Good for you! I'm glad it was a success!
I was going to suggest Craigslist--I saw a "Stroller Strides" meet-up on there recently where moms of babies get together to walk with their strollers.
You might also look for groups here: http://www.meetup.com/topics/
There are Stay-at-Home Mom's groups and Playgroups listed under "Parenting" and you can search for key words like "babies" or "toddlers" and find groups, too.
*UPDATE*
Again, I just really appreciate everyone's wisdom, advice and stories. I finally found a solution to my problem in the most bizarre way and I wanted to post it just in case someone else was in the situation, maybe it would work for them. I actually placed an ad on Craigs List looking for other moms to walk with, playdates, etc. I had an overwhelming number of responses of women who were in the same situation and didn't know where to connect with new moms. We had our first playdate today and it was just wonderful!
Thanks for the encouragement to get out there and meet people! =D
~A Pleased Bearhitch
I have 4 chidlren I stay at home but am going to go to work in 2 weeks. I'm kind of nervous leaving my children for 50 hours a week. their care will be my husband and mother depending on their schedule, mostly my mom but my hubby will beat me home most of the time. I'm happy to be in the land of "adults" again. I'm terribly sad that I'm going to miss out on things. But I've been there for all of my childrens first except 1. I've had the wonder of finding their first tooth. Their first words and 3 of their first steps! (Missed my second sons) I've also been here for all of their first cuss words, first tantrums, first fights, first heart breaking boo boo. First stitches and first near concussions!!! OMG I've got 3 boys mind you that are 2 1/2 years apart (exactly) they are now 9 1/2, 7, and 4 1/2 I've been through bordom but I now have so many kids that I dont' have to worry about bordom (Sometimes I wish I could be bored!!) Not true I've been bored and busy at the same time. Money is what is forcing me to work and I am so sad sometimes and sometimes I'm excited. I can imagine your feelings. One thing that helped was finding a group of us that we could "trade days" One day of the week we all took turns taking the kids. We all got a break to be with friends and we all had our day of "hell"!! But it was worth it. Then Another day a week we all got together and had a play date. We are all responsible for our own kid and we all get to hang out at the park with the kids at someones house or a "play place" It was a sanity saver for a long time. Good luck!
The gym idea is great! Your baby can play with other babies and you can get some exercise.
I also take bubble baths ( with the baby monitor) after my baby is snug in bed.
My best friend and I are going to start and girls night out once a month.
I love the weekend drinks on the deck with your husband idea and the making dinner at lunch time. Thanks for the tips.
Prayer and bible study help me most!
I can relate to a lot of what you are all saying! I looked for a forum like this because of the very same reason bearhitch did. I have had 5 children total, 4 left at home ranging from 5-16. I never liked leaving my children in daycare. I worked here and there throughout the years but I had my parents around to watch the kids. They moved to Florida about 4 years ago. I went back to work in April of 07 only because my oldest was home doing a home school high school program and i paid her a little money to watch my youngest. she soon got the im almost 18 attitude and ended up moving out, left me with no sitter. I reluctantly looked for a place for my son and for the first time left one of my kids with a stranger so i could keep my job. Well in feb of this year i lost my job and had to pull my son out of daycare (that he grew to hate, hated going to bed at night knowing where he was going when he woke up, became very whiny and unhappy and he was alway a kid that was happy 99% of the time and would tell me when he was ready for bed.) I decided I would not do that to him again and that i would stay home until he went to school. I am divorced and been in a relationship for about a year. I am going absolutely nuts being home with no adult conversation! Like bearhitch I dont have a lot of friends I hang out with. my one good friend ive had for 16 years works during the day. I have also had a few other things go on recently that have added to my depressed feelings. If ive ever felt depressed in the past i usually come out of it fairly quickly but im not so sure this time. I feel lonely and bored to death. I am usually a really good housekeeper but recently i know ive let things go i wouldnt normally do. Ive got to the point where i cant stand the thought of doing the same ole thing another day!
My boyfriend has no children of his own and has always had a lot of friends he hangs out with. we occasionally get together with them but lately he seems like he is starting to miss doing his own thing and wants to be with them more. I know there is nothing wrong with that but because of how i feel i just want him with me because im sick of being alone all day with no adult conversation and i want to get out of the house. Sometimes i feel like he's being selfish by not wanting to take me with him to get me out of the house and have a chance to socialize. Im afraid im going to ruin our relationship and i dont want that. Its not his fault but im going stir crazy and i know sometimes i take it out on him.
Depression is something ive never been treated for, and i hate the thought of it not to mention when i lost my job i also lost my health ins.
I guess its good to know im not the only mom at home in this situation. I think we all need to vent to someone now and again.
I appreciate everyone's advice so much!
-Treazzure: I am trying to get up early to do - so hard though! I have taken to letting my son fuss in his crib while I take a few minutes to wash my face and put on some makeup. That alone has made such a difference.
-Rose: Thank you for your wisdom. I am going to find some groups, hopefully, here and join them. In the mean time, I have decided to suck it up feeling like the odd one out and continue going to my mother's bible study. I think once I get there I will enjoy it, its just getting there :)