Damian & Katerina = How To [vil-helm] #91

Alyce shares her first week experience with Mama back at work, where she accompanies her to meetings and plays with her colleagues. She's excited about her upcoming 11th-month birthday and can't wait to celebrate with her loved ones. Fall has arrived in Hamilton, bringing cooler days and shorter daylight. The season is a mix of vibrant colors, cozy vibes, and a long list of tasks to prepare for winter. The family is enjoying the warmer-than-normal weather and making the most of their time outside. The French bulldogs, Boujee and Dapper, are excited about Kat's return to work, which means they get to spend more time with her at the desk. They're also looking forward to taking naps and playing with the nanny, Taylor, who adores them. They're seeking ideas for Dapper's upcoming birthday and wanting to make it a special day for him. The family is settling into their new routines with Alyce and the dogs, adapting to new wake-up times, walk times, and meal times. They're enjoying the fall season and the changes it brings, including the migration of birds and the cozy atmosphere. They're looking forward to sharing their experiences and traditions with their loved ones.

Tiny Tales from Alyce's Weekly Wonders

Hello, everyone! It's me, Alyce, your favorite almost-11-month-old baby. I’ve just had my first full week with Mama back at work and WOW, what a ride it’s been!

So, let me tell you, mom is home but her whole day is packed with meetings, meetings, and more meetings! It's like she’s talking to lots of people and working on all this important stuff, but when I’m not napping, guess what? She takes me with her into her meetings! I get to meet all her lovely colleagues who are SO nice. They’re really sweet to me, but sometimes they talk about things that I don’t totally get (I think they’re big people stuff – you know, boring stuff like spreadsheets and project plans?!) But I don’t mind, because I’m still with Mom, and she always finds time to play with me in the afternoons. That’s when we have the best fun!

Oh, and you guys know about my super cool nanny, right? I absolutely ADORE her! She makes me laugh, loves me so much, and has the best energy. We always have a blast on Tuesdays and Thursdays together. And guess what? She loves Boujee and Dapper just as much as I do, and that's THE BEST part! Watching them play together is the most fun. I get to see my pups and have playtime all in one day. Double win!

But wait—there’s more excitement coming up! In just 4 days, I’ll be 11 months old. Can you believe it?! That means the countdown to my BIG first birthday party is officially ON!! Are you ready for the celebration of the year?! I’m definitely getting ready for a fun day full of love, cake, and lots of snuggles!

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to my special day! Can't wait to share it all with you!

With love and baby giggles,
Alyce 💕

Fall in Hamilton and Getting Ready for Winter

Fall has arrived in Hamilton, bringing cooler days, shorter daylight, and leaves carpeting the ground. Some people absolutely love this season, soaking in the vibrant colors and cozy vibes. For me, though, it’s a mix. I enjoy it because it’s finally cool enough for longer walks with Boujee and Dapper. French Bulldogs thrive in cooler temperatures, so fall is our time to roam. But fall also brings a long list of tasks to get ready for winter.

This year, we’ve been lucky with warmer-than-normal fall weather. It’s given us extra time to be outside, rake up the leaves, and start checking off all those fall chores. Every year, there’s a list: putting on winter tires, shutting off outdoor water connections to avoid frozen pipes, and inspecting for little holes around the house where critters might try to sneak inside. With the way squirrels and raccoons eye our yard, you can never be too careful!

One of the perks of living in Hamilton during fall is our closeness to the water, which makes it easy to witness the migration of birds stopping at Cootes Paradise on their journey to warmer places. It’s special to see flocks of geese, swans, and ducks gathering there, fueling up for the long journey ahead. Watching them reminds me of the constant cycles of nature, and it makes the change of seasons feel that much more meaningful.

Of course, the shift in weather means it’s time to swap out wardrobes, too. Summer clothes get stored away, and the cozy sweaters, thick socks, and jackets come back out. Digging out scarves and gloves and finding room for bulky winter coats is a chore of its own, but there’s something comforting about bundling up against the chill.

And I made sure to stock up on those giant yard bags for all the leaves. It seems like as soon as we clear one area, a new batch is waiting for us the next day. It’s a bit of a ritual, but there’s something satisfying about seeing the lawn clear—if only for a little while.

Fall also means the usual seasonal decoration swap. Halloween decorations are barely up before it’s time to take them down and start prepping for Christmas. Stringing up lights and adding touches of holiday cheer feels early, but I like getting a jump on it. It also gives me time to start planning Christmas gifts and celebrations without the last-minute rush.

Thinking back to my first Canadian fall years ago, it was such a shock. I arrived from Jamaica, where the trees stay green year-round, and couldn’t wrap my head around the bare branches. I even asked my mom why they didn’t just cut them down. Now, as I watch Alyce take in the bright fall colors, I wonder if she’s curious about why the trees seem to be “losing their hair.” Having her around changes how Katerina and I look at things—we notice more, enjoy more, and find ourselves asking new questions about old traditions.

So here we are, settling into our new routines with Alyce and the dogs—new wake-up times, walk times, meal times, and now with Katerina returning to work. Life with a little one is all about adapting, especially as Alyce starts teething and tries to communicate more with us. It’s like a daily puzzle, trying to figure out what she wants—one minute it’s food, then comfort, and sometimes just a bit of entertainment. It’s amazing (and sometimes a little exhausting), but it’s all part of this new rhythm.

Here’s to fall in Hamilton: a season of color, cozy rituals, migrating birds, and constant change. And with winter on the way, we’re as ready as we can be!

Now it’s your turn!
What’s your favorite part about fall? Do you have a special routine or tradition that makes this season extra special? Share with us in the comments or reply to this email. We’d love to hear from you!

Woof Woof! 🐾

Mon dieu, it’s official: Kat is back to her desk! Yes, yes, we know what that means... we get to lie at her feet while she speaks, talks, and, well, talks some more. Not that we mind, of course. We love listening to her—though we may or may not start dreaming of treats and belly rubs midway through one of her long, professional discussions.

I mean, have you ever just laid there while someone gently strokes your fur? Ohlala! It’s like a spa day, but better because there are no fancy robes or cucumbers on your eyes—just endless love from Kat.

But, let’s be real here. With Kat back at work, we are officially in charge of looking after Alyce. And by ‘looking after’, we mean taking naps. Lots and lots of naps. You see, when the nurses come over, we end up in our beds more often than not. And do you know why? They’re scared of us! Scared of us? We’re French bulldogs, not lions! What’s the deal, huh? A few snorts and a little wiggle and they act like they’re meeting a wild animal. We may be fierce, but we’re also adorably lovable.

Now, when our favorite person, the nanny—oh Taylor, sweet Taylor—comes over, it’s a different story! Dapper and I adore her. She doesn’t mind our adorable snorts and the occasional Frenchie attitude. With her, we’re all about the playtime and snuggles. I tell you, our Frenchie weather is officially here, and there’s no way we’re staying inside when we could be outside chasing squirrels, rolling in the grass, and soaking up all that sunshine.

As for Dapper’s birthday (coming up soon, we think), well... ahem. He still hasn’t told me what would make him happy. So, I’m turning to you, dear readers! If you have any tips or tricks for making a French bulldog’s birthday absolutely paw-some, do share them with me! I’m still brainstorming ideas—perhaps a new squeaky toy or a gourmet treat? But really, he’s so picky...

Anyway, whether it’s napping, guarding Alyce, or basking in the perfect Frenchie weather, we’re on it. We’ll make sure to keep things cozy, fun, and full of love around here, while Kat works hard at her desk... talking. A lot.

À bientôt!
Boujee & Dapper