Beaching it with Babies

Frankly, going to the beach with a baby just sucks. Especially when they are under six months. Especially riding solo with a two year old in tow.  Not the smartest of moves on my behalf, but I was optimistic, because who could turn down two weeks of this?

 Then this is the reality- packing, sunscreening and loading up for an hour for about an hour and a half at the pool.  Ha!

 This little gal LOVES the pool and swimming independently (with a puddle jumper).  The water was too cold for Deeds, so his swim lounger went sadly unused.  However, I brought his favorite piano play mat, and set him up in the shade on that.  This allowed a good 30-45 minutes of pool time with big sister.

 The MVP piece of baby equipment was definitely the Baby Bjorn.  Perfect for child transport to beach (boardwalk steps and strollers don't mix), walking on the beach, and wagon hauling with the toddler, I was so thankful that I brought it.

Ahh, I forgot to mention that this little guy decided that sleep was for the birds, and woke up every couple hours absolutely ravenous.  I was so desperate for some rest that I drove to the Target in Panama City and bought him a swing. It was worth it just to get a couple naps out of that boy.

 I have never relished adult time so much as my anniversary dinner at Havana at the Pearl in Rosemary Beach.  The food was fantastic, as were the champagne cocktails.

 I was so excited for a big beach day once Morgan got there.  We rented chairs, got all the necessities, and hit the sand.  Morgan remarked on the walk there that they would probably last 45 minutes after all this work.  I protested that we had done an hour and a half stretch without setting up base camp earlier in the week.  It would be great! I swear, I get dumber every day.

They lasted 45 minutes on the dot.  Dell Harper had a massive hissy fit sitting in the surf for me to hold her, as I tried to nurse Deeds under the umbrella while covering us up with a towel, hoping he would get sleepy and nap in the super cool little bed I dug him in the sand.  Luckily the waves covered the sound of her wails.  Deeds refused his sand hole, so Morgan held him in the shade, as I attempted to cajole Miss Priss into building a sand castle with me.  She was too far gone into her misery, whimpering "Go home, go home right now and watch TEEEEEVEEEEEEE, Mama!".  Then Deeds had a major blow out.  The shit had hit the fan. It was time to give up.

The couple beside us said their daughters were 5 and 7- this is the first time they had really braved the beach after a couple of disasters.

Next time I am hiring a babysitter, taking a paperback and going to the beach.  ALONE.

Five (Years) on Friday

1.  Happy Fifth Anniversary to Morgan and myself!

I can't believe it's been five years- it seems like it's been longer than that, yet it has flown by.  I love looking at these pictures from our first year and condo.

2.  Buying Our House- our first big milestone.

Our little stone rancher- how I love it.  A wonderful way to kick off our second year of marriage.  We've now done two renovations and one add-on.  I think we are done.   For now, at least.

3.  Buddy!!!  Shortly after the house came my favorite fur ball.

Chaser of all things squirrel and bunny, lover of sneaking onto couches and counter surfing, giver of the best hugs, and the furriest furry cuddler on the earth.

4.  Dell Harper
Next came this little joy.

She's been pretty extensively chronicled here, but goodness!  She is such a joy in our lives.

5.  Deeds
And of course, the newest addition!

My precious, smiley, chill (except in the middle of the night), little baby boy.  Oh, he just makes me grin. Ha, just look at his swim trunks and try not to laugh!  He is feeling mighty proud of himself for rolling over for the first time yesterday.  Growing up so fast!

It's been an incredible five years, and I am thrilled to find out what the next five years have in store.  I am so incredibly lucky to spend my life with a kind, patient partner who just loves his family (and puts up with us/me!).

Whelp, that's enough cheese for the next yearly anniversary post, right?  Back to normally scheduled programming next week.  We're off to brave the beach with our little dynamic duo, then having ADULT DINNER out at Havana in Rosemary Beach tonight.  I won't know what to do with myself- it's been TWO weeks since I have had adult time.  Needed.  Badly.

Have wonderful a weekend!

Caftan Body Ready

I read this article on The Cut, and it instantly struck a chord.  I mean, would I rather be thinking about my jiggly tummy or looking all Talitha Getty-like while eating ice cream and champagne with impunity?  Duh.

For those of you who don't feel like clicking over, here is the gist of my new fitness regimen:

"1. Select a caftan of your chosen gauge and length. Stroke its gauzy fabric and whisper into its folds.

2. Let your flesh settle into the crevices of your comfortable, comfortable caftan.

3. Crumbs? Let them fall where they may, swaddled in your caftan.

4. Throw out your razor.

5. Throw out your bra.

6. Throw out the aloe vera lotion you bought last summer. You will not be getting sunburned this summer.

7. Release your inhibitions. Feel the rain on your skin."

Brilliant.  Now for the eye candy-

Talitha-

Liz Taylor-

And for some current reincarnations of the classic (and forgiving) look-

Lilly has these fabulous ones-

The Sea Island Tunic-

In another more fabulous life, I will waft around in this- the Kingston Maxi Caftan Dress.

In such life I will be tall and willowy, obviously.

I'm just dying for this one from Anthropologie-

Or this one-

Or any of Tory Burch's tunics, or Roberta Roller Rabbit.  Due to the lack of height and willowy-ness, their abbreviated length would probably be my best caftan bet.

Off to get started on my new caftan-body fitness regimen!  While other will be eating clean, I will be eating caftan!  YOLO, baby.