The Salty Boob: Riley's first trip to Santa Cruz

Since I spent the summer el prego with Riley and spent a whole work week in labor with him we decided that, if I was cleared by my midwife, that I deserved a surf trip. I figured since I had a C-section I was most likely free of getting a seal caught...well, nevermind. Read the pregnancy blog and you will get what I am talking about :)

Anyway...although I am totally out of shape and couldnt even fit in my old wetsuit, I figured I better try to get back on the saddle and try to catch some waves before winter sets in and its too damn cold to surf.

So Nick and I packed up little Riley and headed to Santa Cruz with my long time friend Jenny (Auntie J bug) and her dog Snowy. Unfortunately we had to drop Snowy off at his Uncle's house, but he rode some of the way with us.

It took my about 3 days to think about and pack exactly what I thought Riley would need for the beach. And it took about 5 seconds for me to kick sand in his face once we got there. Poor little buddy. It had been so long since I had been to a beach that I forgot about how windy it can get and forgot that sand pretty much gets EVERYWHERE no matter how careful you are.

We even bought Riley a tent to protect him from the elements, but that got sand in it pretty much immediately. But once we covered the stupidly place tent windows Riley was a happy little bundle and I was ready to get in the water...

Now as for surfing...I was exhausted before even getting in the water. Those stairs at Manresa kicked my butt and so did walking in the sand AND putting on the wetsuit. Once I got in the water, reality hit and I couldnt even get past the break cause the waves were coming in so fast.

So...I did the next best thing and tried to ride the white water. MAN, I AM OUT OF SHAPE!!! I lasted about 30 minutes after getting my ass kicked by a few waves and could barely push myself up on the board. Actually, I couldnt push myself all the way up, so I never got up, but being back in the water was awesome!

Tag. Once I got out of the water, it was Nick's turn to try and surf. So being the dutiful mom that I am I thought I better feed Riley before he gets too hungry. Nick had told me he took 2 oz's of his bottle, but he was still acting hungry. So after taking off the upper half of my wetsuit and positioning myself half in and half out of Riley's tent and putting on the Hooter Hider so no one would see my boobs...I look down just as Riley is about to latch on and there is sand EVERYWHERE! I immediately pull him away from the boob and since he has no idea why, he lets out a huge scream. And as I am trying to simultaneously console him and wipe sand off my boob, the next thing I know, a gust of wind blows the Hooter Hider to the side and my salty, sandy boobs are out for everyone to see. Good thing there werent too many people near us!

Jenny and Nick decided that 'The Salty Boob' would be a good name for a bar...

So, anyway, since we had so much fun, we are thinking of trying to go again. I do have to say though, it was a little stressful going with a 2 month old, but I am proud of Nick and I for even trying! It was well worth the soreness I am still feeling :) And awesome to be there with Nick, Riley and one of my oldest friends, Jenny.

See below for some pictures of the trip...
And we're off...

My first time meeting Snowy, Auntie J bug's dog. "Hello little puppy..."

Playing with dad in the hotel room before my first trip to the beach

Here's mom ready to go out...

Manresa State Beach

Here's Auntie J bug waxing up her board

This is me in my tent...see if you can spot me :)

All packed up and ready to head back to the hotel And I am out...what a long day at the beach!!! I am POOPED!

Day 2 at the beach...this time I am in my carseat in the tent. It worked MUCH better!

Here's our friend Matt. He came to meet me and to surf with mom and dad...

Dad's trying to figure out if its worth paddling out since there were no waves at Cowell's :(

The ride home...dreaming of the beach and waves :)