Damian & Katerina = How To [vil-helm] #95

Hello, friends! It’s Alyce here, and I’m almost one year old! 🎉 The countdown to my first birthday is on, and my parents have been busy planning the party. In the meantime, I’ve been having fun with my Christmas calendar and reading new books with my nanny. There’s so much to look forward to! In other news, Damian recently had his Annual Health Assessment at Medcan. During the check-up, he learned that he’s not as tall as he once was! It’s a reminder that our bodies go through changes over time, and Damian’s now focusing on staying active and prioritizing his health moving forward. We’re all learning to take better care of ourselves! The French Bulldogs, Dapper and Boujee, are loving their gourmet meals thanks to Kat’s new InstantPot. They’re excited about my birthday party, and they’re hoping for some new toys to add to their collection. Playtime with them is always a blast! We hope you enjoy this week’s edition!

Tiny Tales from Alyce's Weekly Wonders

Hello everyone! It’s me, Alyce, your favorite almost-one-year-old! Can you believe it?! I’m about to turn ONE in just FIVE DAYS! Wow, what an adventure this year has been!

I’m SO excited because things have been getting really festive around here. Christmas trees? Yup, THREE of them are all ready to go! And the stockings? They're hanging too, just waiting for Santa—though I’m not sure how that works yet. Oh, and my favorite part? The Elmos! They’re all snuggled up in their little winter wonderland, and I can't wait to see them every day!

I also have some super exciting news... my ice cream cake is ordered! I don't know what it's going to look like yet, but I know it’s going to be yummy and pretty—fingers crossed! And my dress? It's ready too, and I just know I’ll look adorable in it. I can’t wait to wear it and see everyone!

But, I have to admit… I know it’s going to take a lot of work for my parents to get everything ready. They’ve been running around like busy bees, but I know they’re doing it all with love to make this birthday extra special. They’re the best!

This week has been extra fun too because I got my very first Christmas calendar! Every day, I get to open one little box, and it's so exciting! It’s like a mini present every day, and I love it.

And guess what? For Saint Nicolas on December 6th, I got a tangerine because I’ve been such a good girl! I also got some new books to read with my nanny Tay Tay. She’s the best at reading to me, and we discover new stories together every time! I even know how to snuggle in now, cozy up, and listen to a good story. It's one of my favorite things to do with her!

Oh, and I’ve been getting even more mobile these days! I love crawling around and tossing my toys out of the playpen. It’s one of my favorite games, especially because there's a rule in our house: whatever is on the floor, it’s for the dogs! Boujee and Dapper love it, and I love seeing them enjoy the toys I toss. We’re a pack, after all!

I’m so ready for this party and to be ONE! The countdown is on... D-5! It's going to be such a fun day, and I can’t wait to celebrate with my family, friends, and of course, Boujee and Dapper!

See you all soon! 💕

With all the love and excitement in the world,

Alyce ✨🎂🎉

Shorter, Wiser, and Still Taller than Mike!

