Florida 2013 [ Leo's first trip ] Part Two

After spending the night at my dad's in Tampa we all drove to Daytona Beach to stay the rest of the week. We've gone to Daytona every year for a pretty long time (Last year was G's first time to join the family there) and this time was very different with a newborn in tow. Leo loved being outside and for the most part, he would fall asleep immediately after stepping out the door because it was just so warm. I had my first drink in over a year but it was kinda overrated. Leo alone is such a better feeling than any kind of alcohol or anything you miss out on that whole 9 months. We walked the boardwalk, shopped the flea market and stopped for car racing. G made a maker's mark for my stepdad's birthday because it's his favorite drink. It wasn't the most shapely cake but I never called him a baking and pastry chef! The two of the went golfing as usual, and we swam the lazy river and ocean. I thought Leo was too young to get in the swimming pool but I can't wait until next time when he can enjoy all of it! It was so weird being there with my husband and son after being there as a 12 year old and on. How life changes!

Drey $ Nicole

Florida 2013 [ Leo's first trip ] Part One

When Leo was six weeks old we took our first family vacation all the way across the country to Florida. He did soo good on all the flights there and back, nursing and sleeping and not making a peep! Everyone was shocked when we got up and they hadn't known he was there at all. We stayed at my dad's house in Tampa the first night, and he got to meet his grandson for the very first time! They were smitten with each other. We went to clearwater beach, which I'm obsessed with, and Leo got to put his toes in the ocean for the very first time! California water is too cold all year round so it was good for all of us! Even at six weeks old we could tell how immediately happy he was as soon as we stepped out into the salty humid air. His wispy little baby hairs blew in the wind and he quietly studied everything with a contentedness. It was a magical first that we'll never forget and Clearwater will always be special for that.

Drey $ Nicole 

The Queen Mary

Right before Leo was born my parents came to Long Beach to be here for the birth. He ended up being two weeks late so they had to change their flight and work arrangements, and we had lots of down time. We spent one day strolling the decks of the Queen Mary, which is actually right by G's work and we'd never been. It brought back memories of the time I went on a cruise and being in London, and it made the day so happy. Almost enough to forget about how miserable and impatient I was starting to become! 

Drey $ Nicole

Long Beach Livin'

My life this week (more like the last two!) via iPhone photos:

1. All stocked up with Trader Joe's goodies is the very best

2. Marrying into a family of Italians who own a restaurant means the best tiramisu at anytime

3. Tx Bentley still very much attached to the bump at all times + 27 week belly

4. Took the blood glucose test. The drink was not so bad but I almost blacked out within the hour

5. Busted out the Apple Cider Vinegar for a tiny cold/sinus spell

6. Finally ran all the government errands needed to get my last name changed after our wedding almost half a year ago

7. I've been sore from prenatal workouts so I walked it out on the beach

8. I decided my first request after giving birth will be in & out. I'll be starving, right?!

Follow along on Instagram for daily updates! Username: dreynicole

Drey $ Nicole

Top Ten Beach Must Haves

Today I'm going to share with you my top ten absolute beachy bare necessities. When I forget even one of the following, my beach trip usually ends up getting cut a bit short, and I can't quite get settled into my sandy little setup. I hope you can use my musts as a checklist to make your next beach trip a complete success!

Sure you put on sunscreen, but a lot of people forget about their lips! After getting the worst blistery lip sunburn of my life, I never skip on the chapstick. Blistex spf is my favorite!

Of course you don't go in the sun without your favorite pair of sunnies!

Reading in the sun is soo relaxing! I always take some sort of reading material whether it be a magazine, novel, or most recently this crafty book!

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! I love this brand because it's infused Aloe moisturizes your skin while preventing burn.

I always put a little dark tanning oil over my sunscreen for a bronzy glow. Never apply without sunscreen underneath, you'll super bake!

Ear buds for my pandora app. Music makes it 100 times better.

Jumping waves builds up a real appetite fast! Even if I have something before I leave, I can always count on needing a snack after some time in the water. I usually take a good ol' PB&J. (When my littles don't get to it first!)

When I'm riding solo I roll up one of our beach towels, otherwise we take a big mexican blanket to share. Forgetting a towel and laying on your clothes is the worst when you put them back on and their damp!

A small lunchbox or purse makes for the perfect head rest while your laying out. I also use it to house my phone or ipod to keep the sand from blowing into my screen. 

Most importantly, lots and lots of water. The salt water, sun, and hot sand will have you parched in minutes and you'll be miserable without something to drink. It is so important to stay hydrated when you're out in the sun sweating all your bodies water away. I always grab the biggest bottle I can find when heading out.

Hope you're having fun in the sun!

Drey $ Nicole