Damian & Katerina = How To [vil-helm] #104

Alyce's adventures: 14 months old, surprises, and fun, two nurses visit, and a hospital trip. Nap time: essential for busy lives, 20-30 minute power nap boosts mood, NASA approves 26-minute naps, and the couch is the ultimate spot. Dapper and Boujee's winter fun: snow, dog sofa, and snacks, Dapper loves snow, Boujee prefers warmth, and dog sofa is a hit.

Tiny Tales from Alyce's Weekly Wonders

Hi there, it's me, Alyce! I’m almost 14 months old, and let me tell you, I had a week full of surprises! Some things went exactly how I expected, and others... well, they took a bit of a turn. Here’s what happened!

The week kicked off with a big treat—two nurses! Yep, that’s right, TWO! My regular nurse and a new nurse came to join in for training, and I was the star of the show! We played, sang, and danced, and I ran all around, feeling like a little superstar. So much fun, in fact, that I totally forgot to take my nap! Who needs naps when you have two nurses showering you with love and attention? By the end of the day, I was so tired that I went to bed two whole hours earlier than usual. But I was a happy, exhausted baby!

The next few days were filled with more fun. I got to spend lots of time with Tay Tay (that’s what I call my nanny!), Boujee, and Dapper. I just love my pack! We had such a blast playing together, but then... Thursday evening rolled around, and my tummy wasn’t feeling too good. My G-tube site started to look red and swollen and even felt a bit lumpy. Ouchie! Mom and Dad were worried, so my mom gave me a nice salt soak to clean it and some medicine to make sure I’d sleep peacefully. But, oh boy, my night was a bit of a rollercoaster.

I slept a little, but then I woke up, crying because my tummy hurt so much. Dad took me to the big bed with him, thinking it would help, but I was still hurting. I was scared to move because of the pain, and my mom and dad decided that it was time to go to the hospital the next morning. I didn’t get to see my nanny (boohoo!), but I was with my mom and dad, so that was nice, even though the hospital was a bit scary. So many people came to see me!

But guess what? My Complex Care nurse and my doctor came to visit me too, and they made me feel so much better. They saw me standing all tall on the bed (I’m growing up so fast!), though I couldn’t show off my walking skills because I was all hooked up to machines. They told my parents that my G-tube site was too tight because I’ve been growing and moving so much—like a little athlete! So, I needed some help to release it, and I also got some pain relief and antibiotics to take care of the swelling and pain.

And guess what? I’m home now, and I feel SO MUCH BETTER! My G-tube feels much better, and I’m back to running around and playing with Boujee, Dapper, and my mom and dad. Saline soaks really work wonders!

So, even though my week was a bit of a rollercoaster, everything turned out okay in the end. I’m feeling so loved, so well cared for, and back to my happy, busy self again! Thanks for all the love and support, and I can’t wait to share more of my little adventures with you all!

Love,
Alyce 💕

All About That Nap Life!

Hey Nap Enthusiasts,

Let’s talk naps. Whether it’s a quick 20-minute power nap or an accidental two-hour crash, naps are the unsung heroes of our busy lives. And if you’re over 40? Naps aren’t a luxury—they’re a lifestyle.

Science backs it up: Naps are a biological necessity. A 20-30 minute nap boosts mood, alertness, and performance without the grogginess, while a 60-90 minute nap enhances creativity and memory. NASA even found that a 26-minute nap improved astronaut performance by 34%. If it works for space explorers, it works for us!

For some, the best nap time is just after dinner—when the food coma hits and the couch calls. But beware: the line between a refreshing nap and waking up at 2:00 a.m. feeling like you’ve been punched in the gut is razor-thin. There’s the ideal nap (20 minutes of bliss) and the accidental nap (two hours of “I’m done for the day”). Both have their place.

The couch is the ultimate nap spot—so inviting, you never make it to the bedroom. Scrolling on your phone? The modern-day lullaby. Sure, you might wake up to a TikTok dog reel blasting at max volume on repeat (“Oh, you a good boy!”), but that’s just part of the nap experience. And let’s not forget the primal instinct to protect nap time at all costs. If someone tries to wake you, your mammalian brain takes over, and you’ll say anything to stay in that blissful state. (Pro tip: A dirty diaper is the ultimate nap interrupter—thanks, Katerina!)

Speaking of which, new parents are the true nap champions. Between late-night feedings and early-morning chaos, naps are a lifeline. The “nap when the baby naps” strategy is survival mode, even if it means snoozing in a rocking chair. Research shows short naps combat parental fatigue and improve mood—essential for tackling the beautiful chaos of parenthood.

We’ve all been there: “I’m just closing my eyes for five minutes.” Famous last words. Naps are wildly underrated. A midday nap isn’t laziness—it’s a productivity hack. Picture this: cozy blankets, dim lighting, and the soothing sounds of a thunderstorm. Add a warm cup of tea, and you’ve got nap heaven.

Here’s the truth: After 40, naps are non-negotiable. They’re not just for toddlers and cats—they’re self-care. So, the next time someone questions your nap habits, tell them you’re optimizing your productivity. Naps are a reset button for your mind and body. Embrace the nap life. Your couch (and your sanity) will thank you.

Until next time, happy napping!

Woof Woof! 🐾

Well, well, well, it seems winter is here and we are loving it—especially me, Dapper. I’ve discovered that there’s a magical white powder outside called snow, and let me tell you, I’m obsessed! I even sit right in front of the back door like some kind of majestic snow-crazed king, waiting to roll myself in it. Mon dieu! You should see it! It’s like a personal spa, only much colder and with more snowflakes in my fur. C’est incroyable! I roll, I wiggle, I dive into it like it’s the best thing since… well, since I learned how to chew on plastic. Boujee, on the other hand? Not so much.

Ah, Boujee, always the sensible one. Me, I’m out there in the snow, while she’s inside, enjoying the warmth of the house. But let’s be honest, she’s onto something. The house is cozy and there’s a nice new addition: the dog sofa. Oh yes, the dog sofa. Our dads got it for us, and let me just say, it’s like a fluffy cloud made just for us! It’s soft, it’s cozy, and it’s right next to Alyce’s playpen. So not only am I lounging in ultimate comfort, but I can keep an eye on Alyce, who is, let’s be honest, always dropping delicious things. I mean, talk about a prime spot for some serious snack opportunities!

Now, one thing I must say—Kat has perfected our food. C’est délicieux! It’s like she’s turned the art of feeding us into a Michelin-star meal every day. But here’s the thing… with Alyce eating more solids (yes, she’s growing up so fast!), it’s so much easier to just wait and see what magically falls to the ground. Voila! Dapper and I are always ready to swoop in and grab the tasty treats that slip from Alyce’s hands. We love her—of course, we do—but let’s not pretend we don’t also love that little bit of extra food that comes our way. Merci, Alyce!

So, life is good in the house of Boujee and Dapper. We’ve got snow to roll in, a dog sofa to nap on, and the finest food falling from Alyce’s playpen. What more could two French bulldogs ask for? Oh, maybe more walks, but that’s another story…

Until then, bisous from us, Boujee and Dapper, your snow-loving, food-collecting, sofa-lounging French bulldogs!