Damian & Katerina = How To [vil-helm] #84

Welcome to our monthly newsletter! In this issue, we'll

Tiny Tales from Alyce's Weekly Wonders

Yes

Falling in Love with my Daughter (s)

Hello our Vilhelmians!

This week, I want to touch on a feeling that has been growing within me lately. It's the feeling I have for Katerina, the reason we became a couple. It's the feeling of love. Emotions have always been complicated for me, largely due to my past. As an adult, I've come to accept that the past is just a part of everyone's story. We all wish for a perfect childhood, but life isn't about perfection. We're on a spinning rock in the middle of space, surrounded by people who start their daily routines and bump into each other. If you think about it, our lives and society are just "organized chaos."

My feelings towards people have changed over the years. Some relationships have grown closer, while others have drifted away, and that's okay because that's life. People come and go, and each interaction shapes us in different ways. Before having Alyce, I honestly thought I had it all figured out. I believed I understood love and relationships, but becoming a parent has a way of turning your world upside down. A child makes you ponder a lot of things you never considered before.

When Alyce was first born, I said I loved her because that's what you do as a parent. But for someone with ADHD, I'm finding that some things we do are out of instinct, almost automatic. Over the past few months, as she's grown and developed a personality, I find myself truly falling in love with this little girl over and over again, in ways I never imagined. It's not just about the big milestones; it's the small, everyday moments that make my heart swell with love.

There's a saying that "a father is a son's first hero and a daughter's first love." Well, I can tell you that saying is so true. Day by day, I'm falling in love with my daughter and her antics. Her laughter, her curiosity, and even her stubbornness make me appreciate the beauty of life. Maybe one day, I'll have a human son who looks up to me as his hero, but for now, I'm cherishing every moment with my daughter.

The crazy thing about love is that it's not only for humans but also for animals. I've written time and time again about my love for my other daughter, Boujee Bee, my French bulldog. To be honest, if I hadn't had her, I don't know if Alyce would be here. You see, a dog gives unconditional love, and for someone not accustomed to that, it was a turning point. I remember one day getting mad at Boujee for pooping in her cage. The rage that came over me when Boujee did something that upset me is at the center of what I am working to overcome. I had this intense anger that started to consume me, but then I looked into her eyes and saw her vulnerability. In that moment, I realized that my anger was misplaced. I said to her, "It's okay, Boujee," cleaned up the mess, and said, "We are in this together."

These words, "We are in this together," hold true not just for Boujee, but for Katerina, Alyce, and our other dog, Dapper. It's a reminder that love and support are the foundations of our family. Whether it's dealing with the chaos of daily life, the challenges of parenting, or the simple act of cleaning up after our pets, we face it all together. This realization has changed my outlook on life. I understand now that love isn't just about grand gestures or perfect moments; it's about the small, everyday acts of kindness and understanding. It's about being there for each other, no matter what. So yes, I'm in love with my daughters, my partner, and all the people who are part of my journey. Each of them has taught me something invaluable about love, patience, and the beauty of life's imperfections.

Thank you for reading. If you have any thoughts or experiences you'd like to share, feel free to leave a comment below. Let's continue this journey together.

Woof Woof! 🐾

Bonjour les Amis! C’est nous, Boujee et Dapper, les French bulldogs extra-chic, coming to you live from our cozy sunbathing spots! Well, not quite as cozy as we'd like—because where is the "French Bulldog weather"?! It’s still too warm for us to roll around in the cool breeze like the sophisticated canines we are. We need that perfect autumn chill, les amis, where the air is crisp, the grass is dewy, and the squirrels run slower... It's coming soon, right? Right?? Le sigh, we wait.

But speaking of things coming soon, big news in the house—Alyce is about to crawl! Any day now, this little one is going to be on the move, and let me tell you, I, Boujee, will need to start hiding my delicious croquettes. She may look sweet and innocent, but I can already see her eyeing my food bowl with a little too much enthusiasm. Alyce, if you’re reading this—paws off my gourmet meals, darling.

Dapper here. I just want to add that Alyce is my BFF (Best Furry Friend). We have this unspoken bond—okay, sometimes it’s spoken, like when she squeals and I wag my tail like a maniac—but either way, we love each other so much. I’ve been on bed rest recently, but now that I’m back on all four paws, I’m ready to hang with Alyce again! We’ve got games to play, naps to take, and kisses to give (don't tell Boujee, but I really like when she pets my ears).

Between you and me, I’ll let Alyce crawl wherever she wants... as long as she is safe and stays away from Boujee’s snacks. Boujee takes her food security very seriously.

So, here we are, waiting for cooler weather and counting down the days until Alyce’s big crawling debut. Life’s always an adventure around here, whether we’re chasing squirrels, sunbathing, or making sure Alyce doesn’t steal Boujee’s food. Stay tuned for more from the fabulous lives of your favorite Frenchies!

Bisous,

Boujee & Dapper