Acquaintances and more

My social sphere has broadened since Connor was born, as having a baby/toddler in common is a classic ice breaker and paves the way for interaction and then the friendship that sometimes grows. Staying at home with Connor has led to outings and activities in which we are introduced to all sorts of new parents and kids each day. In the process, I've realized that there are many other moms (and dads) living within just a few blocks of me who are reveling in the same joys and facing the same challenges that I am day-to-day. Sharing parts of my days with them has broadened my perspective, given me fresh ideas and made me feel connected. I especially love that I am starting to run into people I know from around town at places like the park or grocery store and we recognize each other enough to say hi and chat. Having a child has made me feel much more intertwined with my community, and I'm sure that will only become more the case as the school years approach.


Occasionally these social acquaintances turn into something more. I was introduced to Amy in a funny, yet complicated way. Back in February I rode my bike to Via Del Norte park with Connor and put him in a swing, noticing a very cute little guy on the next swing over with a man and woman who appeared to be his grandparents. We struck up conversation, finding out that Charlie & Connor were just two months apart, and also that we had a local acquaintance in common. Debbie (Charlie's grandmother) mentioned that she thought I would get along really well with her daughter-in-law who lived just a few minutes away, and she would get my contact information from our mutual friend. Well, the friend didn't have the right number, then Debbie's number got lost and we were back to square one, not sure how to contact her. We knew the daughter-in-law and son's first names, and found out Debbie's last name through the friend we had in common. Dylan embarked on a Google search, and then sent an email to what we hoped was the husband's current work address (starting with "you don't know me, but I believe my wife met your mother Debbie at the park"), and finally my connection with Amy was forged.

It is so funny that we went to all that trouble, but I had a good feeling about it and I was right. The two of us clicked instantaneously, and we've had a weekly date ever since, alternating houses. At her house, Connor & Charlie get kisses from Ryely, their gigantic black lab, and at our house we experiment with bubbles or walk down to the beach. Amy is from New Hampshire and I'm from Massachusetts, so we have our east coast roots in common. And we just get along super well, with a similar life outlook and sense of humor. Connor & Charlie are perfect playmates too - the same size and just about the same speed. This is one of the greatest situations in life, where a random connection leads its way to a serendipitous friendship (for moms and kids alike).