Dear Friends, It’s official— I’m no longer 6 foot 3. During my recent Annual Health Assessment at Medcan, I stood tall (well, sort of) at a solid 6 foot and a quarter inch. That’s right—6.25. This revelation hit me harder than I expected. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s a reminder that time has a way of humbling us all. As I stood there, I couldn’t help but reflect on how our bodies change and how those changes signal the passage of time. Is it the creaks in my knees when I stand up? The realization that my playlists are filled with “classics” that don’t seem all that old? Or perhaps it’s the shift in my priorities—measuring success not by late nights out but by the quality of sleep I manage to get. For me, this shrinking height is a slow but steady reminder that while I'm losing a fraction of an inch, I’m gaining something far more valuable—a deeper appreciation for this ride we call life. The good news is I'm still taller than Mike! While I’d rather be doing almost anything else, my Annual Health Assessment at Medcan always leaves me feeling grateful for the experience. This five-and-a-half-hour session is more than just a checkup; it’s a comprehensive exploration of health, fitness, and well-being. Here’s what my day looked like: I began with a physical exam and an abdominal ultrasound, followed by a comprehensive blood and urine analysis. Next, I underwent a heart health evaluation that included an ECG and a VO₂ sub-max test. The day continued with hearing and vision tests, a respiratory function assessment, and concluded with muscle and joint evaluations. The Medcan team was fantastic as always—knowledgeable, approachable, and thorough. They took their time explaining everything and provided actionable recommendations. After my assessment, I found myself reflecting on how far I've come since last year. Here’s what stood out: My health assessment revealed some interesting progress this year. Thanks to all that toddler lifting (who knew parenting could double as strength training?), my muscle-to-fat ratio has improved. However, my Vitamin D levels are down and need attention, so I'm committing to regular supplements this year. The Mind Station Report showed promising developments in my stress management, as I'm learning better ways to manage work-life balance and prioritize what truly matters. An unexpected bonus has been my back pain, which is now less frequent thanks to a stretching machine I scored off Facebook Marketplace (got to love a great deal) —hanging upside down has become a delightful new routine! This year’s Mind Station Report was particularly enlightening. Having a child has sharpened my focus on what truly matters in life, which has been reflected in my stress levels. Another game changer has been addressing my ADHD; learning how to manage it has been transformative. During my visit, I had an amusing moment with one of the nurses when discussing monitoring my blood pressure. I casually mentioned that "knowing is half the battle," referencing G.I. Joe, only to realize she had no clue what I was talking about! When I asked if she knew where it was from, she admitted she had heard of G.I. Joe but never watched it. Talk about feeling old! She then shared her own experience when she asked about a song playing in her friend's car and was met with confusion over what a radio is—“What’s a radio?” she asked! It was a humorous reminder of how quickly cultural references can change over generations. Writing this newsletter has also become therapeutic for me—a chance to reflect and connect with all of you. Thank you for reading, commenting, and providing feedback; you remind me that we’re all works in progress. Setting Goals for the Future Looking ahead, my goal this year is simple: take small steps to exercise more. Whether it's chasing after my toddler, stretching during breaks, or sneaking in workouts whenever possible, every little bit counts. Balancing work with health remains challenging amidst ongoing projects and daily responsibilities. However, I'm learning to carve out time for myself—even amidst the hustle. Staying healthy is essential not just for my family but also for my team at work. As we navigate these changes together, it made me think: what are your “aha” moments? When did you realize you were getting on in years—or will you be 29 forever? I’d love to hear your stories, your laughs, and maybe even your grievances. After all, we’re all in this together! And remember, whether you're a man or woman, it's important to get yourself checked out regularly. Prioritizing your health is essential for living your best life! Here’s to progress—one step, stretch, or toddler lift at a time!

Woof Woof! 🐾

Bonjour, les amis! It's your favorite French bulldogs, Dapper and Boujee, here to share some très exciting news. No, we’re not talking about the squirrels we’ve been eyeing or our usual naps in the sun. This time, we have something très délicieux to discuss... Kat is cooking our food!

Yes, you read that correctly. Our beloved Kat discovered a YouTube wizard who makes dog food in an InstantPot. Non, ce n’est pas une blague! This is real, and it’s delicious! We're talking gourmet meals—sweet potatoes, ground beef, and veggies, all cooked with beaucoup de love. Every day at 7:30 am and 5 pm, you’ll find us sitting there, tails wagging, eagerly awaiting our fancy, home-cooked meal. We’re like little gourmets waiting at a Michelin-star restaurant, but with a much lower tolerance for waiting and zero patience. C’est la vie!

I can’t tell you how thrilled I am with this new development. This week’s recipe was so tasty, I almost tried to take Kat’s plate—sorry, Kat, you’ve just gotta understand the passion for food. Boujee is right there with me, staring at Kat like she’s a five-star chef. Seriously, we’ve gone from begging for scraps to bien manger every single day, and we couldn’t be happier.

But enough about food, let’s talk about the très important things coming up. Alyce—yes, our adorable little human—has become more mobile by the day. I’m betting that by the end of the month, she’ll be walking. Ooh la la, déjà! She’ll be running around, causing chaos just like me. Boujee, of course, is already preparing for that moment when Alyce becomes a très petit whirlwind. She can barely keep up now, but give her a month and we’ll have the perfect playmate.

And let’s not forget—there’s a fête coming up! Yep, you guessed it—Alyce’s party! I’m already planning my outfit, which will probably involve a lot of sitting and looking cute. Boujee, on the other paw, is wondering: What will Santa bring this year? A new squeaky toy? A plush bed to lounge in? Maybe even a nice petit snack or two? Whatever it is, Boujee will be waiting with patience, as always. I might not be so patient, but we all know how that goes...

In the meantime, we’ll continue to live the good life: gourmet meals, an adorable baby to chase after (eventually), and the promise of presents to come. Life as a Frenchie has never been better.

Bisous, les amis!

Dapper (the foodie) and Boujee (the patient one)