next time a storm rolls in, let’s think of the trees and our loyal dogs. Let’s work on growing our roots deeper, not just for ourselves but for those we love. Let’s strive to be like the trees, ready to face any storm with resilience and grace, and like our dogs, offering unwavering support and unconditional love.

Take a moment today to reflect on your own roots. How deep are they? Who are the people (and pets) that help you stay grounded? Let’s nurture those connections and grow stronger together.

Until next time, stay rooted and strong, Vilhelmians.

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Woof Woof! 🐾

Another week les amis! And boy, do we have some stories for you. Grab your favorite chew toy and settle in because it’s time for the Boujee and Dapper Weekly Update!

This week, Dapper—oh, Dapper!—pulled off the most daring heist since the Great Kibble Caper of 2022. Our little mastermind managed to swipe not one, but TWO of Alyce’s toys. How did he do it, you ask? With the cunning and stealth of a ninja, of course! Dapper, our very own Houdini in a fur coat, waltzed into Alyce’s domain and liberated a ball and a plushy unicorn ball. He strolled nonchalantly into the yard, whistling (well, as much as a dog can whistle) a casual tune. Kat, the vigilant toy patrol, was none the wiser. Dapper even had the gall to hide one in the yard, just in case Kat got a whiff of his mischief. Smart or sneaky? We’ll let you decide!

Meanwhile, Boujee has been indulging in her favorite pastime: sunbathing. She’s claimed the prime spot by the big window at the front of the house, where she can soak up all the rays and keep an eye on the neighborhood. Boujee takes her role as the resident security system very seriously. Anyone who dares to come too close to our fortress is met with a symphony of barks that say, “Move along, human. This house is protected!” When she’s not sunbathing or protecting the homestead, Boujee enjoys supervising the little humans and making sure they’re well-cuddled. She’s the queen of snuggles, the empress of affection, and the sovereign of all things cozy.

All in all, life is good. We’re loved, we’re pampered, and we’re constantly surrounded by our favorite humans. Whether it’s plotting the next great toy heist or ensuring the safety of our domain, every day is an adventure. So here’s to another week filled with wagging tails, belly rubs, and plenty of treats. May your days be as bright as Boujee’s sunspot and as thrilling as Dapper’s escapades. Stay paw-some, les amis!

P.S. If you find a squeaky unicorn buried in your yard, you didn’t see anything. 😉

Boujee & Dapper ❤️

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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!