Hellobee

About a month after Little Schoolbus was born, I began researching mommy and me programs or activities I could do with her. There was really nothing that was close to my house, but I did come across an 8-week program called OC Mommy and Me. I was intrigued because it sounded exactly like what I was looking for – a support group for new moms with children that were around the same age. As an older mom, most of my friends have kids who are already in grade school or middle school. Although I could turn to them and ask them questions or arrange playdates, it had been many years since their kids were babies so it just wasn’t the same. I really wanted to be part of a group of moms with children who were the same age as my own. I hoped that this would be what I was looking for. I quickly signed up and waited for the first class to begin. Little Schoolbus was going to be about 8 weeks old by the time the first class started.

In July of 2013, I walked into what would be one of the most enriching and wonderful experiences as a first time mom. It was a little bit awkward at first because we didn’t know each other, but there was a bond that was formed because we were all first time moms and we were all in the trenches of the early months of motherhood. And boy were those trenches deep at times!

Photo Courtesy of OC Mommy & Me

I looked forward to my weekly 35 minute drive to class to just sit with the other moms, learn from specialists on various topics that were so relevant for a first time mom, and socialize with someone other than my drooling infant. The classes made me get out of the house and make myself presentable, which did wonders for me instead of sitting at home in my nursing top and yoga pants. I knew that the topics discussed could be googled or read about it in a parenting book. but discussing it with a group who is going through the same thing is more powerful and effective. I didn’t feel like I was the only one going through sleepless nights or nursing strikes. We were all in it together. I also loved the fact that these classes were not just a bunch of moms getting together to talk (although we did do a lot of talking), we also learned a lot from reputable specialists who were certified and experts in their respective fields.

A quote by C.S. Lewis about friendship comes to mind about the group of women who have since become some of my closest mommy friends.

Friendship is born at that moment when one man says to another: “What! You too? I thought that no one but myself..”

There were many moments in class when we would look at each other and say, “Me too! That’s exactly what’s going on.” It was like an “ah-ha!” moment—you could look around the class and see each of the women nod in agreement.

Our babies on the last day of class, September 2013

I left the class feeling empowered as a mom instead of defeated despite the lack of sleep and being overwhelmed at times because I was equipped with so much knowledge from our class. The discussions with the other moms helped me vent about the struggles as a new mom so I no longer felt like I was alone! We were all able to commiserate with one another and also share in the delightfulness and wonder of motherhood. This wasn’t just another mommy group. We had different personalities and backgrounds but we all got along very well. Some of us co-slept while others sleep trained. Some nursed while others fed their babes formula. Never did I feel like someone looked at me like I was crazy for whatever parenting method I was using. I never once felt judged by any of them! I think it has a lot to do with the type of moms that are a part of the OC Mommy and Me family and I also believe it trickles down from the founder Alex, who is such a positive and supportive role model for OC moms.

With Alexandra Spitz, the founder of OC Mommy & Me

I loved that the classes were private and small. There was no such thing as a “dumb” question. I felt safe to say anything or ask anything. Alex is amazing and I can’t say enough great things about her and her program. Even though the classes have been over for quite some time, our group still meets for playdates and special celebrations. Sometimes we can’t meet as often as we want due to conflicting nap schedules or distance, but we support each other through texts or messages on our own private Facebook group. Looking back at the pictures we’ve taken makes me so happy– just seeing how much our kids have grown and how many awesome memories they have and will have together brings me so much joy. I can’t believe these little nuggets are TWO now! Time has really flown by!

My Tribe

I love my OC Mommy and Me friends. I know there are now many other mommy groups that have formed in our area and you can call me biased, but this one is the best since it’s the first one that started in Orange County. If I had to do it again, there is no doubt in my mind that I would sign up in a heartbeat.

Do you have a mommy group that you are a part of?  How did you find your mommy tribe?