anniversaries

That was the year that was: Reading 2021

Promises, promises …

In which Papa Zesser looks back at a remarkable year in reading to Baobao (and of Baobao “reading” to herself and, sometimes, us), and commits to reviewing 26 books in the very near future!

Will he really do it? Only time will tell! Read more …

Bésébodé! (Letter #031)

Photo of Toddler Baobao making a very messy stab at self-feeding, November 18, 2020.

As a bad year for most of us in North America comes to a close (but a year which, I have to confess, was one of much joy for me personally) , I find myself posting a letter quite different from that I had hoped to write you on New Year’s Eve.

That was supposed to be a photo-rich retrospective, but I’m afraid it will have to wait. Meanwhile, I’ll reflect not on your general development but on a specific part of it. Namely, your penchant for correcting your parents’ mistakes.

Darling child, I dub thee Bésébodé!.

366 days makes a year

Photo of Papa Zesser with Baby Baobao at table with cards and cake for first birthday, August 19, 2020.

In which Papa Zesser – 3 days late, but we won’t mention it here – returns at last to look back in celebration of the first year in his daughter’s life. What a ride it’s been!

Baby’s got a brand new box! (Letter #019)

Photo of smiling baby Baobao in a box

In which Papa Zesser looks upon his spawn enjoying a new toy on the ninth month anniversary of her birth, and wonders: Why – o! why?!? – did we bother actually buying her anything to play with?

Babies work in mysterious ways. Click the headline to read more.

Ode to mothers and to Mother (Letter #017)

Photo of baby Baobao holding Mother's Day card.

In which Papa Zesser weighs his reflexive dislike of corporate holidays, against the joys they were meant to fill. And finds, once again, that your mother’s pleasures exceeds his cynicism.

Click the headline to read more.

Happy stress day to us (Letter 012)

Selfie detail of a very tired Papa Zesser, 2020-04-19.

In which Papa Zesser looks back on 244 days of his darling Baobao’s life, and is forced to consider how lucky he and Raven have been – because yesterday was a hard day indeed. Click the headline above to read more …

Happy 7th month, darling daughter!

Left, a 1936 sket of Popeye the Sailor by E.C. Segar; Right, Asta with a most Popeye look!

In which Papa Zesser finds himself celebrating yet another “birthday”.

Parents do funny things, but whaddya gonna do?

Besides, “Happy Birthday” is out of copyright, so you’ll *know* I took advantage – and you want to hear me sing!