A Mamalicious Year In Review

A year ago Missy Miu was 4 months old and I was one lonely Mama.   I knew there were groups of Moms who were getting out and keeping each other company.   I was experiencing so much despair that the thought of being sociable would paralyze me.  Many of the Mom outings were a bit of a commute.   Going to work entails a 52 km drive one way.  The long trips to mingle with the baby became another excuse not to get out.

I soon realized that at this point maternity leave was going to be sad experience.  The only way to get around this was to create my own group.   I mean surely I would be a social butterfly if it was my group.   If I planned events in my area then the excuse of a long commute would be removed.

Thanks to Meetup.com I was able to get some great ideas and form a mommy group Scarborough Pickering Mamalicious Mamas.   Almost a year later we have over 200 Mamas.   Many going through the same predicament of loneliness.  

We are all excited about being a parent, but were not really forewarned that sometimes it would be difficult to find other children for our little ones to mingle with,  peer support and things to do. It's pretty exciting to know that we had Mamas participate in almost 200 events.   I would like to thank the volunteer Mama's who host many of our outings.

Our group has evolved.   We have new Mamas and Back to work Mamas.   We are listening.   Even though Moms are returning to work they still want to keep in touch with each other.  They had lots of baby questions and they have now turned to toddler questions.

I'm excited about out first Weekend Mama event taking place next month on a Saturday.   Any member can attend however it is a great opportunity for back to work Mamas to catch up with each other and for their toddlers to mingle.

We have accomplished a lot with the Mamalicious Mamas and would like to continue.     We have some great ideas and are looking forward to working with businesses in the community.

I am back to work,  juggling family life but excited about upcoming developments for the Mamalicious Mamas.

Strollerfit In The Park

The Mamalicious Mamas are so excited about the free workouts hosted by two wonderful mamas in our group on Mondays!

They sure make us work hard though. We power walk, squat, jump around, work on our abs, and sing and dance with our babies. It leaves us painful at the end, but its well worth it! And the babies get a good nap (usually).

M cried through the whole workout today though... She just didn't want to sit still. I didn't give in though! I distracted her with fruit snacks and managed to get through the workout.

We are so excited how big our group is getting and how the mamas are volunteering to help us host events. As you all probably know, Dee and myself are going back to work soon! Meaning we could use all the help we can get. Thanks awesome mamas!

M started her Montessori today (two weeks before I go back) so I can get some stuff done and hopefully get rid of old baby things. She did great for the hour she was in today.

On another note, Dee and myself have been frantically preparing for our picnic on Friday! We can't wait to have a Mamalicious picnic, but the sandwiches and cupcakes aren't going to make themselves. Of course with Dee's awesome baking skills, the cupcakes are guaranteed to turn out great. Hope we have lots of you join us Friday!!

Until next time...

Events - Week of June 10th

Mamalicious Mamas has 4 events events scheduled this week.  You will find us:

- walking and strolling at Pickering Town Centre
- indulging in some FroYo at ci gusta
- having fun with the little ones at a weekly playdate
- learning Infant / Child CPR

On Mondays we get our exercise on with Mommy and Baby Fitness.
Unfortunately I will have to miss this week's class.  Hubby and I went biking with Missy Miu.  I lost my balance, and flew off my bike head first into some rocks on the side of the path.  Yes I wore my helmet.  I actually landed on my left leg.

Missy Miu ate grass while we waited for the paramedics.  She was really concerned.

I went to the hospital.  Nothing  broken,  just severe bruising. 

I will live. Orders are that I stay off my feet for a few days. Did I mention that Little One is crawling? This should be interesting.

Mamalicious Tea Party

Mamalicious Mamas would like to thank Hy-Tea Teahouse for hosting our Mama Tea Party.  We had 19 Mamas and babes in attendance.

They arranged stroller parking for us out front.

We savoured the flavour of a warm scones, whipped butter, tasty deserts,  fruit, sweet Devon cream, delicious jam and delicate finger sandwiches.

Of course we drank from fancy china too!

We took a walk on the board walk.

And some of us wore fancy hats.

The Babytime Show Spring 2013

The Mamalicious Mamas have 100 members!  Awesomeness!  I decided to pound the pavement, approach exhibtors at the Babytime Show and see if they would be interested in offering perks to the Mamas.

Knowing hubby would be taking Missy Miu to swimming, I decided to go to the salon to polish up my look.  I got a haircut.  I have learned now that we have a baby, having the time to do hair and make-up is not optional.  Since they were hanging out today, I was able to touch up my hair and wear makeup.  It has been awhile since I adorned a professional look.

Large earrings since baby girl  wasn't around to snatch them out

The show was hopping. I missed Missy Miu, but she would not have had the patience to hang with me today. It was a slow pace, and I stopped at many booths.  I had some business cards printed and purchased off of Vista Print and I presented them to each vendor.

The response was favourable. Everyone I had approached were interested in The Mamalicious Mamas. Here are some of the booths visited.

I cannot wait to negotiate and post perks on our meetup board.  This is so exciting.  I feel like I can make this venture really successful.