Hello PEPS Community!
 
In my house, we are approaching the 2nd birthday of my youngest daughter. Just 2 years ago, I walked into my very first PEPS group. I had my first two children in Alaska, so this was my first experience with PEPS. My husband and I were the only family in our group whose baby was not our first. While we shared a lot of common experiences with the other parents, we also recognized that welcoming baby #3 was different than baby #1. There is just nothing like being a parent for the first time. At the first meeting, I looked around the room and recognized the looks on the other parents' faces. I so deeply remembered the fog in the days after transitioning to "parent" overnight. Don't get me wrong, I was not breezing through my "new baby" experience either, but my context and perspective was inherently different. I was so struck by the courage of the parents in the room. I was so moved by their showing up, despite the haze, the emotions, the fear, and the unknown. They got out of their houses, WITH THEIR TINY BABIES, to meet a bunch of total strangers, and to connect about really vulnerable stuff. I continue to be inspired by the courage of PEPS parents every day.
 
You'll find in this newsletter a story about "mirrors and windows" that talks about the value of our children and families connecting around the commonalities we share, as well as the differences we bring. There are mirrors and windows in every single relationship we have in life. While we humans are naturally drawn to the similarities that connect us, it is often the differences that shape and enrich us. This is the beauty of PEPS. The commonalities that PEPS connects people around are simple: parents who have a new baby and who live near one another. The power of these two connecting forces is boundless - sometimes even life-saving. Yet what I hear from parents that makes PEPS groups so meaningful are the stories of differences in the group - and the growth and support that comes from being in a vulnerable space with people who bring unique perspectives, ideas, and ways to show up for one another.
 
As I reflect on my 2 year PEPS-iversary, I am full of gratitude for the unique ways the parents in my PEPS group showed up for each other every week, and for the courage that PEPS parents bring every day to shape the communities we are sharing with our children. Thank you for the ways you all are showing up for your communities, and for staying connected with us here at PEPS.

Jessica Lawmaster
Executive Director

Calendar

May 16, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
This PEPS Community Event, led by Debbie LeeKeenan, will share practical tips on how to respond to children's comments and questions about differences. Debbie is a leader in anti-bias education for young children. $10, Register online.
 
May 18 & 25 and June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 11:30 am - 1 pm
Adjusting to Parenthood - Seattle Holistic Center
Drop-in for extra emotional support during the first year.
 
Volunteer Refresher Training: Upcoming Dates
Please RSVP to Cate Palmer to attend an upcoming training.
  • Monday, July 169:30 - 11:30 am, West Seattle (Fauntleroy YMCA)
  • Saturday, September 8, 9:00 - 11:00 am, Wallingford (Good Shepherd Center)
  • Saturday, November 3, 9:00 - 11:00 am, Wallingford (Good Shepherd Center)
June 6, 5:30 - 9 pm
Biggest Baby Shower Ever - Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center
PEPS will be at The Biggest Baby Shower Ever - Come see us - Register Today!

June 21, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
How To Dad: 6 Panelists' Perspectives  - Naked City Brewery, Greenwood
This popular PEPS Community Event is back again this year! Fun, relaxed and social with a panel of dads for answering all your questions. $10, Register NOW

June 23, 10 am - 1 pm
Climb Out of the Darkness - Maple Leaf Park, Seattle
Held around the longest day of the year, this national walk raises awareness for perinatal mental health and supports organizations that help new parents. PEPS will be there in support of our partner, Perinatal Support Washington. Join the walk!

Wednesday, July 11, 10:30 am - 1 pm
Grandparent Field Trip & Brown Bag Lunch - Environmental Science Center, Burien
Join us for our field trip to learn more about the Center's programs and activities you can do with your grandchildren. This will be followed by lunch and discussion.

PEPS Articles & Resources
Children's Books as Mirrors and Windows
Choose diverse books that are engaging stories that teach children important truths without having to spell out the "moral of the story."  Debbie LeeKeenan shares tons of tips - and her favorite books in this new essay
Essential Planning for Everyone
In this new article, Megan Gebhardt shares many cost-free actions that families can take to help reduce the stress that their loved ones would go through if they suffered incapacity or died.Megan is a PEPS mom & supporter and the owner of Gebhardt Law Office.
We Met Our Goal!
THANK YOU!

82 amazing supporters raised $8,205 for PEPS during GiveBIG! 

Together, we are making a BIG impact for new parents.
clasped-hands-sky.jpg
Breaking Silences and Helping New Moms
The Center for Perinatal Bonding and Support is a local resource that supports many new moms with the transition to parenthood, including this PEPS mom, who shares her story of overcoming postpartum psychosis and who hopes that openly talking about difficult conditions in pregnancy and postpartum will encourage more women to get help.
Featured Volunteer: Katja Petersen
"In our group, we were the only Spanish speaking couple. Initially, we thought that the culture clash would be an issue." Hear from this PEPS mom about her own PEPS Group and how she gives back as a leader in evening and daytime groups. 
Having important conversations
"It was engaging, informative and got me thinking and motivated." 

That's just one comment from a parent about a PEPS Community Event they attended. Read more from PEPS Program Director Kintea Bryant on how our public events give parents the opportunity to ask questions of local experts and get first-hand feedback about things that matter. 
Redefining Love
"I would wake up every day and say, 'I'm his mom today,' and do everything I could to love him up on that day. We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we have control over how we love today." Seattle's Child shares this local mom's moving and informative story.
Second Time Around
Summer groups are available! Please  register for Second Time Around . Please help us spread the word!

Apologizing and Making Amends 
I asked my children, if they were hurt by someone, would they want the other person to fix the problem or say, "I'm sorry"? 

The Wedding Portrait: Review 
When PEPS asked author Innosanto Nagara if we could share his book at our annual Luncheon, he said simply that community belongs to everyone!  His new book is out and it's a beautiful story that successfully explains "why sometimes we break the rules." 
Take Your First Step in Saving for College with GET 
The Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) Program a longtime PEPS sponsor, encourages new parents to start saving for their new baby's future education 
When Grandma Has a Favorite
It may be genuinely hard for a grandparent to treat all grandchildren equally, especially when geographic distance, health challenges and busy calendars come into play. Read this new ParentMap article for info on favoritism and ways you can ease the tensions that may come with it. 
VISIT PEPS SPONSORS & PARTNERS!
Visit our corporate sponsors!

 

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