A Learning Circle

Our townhome complex has seen a lot of babies in the last year. Seriously, at one point I think there were 10 of us in varying stages of pregnancy. Well, one mom decided that she wanted to take advantage of this opportunity and create a "learning circle." The idea comes from a website called The Power of Moms, and it describes a learning circle as "part book group, part girls' night out and part support group." We read a selected article from the website, then get together once a month to discuss it and share our feelings, struggles, successes, etc (while munching on yummy refreshments too, of course).

I've been wanting to get to know these women better, as well as have some close friends nearby that I could talk to and "hang out" with. (As much as you "hang out" with kids, anyway.) Needless to say, I was thrilled when I heard about it.

We had our first meeting last night, and I am amazed at how much better I felt about life afterward. I suspected it would be enlightening, but I did not expect the change of heart and mind that accompanied this experience. I had fun, and I SO needed that support right now in life. I've felt a little buried lately, and then foolishly thought I'd start potty-training Mouse (yeah, that lasted about 32 hours; I found out neither of us are quite ready for that). Anyway, it came as a wonderful tender mercy at just the right time. I highly recommend it for any mom out there. :)

Happy Birthday Mouse!

We celebrated Mouse's second birthday at the beginning of this month. Every day since then she has sung "Happy Birthday" to herself. Some days more than once. I'm pretty sure that means it was a success, despite some more weather woes (our original spot to party was a park; thankfully my parents opened their doors to us at the last minute!)