Baby Beach Fest

Babies rather profoundly alter the nature of beach excursions making even the military’s careful strategizing seem negligible by comparison: For simply one offspring, the following accoutrements are essential for inveterately responsible parents- The ubiquitous Pack N Play. The cabana to accompany the ubiquitous Pack N Play. Copious sunscreen for both baby and adult. Wipes to remove copious sunscreen from hands. Beach towel, Beach blanket, Beach book. A cornucopia of foods for hungry, yet fickle children, gluttonous infants, and scavenging adults. A cooler to preserve aforementioned rations. Several clothing outfits for possible diaper and/or food and/or dirty Seagull explosions or unforeseen climate changes. Concluding with the requisite beach toys, beach chairs and possibly beach tent. Though the aforementioned encumbrances could serve as an incorrigible deterrent, I was assisted by my mother, who “Chinese-fire drilled” into my car, while en route, nearly in the middle of the A.C. Expressway. Ocean City was our destination and fortunately, my mom regaled Eowyn & I with tales of her dental woes and impending root canal that could result in her resembling a (toothless) muppet, making the drive pass quickly. Much to my delight, Eowyn possessed a nearly saintly disposition for the duration of the day, enthused by the presence of so many fellow un-potty trained first and second cousins. Now that Eowyn has mastered pinching and biting, her dauntingly colossal cousin Malachi threatens her considerably less. In fact, without fail, Eowyn gives a sorority sister squeal and flashes a snaggle-tooth grin whenever a friend (or dog) is in view. Thus, the presence of her (newish) second cousins, Lana Lynn and Tatum Bea was electrifying to this child who celebrates every opportunity for socialization, rivaling only her love for high sugar-content treats. (My Kohr’s Brother cone fell victim to her screams.) Perhaps most memorable is Eowyn’s deepening affection for her Grandmom Kulp, as depicted by their beach-side gibberish tête-à-tête, lasting nearly an hour- Eowyn gingerly situated in her miniature chair, enduring the “Debbie Downer” observations with adoration in her eyes! Even her Uncle Andrew found occasion to break from his “girl hunt” on the boardwalk, after securing a mere 37 phone numbers, to gallantly hold the tiny, exhausted Princess. Ocean City-It’s just the best!