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 …
Philosophy
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 …
Civilizing the savage child
In which Papa Zesser reports on his first efforts to civilize his daughter.
A small child’s fingers claws can really hurt!
Letter from two bubbles (Letter #026)
In which Papa Zesser returns from a visit with Mama Raven and toddler Baobao to Parc de le Gatineau with decidedly mixed emotions.
As the west coast of the United States burns, five tropical storms churn through the Caribbean, and both fire and floods afflict much of the rest of the world, Baobao and company are able to visit a beautiful park in which, so it seems, all is well with the world.
O! Canada, our home on indigenous land (Letter #025)
In which, the day after Canada Day 2020, Papa Zesser ponders celebrating a holiday that elicits decidedly mixed feelings. Do those (virtual) sky-rockets represent
Free Baobao now! Free Baobao now! (Letter #022)
In which Papa Zesser considers the balance between safety (and a parent’s convenience) and the need of his daughter to push boundaries and explore.
A spoonful of tedium (Letter #018)
In which Papa Zesser contemplates the apparent sameness of child-rearing, even as he acknowledges that change happens. In other words, child care is hard, with a lot of repetition, despite the constant growth and change in their charges.
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Ode to mothers and to Mother (Letter #017)
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.
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Expectations and comparisons (Letter 013)
In which Papa Zesser ponders sudden panic, the dangers (and benefits) of comparing cousins, and revels in a sudden accomplishment. Also, he finds himself disregarding the advice of Doctor Spock against his better judgement.