The Eighth of May in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Eight

Today was her due date.
She was a bit impatient.
Sleep has been good the last few nights.
Don't want to jinx it but getting up refreshed is nice.
Getting a little pudgy since she loves to nurse.
Visited my work yesterday and won everyone over.
Cute
As
Hell.

Portaging

Looking into getting something to strap the peanut into for cyclorific adventures.



Chariot Carrier Cougar 1 on sale at REI. Little cheaper then a Burley, like the looks better too. That rear trunk compartment will come in handy for farmers market runs. Single seater since we're certainly not having another one any time soon. 20" wheels and a bit of suspension to keep the jostling to a minimum. They also make some accessories for wee little ones but I'm thinking strapping the car seat in there might be just as easy. Gotta keep it mild for a while but would still like to get her out there enjoying a ride.

Gonna be a good American and keep the economy rolling by spending our extra tax return on this rather then 'waste' it by paying down debt. Not that we have much at all (house, one car payment, credit card only used for online purchases) but the fact that theres worry about the money being saved or spent on monthly expenses is pretty fucked up. It's a shame that living within your means makes you the odd man out these days. I'm sure halting the gas tax for the summer will make all things better though. The world we live in is based on cheap oil, period; 18 cents per gallon means nothing. This whole idea is just catering to the 'freedom fries' crowd of dimwits who unknowingly vote themselves further into hardship.

With Angela staying home with Evey and me riding into work it's been 2+ weeks since either car has been fueled. We didn't set ourselves up for failure by living far from work or shopping out in the 'country' of subdivisions. Bitching about your self imposed hardship is quite ironic.

On a related note of self sufficient propulsion, I've been thinking about picking up a new bag for commuting. The one shoulder holding all the weight mess bag scenario gets old. The porteur rack on the crosscheck is handy for heavy loads but the ease of grabbing a bag a going is tough to beat. That and the Pacer has my attention currently so a bag is called for.



Chrome Ranchero looks pretty nice. 1480 cu in of cargo and waterproof lining for rainy commutes. They also make a roll top bag similar to a dry-bag that perks the attention but might be more then whats really needed. I'm a sucker for bags.

returning to the routine

the little stinker must have known today was my first day back after two weeks of paternal leave. all day sunday she slept waking momentarily to nurse and get her diaper changed; other then that she was out cold. nighttime rolls around and i'm heading off to bed too late as usual. angela finishes up what we hope is the last booby session before sleep and the peanut falls asleep in her lap after getting her fill. angela moves to her the co-sleeper right next to our bed and she starts stirring before beginning her impression of a dying cat. this little girls got lungs.

i nod of from 11:30 to about 1 when the nurse to sleep routine stops working. back and forth between the sleeper and angela's lap and we're both fading fast. 1 to 4 is a blur of angela leaving the room with her, then me leaving the room, then both of us in her room where she finally but fitfully dozes off in my arms while angela is refueling with cereal in anticipation of seeing the sunrise. cautiously i place her back in the sleeper where she lets out a few more grunts/whimpers but thankfully she doesn't wake.

angela's snoring before me as i see the clock hit 4:30. 30 minutes later and i'm lunging out of bed slamming my clock to save the ladies from the sonic barrage of the alarm. reset for 5:30 and pass out as my head hits the pillow. damn that was quick, up again but for good this time. light filters through the blinds and it's looking like a nice day. stick with the plan to ride into work and suit up accordingly.

npr, espresso, cereal, wool, sidis, mess bag, helmet, go.

the pacer knows the way to work as we follow the usual route and take in the new look of spring with brightening skies. blinkies cautiously flash as passing traffic has a new meaning to me and alertness isn't left on autopilot. no issues, nice ride, warming sun.

desk is still the cluttered mess i unknowingly left with past ripe fruit waiting my return. thankfully my coffee mug is empty and not teaming with new life. post it notes of work to be done are out of date and marginally jar my memory. bit of catch up but no fires to put out which is for the best as my mind is still thinking of home. anxious to see the peanut tonight...

