#120 - Mom MIA, Dad Stepped Up

With Mom away, Alyce gives us a play-by-play of a week of 'Dad training' — from park picnics and duck-spotting to breakfast-pouch betrayals and the great toy clean-up outrage. By week's end, Dad has (eventually) graduated from Learning the Ropes school.

Alyce's Weekly Wonders: Mom MIA, Dad Stepped Up

Tiny Tales from Alyce's: Mom MIA, but Dad Stepped Up! My Side of the Big Week

Hi Everyone, it's Alyce here!

Let me tell you, this past week? Totally wild because my amazing Mom, the one with the world's best cuddles and who just gets me (you know, even when I'm just pointing
with my super important thoughts!), went on a little adventure. That left me with…Dad. Now, Dad’s pretty great, but let’s just say he had a lot to learn.

Day One: Ducks and Deliciousness!

Dad and I kicked off the week with a jog (well, he jogged, I enjoyed the view from my chariot) and then we had a little picnic in the park! Guess what? I saw my new favorite animal – ducks! They were so funny waddling around. We also did some super important shopping trip for all the essentials: yummy fruits and the crunchiest snacks! I thought, "Hey, this Dad guy isn't so bad after all!" Lots of giggles were had.
Day Two: Pointing Prowess vs. Amateur Hour (and the Clean-Up Conundrum!)

Okay, this day was a little tougher. I really missed Mom’s extra-squishy hugs. I made sure he knew I missed her with some very serious pointing and a few… enthusiastic vocalizations. And honestly, the man needs serious lessons in Pointing 101! When I point to something, it's a clear instruction: move in that direction! Mom is a total professional, but with Dad, it's amateur hour. And get this – when I was playing, he kept trying to clean up after me! He even tried to get me to clean up my own toys! Like, doesn't he realize one tiny person like me can create the most spectacular "fun" mess ever? Toys, books, my sparkly cards, even my dollies – they all needed to be everywhere ! It was pure, unadulterated creativity!
Day Three: The Day the World Turned Upside Down (Breakfast Edition: Fail; Toy Edition: Double Fail!)

Disaster, with a capital 'D', struck! First, it was morning walk time, and Dad, in his infinite wisdom, presented me with… a breakfast pouch. Just a lonely pouch. No warm, buttery toast cut into perfect little squares. No smushed avocado with a hint of lemon. Just a pouch! Talk about a culinary betrayal of epic proportions! Unacceptable doesn't even begin to cover it.
And then, if my morning wasn't already ruined, the unthinkable happened. Dad, with a determined glint in his eye that could only mean trouble, declared it "clean-up day." Clean-up day?! What is this madness?! He actually started scooping up my carefully positioned toys – the ones I had strategically placed to tell a very important story. He stacked my books all neatly on the shelf, their colorful covers hidden away like secrets. It was an outrage! My artistic expression was completely stifled! The vibrant landscape of my playroom was turned into a sterile, boring wasteland. I responded with my most confused and utterly disappointed frown, hoping he would understand the gravity of his actions. Clearly, he did not.
Day Four: Surprisingly Good at Some Things (But Still Needs Work!)
Okay, I won't tell him this, but Dad showed some persistence. I guess that's where I get it from. Toast and swings in the morning! Plus, walks with Boujee and Dapper are always a win (those mice in the trees are fascinating!). This new routine is kind of fun, but seriously, Dad, if we are going to do this, it's rain or shine. Consistency is key! The other thing I have to admit is that Dad is surprisingly good at putting me to sleep. Like, one minute, I'm practicing my new ninja kick, the next thing I know, I'm dreaming about ducks!
The Rest of the Week: Training Success!
After a long week of intense Dad training by me and the dogs, the best thing happened – Mom was back! Cue the biggest, most wonderful hug ever! I survived, and Dad… well, he officially graduated from "Learning the Ropes" school. He did great… eventually!

Love

Alyce 💕