Philosophy
Duck? A-muck! (Letter #035)

Introduction to Duck Amuck
In which Papa Zesser reports on two walks to a (semi) local duck pond connected to the Rideau Canal, and their connection to some of Baobao’s books.
Not only does Baobao use some of her books as menus, she also uses them — somehow — to make abstract connections to pictures in her books with elements in the real world.
Case in point: She was thrilled when we told her we would take advantage of the Good Friday holiday, to take her on a family walk to see … ducks! Duck! Duck! Duck!
Papa’s Diary – January 28, 2021

No means no!
I’m sure most of us have unpleasant (or worse) memories of aunts or uncles who insisted on smothering us with unwelcome hugs and kisses when we were small. And too many of us had parents who insisted that we not “be mean” to that relative.
Recently, Baobao has been, playfully, saying No! to me. What’s a Papa to do?
Papa’s Diary — January 25, 2021
Papa Zesser Sells Out (Letter #032)

In which Papa Zesser looks with wonder on his ever-changing daughter, two days after she passed her 17 month anniversary.
And also, contemplates with some discomfort, the new presence of advertising on this website.
Also: videos! Read more …
Bésébodé! (Letter #031)

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!.
And so it begins: First stirrings of independence (Letter #030)

In which Papa Zesser realizes that, to Baobao, he is already becoming a repetitive bore. Who knew a 15 month-old toddler could master the fine art of sarcasm? Read more …
Reasoning with a toddler (Letter 029)

In which Papa Zesser finally finishes another letter, and marvels at Baobao’s ability to understand complex sentences. Can she also be reasoned with? Read more …
Bad Papa? (Letter #027)

In which Papa Zesser pens a letter of confession to his darling daughter.
First comes the cellphone as pacifier — whatever will be next? Read more …