Gymboreeeeee Newbie

Adam and I had our first experience at Gymboree this morning. One of our neighbors works there and gave me a gift certificate when Adam was born, and I just realized when I saw her last week that I never used it.
So I decided to sign up for a class to give it a try. Though Adam is only 9 months, I signed him up for the 10-16 month class, and was telling people the whole time that he was 10 months. As if we would have gotten "in trouble" or something if I revealed his real age.

Also, I had no idea that we were only allowed to wear socks in the play area, and I, showing up in flip flops had to borrow socks from the teacher. At least she was our neighbor and doesn't think I'm a poor person that can't afford socks! The socks she gave me were brand new -- is that something that you give back? What is the proper sock etiquitte? I told Eva that I'd wash them and bring them over and she said that I shouldn't worry about it. Is that my escape clause? Maybe I am over thinking this whole sock issue :) Please tell me what to do.

Anyway, back to the actual class ... everyone was very friendly, and it was nice to meet and talk to other moms that have babies Adam's age. At times I felt like I was in a Saturday Night Live skit with everyone singing and clapping around me. I had no idea what was going on! I was just standing there looking clueless ... and probably still will be when I have all the songs memorized :)

I just don't know that it's worth paying a monthly membership for Adam to crawl around while the teacher sings songs. I can do that at home, and Adam seems to enjoy my singing - though I have no idea why - just as much.

All in all, it was good to get out of the house and experience this. My plan is to use the gift certficate to make some playdate friends, and schedule to meet with them outside of Gymboree. I just can't justify becoming a member. It's twice the cost of my yoga classes, and I already feel guilty about that!