During the pandemic, a unique type of boom took place in Oak Creek. In fact, it was a baby boom. Amidst the global standstill of the COVID-19 lockdown, a collection of families transformed from neighbors into their own tight-knit village. It all started when seven neighborhood moms began to take notice of both each other and their pregnancies. Whether it was on walks around the neighborhood or UT Health birthing classes, a common trend began to appear: these moms were all pregnant at the same time. Two of the moms who noticed the trend, Regan and Nichole, hosted a “Babies and Brunch event,” and that’s when everything became official. The group bonded, and in no time at all, the microgeneration known as “the Coronials” was born. Literally!

 

These moms, their babies, and their families all helped each other weather the storms of life and lockdown. They shared struggles like the 2021 winter freeze and the new chaos of being first-time moms. There were practical benefits to their newfound community, whether it was borrowing eggs and butter, or last-minute babysitting requests. These families were there for each other. Whatever the need, the families are grateful that they get to be there for each other. “It was a lifesaver, and still is,” says Regan Hogle, one of the moms. “I am so thankful for every moment, big and small. It was so nice knowing people around you were in it too.”

 

Today, it’s incredibly special for all seven families to see their kids grow up together. They meet each other at gymnastics, pre-K, and the pool. For the kids, they don’t just have neighborhood friends; they’re all living the shared experience of a shared childhood. The legacy of the “Coronial” friendships will prepare them for starting school and beyond. In the rest of this piece, we’ll share a little about each of the kids and their families. Even though they are united as Coronials, you’ll be able to see just how special every one of these kids is.