As I pack up and put the finishing touches on our move, I cannot actually believe we are leaving this place and our little friends. I thought I would take the time to post a few pictures from some of our weekly playdates. And upon request, a few recipes from some of the cookies we shared.
Play-dates are a staple in the mama world, right up there with the morning coffee and nap times that allow us to actually get stuff done and/or sit for a minute. We need them. Sure, we have each other over so our kids can play together, even if they don't actually "play together" yet. We want to "socialize" them, allow them to play with new toys, poke at each other and learn about sharing. But mostly, the best part of these times is the precious two-hour mama time that we just can't live without. Well that's how I feel!
Since moving to the area, immediately four mamas warmly welcomed me to the neighborhood and upon finding our babies at similar ages, playdates began. I was relieved! When it's cold out or rainy, sure there was the library, or indoor playgrounds, baby gyms or baby classes, but who wants to pay money to go to these windowless rooms full of germs from kids you don't even know? We were lucky enough to be able to get together with the kids in the neighborhood, (at least now I know where Gabriel got his cold from or who he gave it to!)
But sometimes it's a challenge to get together, coordinating schedules--daycare, preschool, nap times, appointments, mealtimes, after school pick-ups. I think we all made it to one play-date altogether only once! And sometimes the play dates go sideways--when all the babies start crying, they are tired, hungry, or they find a roll of toilet paper, or they poke each others' eyes, pull their hair, steal toys (you know, the innumerable circumstances that can happen with toddlers) and the play dates have to end early. So many things can get in the way. Luckily, we all live so close here that we can often pop over even for a few minutes and a crib is never far away in case of an emergency nap.
The best part about this time is that we mamas get to talk to other mamas. We problem-solve, share stories, learn a lot about each other and from each other. We talk about politics and world-views, the healthcare system, the education system and our jobs (although rarely) and sometimes we just listen and sympathize. Being a mama can be hard sometimes and occasionally that is just all we need--a little affirmation, a listening ear and sometimes a little advice. That's what mamas are here for: to look after each other, to support one another.
Ladies, my dear friends, I have learned a lot from you. I look forward to your want email updates/facebook updates with pictures. Will miss your company and your little babes! BUT, looking forward to some of these back in Squamish, especially knowing there will be a few new babies to add to the mix!
*Since my mama friends asked, here are some of my favorite cookie recipes, all of which you have sampled!
- Double Chocolate and Espresso Cookies
- Cranberry and Chocolate Chunk Cookies
- Chocolate Hazelnut Drop Cookies
- Chocolate Salty Oat Cookies
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