Me & Them

Yesterday morning James and I went to the park to meet up with some moms and tots from a local mommies group. We were invited by a mom that I met through Cafemom. I was so nervous that I almost didn't go.

My biggest fear was that I was going to go meet up with a particular group of moms. You know who I am talking about..."those" moms. We've all seen "those" moms...the ones with the manicured nails and the perfect haircut (how do they keep every strand in place while chasing their babyGap kid?) "Those" moms who seem to be in perfect shape and don't look like they were ever even pregnant. "Those" moms who look like they get at least eight hours of sleep every night. I know-I am making a lot of generalizations and stereotypes, and there is nothing wrong with any of those things, but I was feeling a little intimidated and anxious because I am totally not one of "those" moms. (Note: frizzy hair, roots in desperate need of touching up, nail polish-I don't have time for that! And we won't even get into the weight and sleep issues)

My courage was rewarded though as I met a great group of regular, everyday, seemingly normal ;-), moms. Oddly enough, two of the five were in my high school graduating class. Many of the women share some of the same ideas and parenting philosophies that I do (like breastfeeding and sign language which is not the norm in my family). It was definitely good to get out and talk to other moms face to face. I have a wonderful, wonderful, group of friends but most of them are scattered around the state and country so the majority of our correspondence is through e-mail, message boards and letters.

James could really care less about the other children around but was thrilled to be at the playground. Although the outing was slated as a play date for the "kids" and in celebration of a two year olds birthday, I think it was us moms who benefited the most.