Quick Mt Penn Tour

Home, through the city, up and over Mt Penn, down to Antietam Lake, back up, down through the city, home.  Warm day to break a sweat and work the legs nicely.  Trails looked like they've seen more use as milder weather has settled in though I saw only a few hikers.  Lots o green filling back in and obscuring the views from up top.  One meeting with the ground after hitting a logpile with a bit too much gas but a soft landing was found.  Good times.

And on the eleventh day he road again

long hiatus off the bike has been broken.  been busy i guess.  don't recall the last time the wheels stayed static for so long.  physically rested though still adjusting to the night time routine of feedings.  2 hour power naps interrupted by the hunger of our little peanut will take a bit to get used to.  gone are the usual bumps, bruises, cuts, scrapes, sprains, and saddle hot spots so the break did overall good for the physical condition.  back is also feeling good though the hami's are tight due to lack of regular stretching.

mommy and baby were off this am to a mommy group picnic get together so i gathered the usual jersey pocket supplies and geared up.  out to the garage uncoiling the cable lock from the rides giving the monkey a once over.  slow leak up front was topped off, chain good enough, strap on the frame pump, bottles in cages, where's my stubby 15mm?  back inside routing through the mess bag, then into the bike junk cabinet where it was finally procured.  lock up the house and roll.

the pair of local parks were the destination for some dirt trail cyclo action.  my how the undergrowth has sprouted since the last time through.  tree cover is filling in as well with recent rains sucked up into the canopy leaving the trails in fine condition.  said rains also washed away last years carpet of leaves exposing roots and rocks that allow for a fine line to be followed.  up and down, up and down.  this is a small park running against the grade so backtracking is inevitable but figure eighting the trails keeps it interesting.  freewheeling today and letting the throttle wide open on the descents.  feels good to be out.  gasps for air were more numerous as pushing the climbs burned with the stagnant legs.  only so many laps can be spun before interest wains and its time to move on.

back on tarmac for the quick connecter to the other park where peds and dogs are more numerous.  everyone friendly today though judgement is req'd as to which trails/paths should be avoided.  it's their park this time of day and i'm just a deadbeat skipping work in their minds.  wide open meadows are filling in and hide the groundhogs and birds that wander through the growth.  short climbs, short descents, couple of spots to leave the earth and fly momentarily.  nod at the lawn care guys and loop around again.  sun on my back feels so good after so many days indoors.

hop over the lone knee high rock in the middle of a field a couple of times and call it a day.  it's more like mt biking 'light' but its still good considering the 5 minute commute from home.  spin home and notice the empty streets as everyone is at work, 2 week paternal leave hooky bliss.

arrive home to a house empty of girls and stay in the garage for wrenching.  opt to go back to the tomicog and pull the rear brake once again.  figure if my ride time is gonna be limited for a while i better be 'riding' the whole time.  that connection to the drivetrain is both a blessing and a curse...

Evey

updated the family flickr page. she's cute, go look.

catching up on the net

TomiCOGS sweeps the fixed podium at Cohutta

Stoker from hell

Trans Iowa going down this weekend

Bike thieves must die

DIY LED's

On the home front things are going well.  She's cute as hell and just sucks us in.  Last two nights of sleeping felt great.  Wednesday night was rough; I slept an hour or so while Angela stayed up, then we switched and I saw the sunrise while she slept.  5:30 to 8:30 am, feeling refreshed on 3 hours of sleep is strange.  Turned the corner yesterday regarding breastfeeding.  Yes I'm gonna talk about BREASTFEEDING.  Been trying and Evey was unreceptive even with help from the lactation consultants at the hospital.  Wanted to avoid formula entirely but gave in when feeding her trumped our original plan.  Bought a nice pump to drain Angela and fill bottles and it was getting her belly full.  Pediatrician appts confirmed she's putting on weight and we just need to be patient.  Yesterday saw a little more nipple play (not kinky, just feedy) and we were hopeful.  Layne, Adam, and their little one Stella came over last night to visit and Layne and Angela worked with Evey for a bit and she latched just like that.  And she did it again a little later.  And then again after that.  And even more through the night and this morning.  Much relief on our part and especially Angela who was brought to tears with joy.  We sure do love this little peanut.