First Amsterdam Electra Ride of 2010.

Last week I took Kona out and quickly regretted not taking a bike with fenders. We're in a cycle of freeze-thaw so it oscillates between normal winter riding with ice and snow, and wet though non-icy streets. I didn't suffer any considerable amount of road-flick (that icky splatter), but it did make me yearn for the Pashley.

When I was heading out on Sunday I decided to ride a non-winter bike. I saw the Dahon folded up on top of a huge pile of recycle bags containing bottles and cans. Didn't feel like fishing it out and unfolding it. Pashley was located behind 2-3 other bikes. A variety of Don's bikes... and my Amsterdam. So I took the Electra out due to ease and proximity.

Had to pump up the tires.




We all know Pashley is my favourite bike. But there is a reason I haven't sold my Amsterdam Electra Sport 3. The Amsterdam is more laid back in riding posture. It's really light so riding it is super leisurely. It's rare that I ever break a bead of sweat while riding the Electra. Sometimes if I have to go out and get TONS of groceries I'll take the Electra instead. It's just easier, faster, and lighter.

And I do like coaster brakes.

But the parts are all lighter too. So in this thaw time the fenders do a bit of rattling with all of the bumps and holes of the road. Pashley is more of a tank with that sort of thing.

Dexter fought me going down for his nap so by the time he was out it was 15 minutes before we were due at a baby-friend's birthday party. I decided to just go without my own baby.

Man. The jealousy I have for the other babies is paramount. They all have beautiful, smooth, hydrated skin. The moms were really nice and supportive, telling me their kid had this or that skin condition too at some point. But after seeing pictures of Dexter and his rash cycle many a supportive mom recoiled and gasped with disbelief. Believe me, if there is a cream you know of or some method of dealing with this... I've likely used it or am doing it. At the end of the day, every time Dexter's face starts to heal and make progress, a short scratching session puts him several steps back again.

I have now started sleeping with the baby so that I can monitor his scratching through the night. I don't personally have a problem with my baby crying for a few minutes before dozing off to sleep, but I do have a problem if those few minutes are accompanied by epic face mutilation. Even with trimmed nails and socks on his hands... the destruction is inhibited but not absent.





Here's hoping the added vigilance and supervision pays off. Once he starts getting better he will be less likely to scratch and be uncomfortable, anyway. And maybe once his teeth come out he will feel better? Regardless. I look forward to the day when I can stop referring to him as carpaccio baby.

But he is grabbing the pole to his jumper thing and can pull himself up to a standing position! There have been lots of jokes this week about Dexter and his pole dancing.

Back to the Amsterdam and baby's birthday party. Even though Dexter wasn't there he received a little treat bag care of mom and Electra's rack.




And I had to stop to get some ice cream and cookies for family dinner dessert later that night. Those went in the basket.




It was my mom's birthday and we had hot pot at my brother's house. It was Don's first time having hot pot. When we first arrived he saw some frozen squid ball and thought it was a frozen cream puff. He ate it and was confused.




Ladles.




Spread.




Here's Dexter modelling the baby Canadian Olympic wear my mom bought him.




Since Dexter is doing that commando crawling all the time he totally looks like a baby lumberjack, ready to come and get you.




And auntie Sable. Ever watchful of the goings on.