I've experienced countless firsts since becoming a father, but perhaps the most surprising of all so far is that I managed to successfully fit Jamie's new child seat to my bike.
I actually did this a couple of weeks ago but, such was my level of shock at the feat, that it took me until this morning to summon sufficient composure to take the wee man out for his first ride on Yorkshire roads.
Regular readers may remember that he had his first experience as a pillion passenger whilst we were on holiday in September, and he seemed to enjoy it then.
And today, he started off in a state approaching euphoria.
He was slapping me on the back, crying out with glee and waving at every passing man, woman and beast (mostly dogs, but there was a cat and a couple of fat birds in there too).
We got as far as the Leeds-Liverpool canal, about a quarter of an hour from from our house, where ducks and swans were added into the mix. All was going swimmingly (particularly the ducks and swans. Obviously).
But, somewhat inevitably, the wheels flew off (metaphorically, you understand). Jamie suddenly became irritable and his helmet began to itch. And, as every young man knows, there's nothing worse than an itchy helmet - especially when there's loads of people around.
The tears began to flow; the dummy was plonked in; the dummy was spat out -and on it went.
By this time we had turned for home but were still about 20 minutes away and the only option was for me to pedal like blazes, Jamie crying all the way, with Vanessa flying along behind.
Once home, a few cuddles from Mrs W and a plate of lunch quickly did the trick and he's now snoozing away in his scratcher.
But I think, overall, it was a successful venture.
Next time we'll probably not go quite so far.
And we'll also have to remember to give his helmet a proper scrub the night before.
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