CityView Magazine

CityViewNC.com | 37 A year and a half ago, Cole logged on to Meetup.com and founded Hip, Fit & Fun Mamas of Fayetteville (HFFM). In retrospect, she thinks the name might be slightly deceptive because the group's focus is more on the children than the moms. Her own shy nature made her sensitive to other moms and kids who needed support but had trouble making fast friends on the playground. "You put a lot of people in a large group, and it cuts nerves out of the process of making friends," Cole said. Now at more than 200 members, HFFM is sponsored by local businesses such as Leslie's Dance Academy Inc. and national brands from LEGO to Baby Legs. The group has made its presence known through involvement with the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens – putting up teepees, donating sand toys and creating fairy gardens – strolling in the March of Dimes walk, and collecting food for local drives. And there are even more community works in the pipes. On any given day, HFFM moms may have three or four meet-ups on tap, a mixture of large parties, smaller play groups, crafts and outdoor romps to satisfy the varying tastes of its members. Cole is intent on getting the message out to women battling self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy that motherhood is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. "I wanted to bring a fun element to being a mom. It doesn't have to be what the magazines tell you it has to be," Cole said. "There is no way with a child that you will ever be that perfect person." She also wanted to help change the landscape of Fayetteville by highlighting the need for ongoing activities involving babies and toddlers. "With a large group of women, you should be able to move any mountain," Cole said. That's exactly what the members of Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) accomplish twice a year at Northwood Temple Church. Every spring and fall, the group moves a mountain of children's clothes, toys and gear through an enormous community consignment sale. MOPS is faith-based but open to all denominations, and membership is not dependent on church affiliation. Fayetteville is home to five MOPS chapters, each with its own personality. Members of the Northwood Temple MOPS opt for bimonthly breakfast meetings where sale proceeds provide the most precious mommy resource: day care. Amy Lovato joined the group after trying out other kid-centered playgroups. Like many mothers, Lovato craved more adult interaction than was on offer with occasional trips to the playground. Lovato had always met her friends through work. After she left nursing to stay at home with her children, she wasn't sure how to network. "I had no idea how to pick up women," Lovato joked. The MOPS format worked for Lovato, allowing her and other women a child- free forum for getting to know each other and talk about a variety of issues. "We get real in there. I mean, we get real," Lovato said. Speakers and panelists discuss an array of topics like school choice, women's health and even kicking up your mommy On any given day, HFFM moms may have three or four meet-ups on tap, a mixture of large parties, smaller play groups, crafts and outdoor romps to satisfy the varying tastes of its members. Opposite | Christina Cole and her daughter, Addison Guin, have fun at a mommy and me ballet class. Top | Cole founded Hip, Fit & Fun Mamas of Fayetteville. She brings up the dance line as instructor Leslie Dumas leads Luke Riddle, Amy Lynn Hooks, Kayleigh Riddle and Addison. Above | Mother Nicole Riddle joins in with Kayleigh, Amy Lynn, Taylor Mendez and Luke.

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