Some Mommies came with their newest reward
– a bundle of baby nestled in their arms.
Some Mommies came with their newest reward – a bundle of baby nestled in their arms.
Others came sporting hard-earned svelte figures while others cradled swollen pregnant bellies.
Many came with newfound friends and an excitement for another year spent building new ones in Las Madres.
I felt very fortunate to be among the women last Saturday enjoying the Las Madres annual new member brunch at Goldsmith Seeds.
It was a true celebration of motherhood, friendship and, of course, Las Madres.
If you don’t already know, Las Madres is a nonprofit organization made up of neighborhood playgroups for moms and dads and their offspring throughout Santa Clara County that began in 1953. Besides offering a support network for parents and outings for children, families and moms, its members also take part in community service projects throughout the year.
Gilroy’s Las Madres chapter is more than 150 women strong.
I joined in 2002 – the year our darling daughter, Emma, was supposed to be born. She had other plans and arrived in early January.
Since my plunge into motherhood, I haven’t been alone, thanks to Las Madres. I’ve become acquainted with some extraordinary, talented moms who are raising their children the best way they know how – just like myself. And I’ve made some valuable friendships with some wonderful women, who I would have never met otherwise.
While I can’t say I know everyone in the group or that I’ve made 35 best friends, I know that I can call a great many of the women for company, a piece of advice, a meal, a laugh, or just to commiserate. It’s a comforting feeling that I deeply appreciate.
And not only have I benefited from being part of this group, I know Emma is, too, each and every day. Not only because Mom is happy, but because she has so many playmates her own age to have fun with and try out her new social skills, i.e. hugging and the art of sharing.
It’s so much fun to ask Emma in the morning whether she’d like to go play with her friends. I always receive an enthusiastic, “Yeah!”
Over the past year, she has played “kitchen” happily at countless playdates, squealed over the petting zoo at Happy Hollow during one of our “field trips” and experienced her first of many birthday parties.
It’s thrilling to see her making friends and the excitement in her little face whenever we arrive at one of her friend’s doorsteps or we run into one of her buddies around town.
Now that her sister is on the way, I’ll be happy to see both of our girls grow up with close-knit circles of friends.
So whether you’re a first time mom or have a brood at home, Las Madres is a great way to make some new friends and become involved in doing some good for Gilroy.
If you’re interested in learning more about Las Madres, please drop me an e-mail. I’d love to hear from you!
