Hi S.,
I read your message and I can completely relate to it 100%. I can especially relate to going "to the park a few times, but the moms seemed stand offish". Been there and done that. I have been attending a playgroup for the last 2-3 months and I feel blessed to have found this group, as it had been a very difficult few months prior to getting connected to the group.
About myself...
My name is Z.. I'm a 35 year old stay-at-home Mom... I have a 17 1/2 month old daughter, Isabela, who is truly the light of my life. I have a wonderful and loving husband, Martin. We relocated to Layton, UT from Omaha, Nebraska earlier this year (beginning of March), as a result of my hubby's job (Union Pacific Railroad).
The first few months were the hardest, as we don't have any family in town and didn't know anyone either. Our neighbors are really nice, but, like yours, most of them are older and don't have kids (or kids my baby's age)... We talk and have exchanged phone numbers... they call or stop by to say hi and, basically, check up on us (LOL), but we don't really hang out. I do feel blessed that we at least know we can count on any of them in case of an emergency, as they are those type of people :) So for that, I am very thankful for.
Through one of my neighbors, I got connected to the playgroup I've been going to, which has been a blessing... Not only for my daughter, so she gets some play time and social interaction, but also for myself (gives "me" some social interaction as well and a nice little "break" from the same daily stuff)... Before having Isabela, I had always worked full time (nursing, I have a BSN) and had always been very socially involved... Well, since our relocation to UT and being new to the "stay-at-home-mom" concept... well lets just say it's been a completely new "learning experience" for me...And I'm learning, but it's been challenging. But I try to stay positive and know that it is in those times when we are out of our comfort zone that we grow. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "A woman is like a tea bag, you never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water". :)
Real quick, about our playgroup... since I've already written a novel (LOL)... Right now there are 12 of us moms. All but a couple of them are stay-at-home moms. Most of us didn't know each other before the group. Some of us are new to Utah. Everyone lives in different areas: Layton, Ogden, Roy, Clinton. Our kids range between 7 months old up to 17 1/2 months old (mine's the oldest). There are both baby boys and girls. We try to meet once a week, which is nice. And we share different kinds of resources (Mommy advice, etc.) and "fun stuff" (like recipes) during groups and via email.
Let me know if you're interested in coming to playgroup. I'd be happy to send you info on our next playgroup (next week, we're having a baby "costume party"!!).
Sorry this turned out to be sooo long :) Just wanted to share a little (or A LOT!) about me and let you know that someone understands :)
Well take care and look forward to hearing from you!
Z.
p.s. Feel free to call me too, if you want to chat about playgroup or anything else for that matter (lol)... my cell ###-###-#### (we kept our Nebraska #s for family). Take care!!