From baby bows to kindergarten: A Homewood play group

This past spring I noticed blue and pink bows on mailboxes around Homewood more than I normally would. It was probably because my own due date was in April, but I found myself wondering if my son will be friends with these babies one day and if they will end up in the same class in school. I also wondered how the moms were feeling and what they were like. I wondered about the story behind the bows.

When my neighbor, Brooke Gillis, recently mentioned to me that she loved her playgroup and that they had been together for five years, I asked her how it came to be and how it was evolving over the years. I found out that another neighbor on Broadway, Allison Litton, had similar curiosities about the baby bows and took action in 2007.

“I had about a month left of maternity leave when I decided to put notes in my neighbor’s mailboxes that had baby bows asking them to get together for a play date,” Litton said. “The playgroup moms became a support group for each other very quickly, sharing our doubts, worries, stories and tips. We have supported each other during some really challenging times and celebrated joyful times as well. I’m glad I decided to seek out the mothers behind the bows because now my daughter is going to kindergarten with friends she has known her entire life. It’s also nice when you can trust each of your friends to supervise your children and your kids actually listen to them.”

What started out as eight babies has over the years turned into 40 kids running around.

“In the beginning, our babies would sit and sleep in their car seats while the moms visited,” Litton said. “It’s not that quiet anymore.”

The playgroup has done a lot of events together over the years with and without kids, but Litton said the highlight each year is their annual Santa party, where they pay the same Santa to come visit with the kids.

“It’s really fun to see the kids recognize him each year, overcome their fear of sitting in his lap and eventually having a conversation with him. We take a big group picture of the moms and the kids. It’s fun to see everyone change from year to year and watch our families grow,” Litton said.

What is Litton’s advice for other moms seeking friends and support? Living in Homewood is a great start.

“I am lucky enough to live in a community like Homewood,” she said, “because it was definitely a little scary to seek out strangers. Not being from Alabama, I was surprised by their willingness and generosity. I would encourage other moms to not be afraid to seek out other women who are going through the same stage of life regardless of how old you are. You never know, the stranger who moves in next door may just become your best friend.”