It's a grind, Susan, though it does ease up over time.

But it is very tough finessing work/commute/baby. Especially when both parents are working full time. It's just fucking hard.

And yeah, childcare for little poots is like an extra rent/mortgage payment.

Hmm. On the low end in terms of price.

Wonder if they have slots.

(Though the out of our way factor weighs against them.)

Those prices aren't bad. Which is why we only have part time daycare even though it is breaking me to teach a full time workload on part time daycare.

Yup. The prices are typical to slightly low for this neighborhood. It's run by a Salvation Army church, so there's some religious content involved, but it's not hardcore indoctrination and doesn't seem much different from what she'll get in Sunday School at church, so that wasn't an issue for us. What I really liked about it is that the space is roomy--most of the places I toured it seemed like the kids were just crammed into the space and the playgrounds were tiny, but this one is nice and spacious.

Also, they provide breakfast, lunch, and snack, which is a plus. One place wanted you to feed the kid breakfast before arrival and to pack a lunch and snack according to very specific guidelines. If I'm going to have limited Annabel time, I'd rather spend it playing with her than trying to figure out how to pack a reasonably varied diet of foods she'll eat according to the center's exacting standards.

Infant care closer in (as in, practical for us daycare) looks to be running between $330-$370 a week.

I keep hoping we'll get lucky and have a spot magically open at the on campus daycare. I should have Paul call again and see if they're still thinking 18-24 months until they have an opening.

Also, they provide breakfast, lunch, and snack, which is a plus.

Goodness me, yes. Our center provides those meals as well, although generally I just feed Frances her breakfast at home. But once it becomes two breakfasts, I may opt to just arrive at daycare earlier and let them take care of that one.

My one big issue with the Salvation Army is the whole deal where they got special permission from the government to be able to discriminate in their hiring practices. But that's just me.

What's important is that you like the space and you like the care givers. If you got a good feel from the caregivers, I'm sure that Annabel is going to be happy.

My one big issue with the Salvation Army is the whole deal where they got special permission from the government to be able to discriminate in their hiring practices. But that's just me.

I'd forgotten about that. But right now it's a reasonably affordable daycare with immediate openings five minutes from my house whose programs, staff, and facilities I feel good about. I'll be more virtuous and consistent when my life settles down a bit.

lalala

nothing to see here

OK, that's cool. Thanks, Perkins.

Betsy, I am so sorry that Will is having a tough time in band. I hope hope hope that you all can get the teacher on your side. Man. Parenthood is so very hard.

Had a fun night last night- it was a long day(conference+class) but we went to a very nice place in Central Square where my friend works and we ate delicious food and toddled back to the hotel and watched the end of Lost.

My right eye is all bloodshot to the extreme again (this happened again, to the same eye, about a month ago)so I guess I have to call the doctor and make sure I don't have a brain disease or something.

Blahhhhhhhhh.

Good news: no work tomorrow!