Sia's Article

Sia Nyorkor
October 25, 2008
832 Words
Halloween Story


Babies 1st Halloween: Almost a Trick but Turns Out A Treat


West New York---

It was a celebration that almost didn't happen. On a blustery autumn afternoon, with gray skies and brisk winds, women from West New York Mommies, "a close-knit support group," wheeled babies in strollers dressed as a Tootsie Roll, bumble-bee, Snow White and a pumpkin, into the Riverbend/Hudson clubhouse for what would be many of their childrens' first Halloween party. Except, there was a problem: Employees of Roseland Management Company, which rents the clubhouse to homeowners in the neighborhood, didn't approve. Representatives from the company said that company rules prohibited parties without permission from management and that they were unaware the group was having a party. After verbally going back and forth with irate mothers and fathers, management relented and the party started, one hour later than planned.
The room, with large windows overlooking the choppy Hudson River and a misty Manhattan skyline, had been transformed into a haunted playroom, complete with bubbling cauldrons, blinking ghosts and grinning jack-o-lanterns. A patchwork blanket lay in the middle of the room, strewn with rattles, balls and other baby toys.
A pumpkin, 1 year –old Madeline Lanphear, toddled around the room, curiously staring at her playmates, who were also in costumes. Madeline's mother Kellie, who was dressed as Cindy McCain with slicked blonde chignon, royal blue sheath dress, and scarlet pashmina, scooped her up.
"Say, I'm a pumpkin because that's what daddy calls me" she cooed, while caressing Madeline's face. Her father, Kyle, who was dressed as Republican presidential candidate John McCain, complete with a wrinkled mask and shock of white hair, smiled.
Behind them stood Azie and Travis Shelhorse, who were dressed as Egyptians, topped of with black and gold headpieces. Their son, 9-month-old Hunter, was dressed as a sheriff. Azie is the founder of West New York Mommies. She came up with the idea for the support group after moving to West New York from Orlando, Florida and becoming pregnant. "Most of us don't have family here so we're each other's families" she said.
Rebecca Plaut can relate, even though she has family in the area. She met Azie at Starbucks when she was six months pregnant and Azie was in her final month. She said they hit it off and she began joining Azie and a few other mothers for activities. Rebecca said that during her maternity leave from work, the group saved her life. "Things happened to you that you couldn't imagine and thankfully, you had other women. It's amazing," she said, as she played with her 6-month old daughter Bella, who was dressed as a Tootsie Roll.
The group has about 30 mothers, with their membership rising. Most of the mothers joined after an invite from other mothers while strolling the Promenade with their babies. The mothers try to meet up twice a month, scheduling spa days, Nintendo Wii dances and picnics in the summer. They even schedule football parties some Sundays, where the fathers watch the children and the mothers go get their nails done.
Elias Dau, husband to Tracy and father to 3 ½ month-old Olivia, is supportive of the group and said that they look forward to the meet-ups. "It's definitely a help for me and my wife," he said.
Ari and Leslie Kendall said that this is their second event with group. "This is a support group?" Ari said jokingly, as his wife Leslie laughed. "It's been a help to us and has given us good stuff to do," he said cuddling 5 ½ month old Aylah, who was dressed as a black cat. Her big blue eyes blinked sleepily as she awoke from her catnap.
Azie keeps in contact with most of the mothers, via group blog. The blog is chock-full of pictures, recipes, invitations and recommendations for things such pediatricians, nannies and bakeries. There's also a Meet the Moms section, where group members welcome new and expectant mothers from the neighborhood.
Christine Clark is appreciative. She said that as a newcomer to the town, it's good to be with people who know things about the area. "I have a bunch of friends but there's no group like this that I've met," she said. She and daughter, 6-½ month old Emily were dressed as bugs, a bumblebee and ladybug, respectively.
Kellie Lanphear, who was one of the first members of the group said that she enjoys the camaraderie. She said that other groups in the area are not as friendly. She describes her own group as "warm and inviting."
As the party winded down and dusk fell, conversations about formula and babysitters amongst the goodbyes and see-you-soons were shared. Plans for the next event were also discussed.
"We're having a baby-free bowling night in two weeks at Lucky Strike" said Azie, excitedly. "We do make a point to get together without the babies sometimes."