I'm looking for childcare.
Again.
Besides having and taking care of a baby, finding childcare is the hardest thing I've ever done.
Because how can you really know who will do a good job?
Regardless of how good their intentions are, no one will take care of your baby exactly the way you would (and sometimes, that's probably a good thing).
I've been looking through website after website, making phone call after phone call.
Even doing that makes me want to vomit in anxiety.
I've figured out that I'm a snob to end all snobs.
Because, I'm sorry, but if the person posting on the website can't use proper English, I can't call them. They may be the very best child care provider in the world, but if they can't use periods, capitalize the beginning of a sentence, or type out words (like "you" instead of "u"), I naturally assume that they are idiots.
I had two appointments last night with people who had posted on the childcare section of southeasttexas.com.
The first was at six, so I drove straight from my current babysitter's house.
I'd spoken to her on the phone twice, gotten directions twice, repeated everything back to the girl, etc.
When I got there and knocked on the door, an old man came.
He said that no, the girl did not live there.
Thinking I was a couple of numbers off, I asked if it might be one of his neighbors.
He said no, that he'd lived there for 30 years and knew everyone on his block and the ones on each side and there was no one by that name living anywhere around there.
I called the girl's cell phone. