October 13, 2009

Mommy Moments:
Moms' Group brings best friends together
By Erica Jones

When Laura O., Anna M., and Sue N. walked into the Moms' Group at Columbia Center four years ago, new babies in tow, they knew they were embarking on a very important personal journey into motherhood. But little did they know they were also starting on a remarkable journey of friendship.

Their story began when Anna and her husband were visiting Columbia Center and ran into Laura after she had just given birth. They recognized each other from the childbirth class that they attended at Columbia Center. Only a month later, Anna gave birth to her first baby. And a month after that, Sue gave birth to her first baby too.

During the Moms' Group Laura and Anna met Sue and began to form their friendship. “We all had the same size babies in the Moms' Group, so we decided to talk to each other,” recollects Sue. The proximity of the births of all their children has given these moms a tremendous bond.

Since their first Moms' Group, they’ve experienced everything from pregnancies to play dates together.

“We compared our pregnancies all the time, asking each other what we were feeling, comparing doctor’s advice, planning our births together. It was very helpful to have that support,” says Anna.

Laura and Anna had their second babies within days of each other. And all agree that without the Moms' Group they would never have had the friendship that they have today.

“We often reminisce about all of our little babies lying next to each other sleeping,” says Laura.

But now with three 4-year-olds, one 2-year-old, two 10-month-olds, and Sue due in October, these moms have a much bigger brood to watch over during play time. And as much as these moms love their monthly play dates, they realized they really wanted some time to talk.

“It’s just so loud with six kids!” Anna exclaims. “We really wanted to have a full conversation,” adds Sue. So now the friends have added a new edition to their friendship – “Ladies Night”.

Note: Moms' Group meets every Wednesday from 10:00 am to 11:30 am in the Columbia Center Family Room. Learn more about Moms' Group.