The Search Begins

First and foremost, we have been blessed to have Susan take care of Ethan this first year. He loves her so much and she loves him; the care she provides for him is incredible. They go on walks; they go to the library and out in the town; she teaches him all kinds of things (they are currently working on cleaning up the toys he plays with) and today, she taught him how to bump his bottom down the stairs. He's not even 13 months yet and he goes up and down the stairs with ease! I am simultaneously thrilled and sad to see my baby growing up so quickly.

Susan, who is one of the most incredible people, is getting married soon and so we only have two months left with her. I am so, so happy for her. However, this leaves us with the search for childcare, which petrifies me. How do you know who to trust? I'm not even sure what we can really afford. Is it better for him to be at an in-home care or at a center? I feel like he'd get more one-on-one care at an in-home daycare, but most aren't licensed and the ones that are don't have available spots. At a center, where it's guranteed to be licensed and I can check up on the details online, he'll be exposed to tons more germs and it's more than likely to be more than we can actually afford?

There are days when I wish I could just stay home with him, but I know I really wouldn't want to do that full time. I really love my job and I like working. I wish I could work part time and make enough money to hire an in-home nanny. Or that my mom could work from home and take care of him or some member of my family could just be here to take care of him. I know we'll figure something out, but keep your fingers crossed, send us your good karma and prayers and hope with us that we'll figure out something that will work out to be a great option for our little guy.

Do you remember the time...?

I have no clue why Michael Jackson songs are on my brain-radio right now, but alas, that's just how it is.
I have so little free time these days; I dream of having time to write in my journal or blog here; of time to bake; of time to organize my photos and even time to clean my house. Having a toddler is far more exhausting then an itty bitty baby. I felt well rested those first six months. Of course, I was home those first six months and able to nap whenever Ethan napped. But now, it's nonstop. The kid never stops moving (or running or laughing or rough-housing or drumming... you get the picture). It doesn't help that my mind is super full and I'm just as mentally exhausted as I am physically exhausted. I love teaching and I love my class, but academic life isn't confined to just me and my class. I know I'm being vague, but it's best to not put all the dirty laundry out on the line.

But this is it-- a quick update at best. I'm ready for spring (eternal spring). I'm ready for a break.