| The Country Club for New Moms |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by OHmommy | |
| Tuesday, 09 September 2008 19:00 | |
|
Line up all 20 women in Fifi's "Mommy & Me" gym class and I will be able to successfully identify the new mothers from the old (having mothered before) mothers. How? Well for starters the (majority of) new mothers in affluent suburbs enrolled in "Mommy & Me" are manicured, stylish, and rested. Sadly I no longer belong in that mafia. They flocked to one another, perhaps by recognizing the smell of fancy organic baby lotion their perfect toddlers adorned. I looked down at my beautiful third child and licked off the crusty dried banana on her chin. Of course these are generalizations. But I was amazed at how attractive people (in this case new mothers) really do migrate toward each other and instantaneously form a clique. "Oh. My. Gosh. Your child eats organic pureed Brussels sprouts too? Let's get together. We HAVE to do lunch." They squealed while swooning over each others toddler. Further evidence that widens the gap between us, thus solidifying my alienation from any future play dates with the new mom mafia: -- Their SUVs are spotless complete with car seat protectors that preserve the car's upholstery. My mini van is so filthy it once took me two weeks to find the package of missing ground beef. -- Their manicured toddlers are able to sit soundly during circle time because they have been in an organized gym class and/or playgroup since birth. My toddler has had free reign of the house chasing after other four and six year olds thus convincing herself to believe she is also a four or six year old child. -- Their children had been bathed, scrubbed and groomed before leaving the house. My child had breakfast dried in her hair, banana plastered over her chin and cheeks, and washable marker all over her forearms. -- The new mothers looked rested because their relaxing morning just started and they showered while their only child ate organic puff cereal in front of a baby video teaching Mandarin. I was not showered, not relaxed, and tired. I dressed, fed, and sent off two children to school while my toddler ate bruised bananas in front of Tom and Jerry. And that isn't the name of my nannies nor the title of a Mandarin baby video. -- The mothers were dressed in the latest fashionable threads for it had only been months since they left their job where they had real adult interactions. My adult interactions happen at the grocery store with the butcher and my fashion inspirations are from Target on quick diaper runs. -- Their groomed toddlers cried during separation time holding onto their mother's legs. My toddler never sensed I was gone and started an impromptu game of chase with the gym teacher giving her a run for our money. I was part of that new mom mafia not too long ago and remember how important "Mommy & Me" gym class was. It served as an outing for me to meet other moms like myself and a chance to let my child explore and play in a fun setting. It was a very good thing and many of the mothers I met are still friends of mine today. It served as the country club for new mothers and a place to make connections. I became a drop-out when Lola was born and not since yesterday have I observed the new mom mafia in action on their own turf. It made me realize what a long strange trip it has been these last six years and how far I have traveled. From: "Mommy & Me" The Country Club for New Mothers. Play, socialize, and make connections here. To: "Mommy & Me & Me & Me" The Life of a Mother with Three. From organic cereal to boxed pop tarts, dirty van, and violent cartoons. |
