The Last Few

In the midst of trying to prepare for going back to work and a new school year, I am definitely enjoying some last few summer days with my family. I am thrilled to be going back to work and lucky to have a job that I do love, but with each passing day my heart grows more and more sad. I do not want to leave my baby girl. So I am trying to spend the last days doing some special things and enjoying the weather.

This past weekend, Daddy and I were able to take Kay back to the beach. We arrived late Friday night, and we woke up to the most beautiful beach day on Saturday. It was picture perfect. It was so perfect that I didn't take any pictures because I was too busy playing with my daughter and sitting with my husband.

When we got back from the beach, we did have to cool off and rehydrate. Look at the sweaty hair on this cutie!

After relaxing a little bit, Daddy, Kay, and I headed to Wildwood boardwalk for a change of pace from our beloved Ocean City. We walked, drank lemonade, had some fries, and played some games. All in all, it was absolutely perfect.

Daddy had to win Kay her first prize! It was a BIG, pink Scooby! 

Our baby girl loved looking at all the lights and people, but after an hour or two she was wiped out tired.

We are definitely ending this summer on a high note. Family time and time with friends is on the top of my priority list. Things I didn't get to around the house, things not checked off of my summer to-do list, they can all wait until next summer. I want to be present in the moment. I want to enjoy spending my days with my daughter.

Beach Bum

I love the feeling of my toes in the sand, staring at the water, sitting back, reading a good book, and taking a snooze. I am definitely a beach bum. Too bad, it looks like those days are long gone! I have one explorer on my hands who likes to be entertained.

Simply preparing to get to the beach is hard work. I pack her lunch, sunscreen, hat, toys, water bottle, diapers, and a million other things. Then, I find myself wandering around the house seeing what else I can throw in the bag, checking and double checking if I have forgotten anything. Then, it is time to get dressed. In a haze of white sunscreen, I apply, reapply, and reapply once more until my little munchkin is covered in disgusting white specs and slime. Then, try getting her bathing suit up on her slimy body. Not an easy task.

It is all worth it though. The memories we are creating are well worth the hassle of packing and prepping a baby for the beach. Watching her excitement as the water hits her toes, watching her crawl in the wet sand, or watching her fuss over getting her hands dirty are little moments in her life that I will never forget.

This weekend we were lucky enough to spend our holiday down the shore. The baby is getting used to the beach, but it is a lot for her. She gets so tired from all of the excitement! I am sure hoping that she enjoys it as much as we enjoy taking her. Aside from my anxiety of worrying if she is happy, hot, scared, eating too much sand, drinking enough water, etc. I wonder if all this momma worrying is normal?

One thing I know for sure, this sure looks like a happy beach bum to me!

Baby Kay's bonnet was purchased at Happy Baby boutique in Cape May, NJ. You can find the bonnets here. So cute and chic!

Memorial Day

The smell of sunscreen, coolers and towels, sunglasses and magazines, and this year a first, a sippy cup and the happiest ladybug you have ever seen. Our first beach trip of the year, and this little lady seemed to love it.

An official start of summer. I heard a collective sigh of relief not only from our family, friends, and neighbors, but from every car that passed us that we passed heading down the shore. Dave and I have spent Memorial Day at the beach almost every year that we have been together, but this year was different. This was our first time spending it as a family, and it was amazing.

Since it was the first time, we did need a learning curve because we had a few snafus like forgetting the mattress pad for our pack and play and forgetting a binky to the beach, but we worked it out. First time mom here learning as I go... making mental notes to be sure I don't make the same mistakes twice. Be sure to pack baby's bath necessities when your child will be leathered head to toe in sunscreen and dipped in sand - check. Thank goodness for Rite Aid. Be sure to pack your own necessities like contact solution before packing for your baby & family - check. Oh and figure it out before 11pm because at that hour even Rite Aid can't help you.

Prepping for the beach is one of my favorite times. Everyone is buzzing around the house gathering things and chatting. I love the anticipation of the fun times about to be had by everyone.

Ready and Having Fun Waiting

We were lucky enough to have a perfect beach day. A sunny blue sky, a slight breeze, and a happy baby. She took a nap in her BOB, and that stroller was the star of the day. If you are a beach going family, you need this stroller. It was so easy to push through the sand and it lays back so far that she took a nice long nap!

When she was awake, she was too cute! She didn't cry when we put her toes in the sand. She was mesmerized by the water and waves, but she did not like the FREEZING cold water touching her feet. She moaned a little complaint. No crying though!

Daddy and Me

I meant to say that getting home from the beach is one of my favorite times. I love sitting around in bathing suits or in a diaper (whatever suits you), watching your tan (hopefully not sunburn) start to show up, sitting out on the deck, eating lots of yummy food. We had all of your holiday favorites this weekend macaroni salad, potato salad, and juicy watermelon. We even splurged on Mack and Manco's pizza. A little slice of heaven.

Before my post beach bath

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day. We most certainly did on our little lady's first trip to the beach.