Beach Baby

~If you want to know how much I love you, count the waves.~

This weekend, Blake and I took Sydney to the beach.  I have been waiting to take her to the beach since the moment she was born!  For as long as I can remember, I have loved the ocean.  It has a calming, peaceful effect on me that I can't explain.  No matter how stressed out I am, the beach is a place where I can unwind and truly relax.  My wish for Sydney is that she falls under the same magical spell the sea has on me.

We were worried about how the car ride would go, especially considering the fact that Sydney had been up earlier than usual to go to the school I taught at for a baby shower and then went to UNC for a much longer than anticipated appointment with only a catnap on the way there.  Sydney fell asleep rather quickly when leaving UNC and slept for about an hour, which gave us a pretty good start.  We stopped briefly in New Bern for a diaper change, snack and then headed back on our way.  Sydney did a great job!

Taking a break with Daddy

Once we got settled in Morehead, we packed Sydney back in the car for the short ride to the Beaufort waterfront, one of our favorite spots!  We walked Sydney around the boardwalk and looked at all the boats.

We're just debating which boat to buy...

We wondered how Sydney would sleep in a new place, but no need to worry!  We put Sydney down at about 8:00 and didn't hear from her until 9:00 A.M.!  She was completely worn out from a long day, which helped her sleep well.

The next morning, we packed the car up and headed across the bridge from Morehead to Atlantic Beach.  Of course, we lathered Sydney up from head to toe and made sure she had a hat plus we kept her under the umbrella pretty much the whole time (we're new parents, what can I say?).  Once settled in on the beach, Sydney played with her toys and seemed as happy as a clam (appropriate for the beach, right??). 

"So there's that ocean you've been telling me about!"

Sweet baby

Not loving the sunglasses

We did put her feet in the water, but she wasn't super excited about it.  In her defense though, the water is still rather chilly!  Not to worry, she will have plenty of opportunities to try again. 

After her nap, we headed over to the aquarium for a quick visit.  Sydney looked at the fish some, but was more interested in spreading her infectious smile around to the people there.  I have the feeling we will be visiting the aquarium often, especially the older she gets.

At the aquarium

Checking out the fish

That evening we enjoyed a nice dinner with Blake's cousin Eleanor and her friend Jill who also happened to be down at the beach.  Hopefully they enjoyed dinner too, considering they ate with a nine month old!

Family picture at dinner

Sunday we headed back to the beach and played until Sydney was ready to nap.  We packed up quick and headed home.  Sydney had a great time at the beach, and we can't wait to get her back again!

Relaxing on the beach

This duck is DELICIOUS

So is this bucket

Silly girl!

Sydney loves her daddy!

Gimme those sunglasses

Checking out the ocean

It's cold!!!