Babies and the Beach

I've missed the beach so incredibly much since moving to Texas. As someone who grew up in Long Beach, New York I have an innate appreciation for the sand in between my toes, salty ocean air and the sound of waves crashing on the shore.

I was over the moon after booking our plane tickets to visit my sister and her family on Long Island for two beautiful summer weeks…until it hit me: my toddler Nathan can't swim yet, my infant Landon is on the boob what feels like constantly, and daddy is staying behind for work. Eeeek!

Thankfully I had the help of my mom on the plane and to hold the baby here and there when I needed a break. And to seriously give credit where it is due: my two nephews James and Jake were phenomenal with my babies. I would never imagine teenage boys being so caring, gentle and patient - I can just see that they'll make the best fathers one day!

Honestly though, even with all the family lending a hand, I still have moments of feeling overwhelmed without my husband with us. I am lucky to have a husband who shares the responsibility of raising our sons.

There's a lot to think of when taking little ones to the beach and this is one time I credit my type-A personality for coming in handy. Between my sister and I we had snacks and sunscreen up the ying yang, multiple outfits packed for the boys along with their swimmies and bathing suits. We also had beach chairs, a tent, towels, buckets and spades, one useless umbrella, a Bluetooth speaker and our vodka-lemonade's premixed. The latter was needed for our sanity. We felt like we were moving to the beach!

One seriously good tip she taught me that I never needed previously; Powder Shower. I've never been big on using baby powder on the boys but my gosh it's a godsend with kids on a beach. Sprinkle liberally and wipe away all the sand getting stuck in their cracks and cervices which could bring misery when mixed with diaper rash. A friend of mine also mentioned that apparently babies under 6 months shouldn't get suncreen applied - who knew? The World Health Organization states that their skin is so thin and delicate that other measures should be taken to prevent them from getting sunburn like SPF bathing suits, hats and sitting in a tent or under shade. If really needed though- apply that suncreen. Just be mindful of what ingredients are in it and get the highest SPF you can. I used Think Baby SPF 50+ Sport lotion.

I'm currently typing this from a packed car on our way to Montauk for a few days. Montauk is the furtherest point of Long Island and home to some amazing lobster rolls and great fishing spots. We'll be camping on the beach for a few days and making memories with the kiddos…

Yes, sleeping will be hard. Things will get sandy and I may be breastfeeding all day in the sun in front of total strangers but today will be lost and tomorrow they'll be one day older. The time is now.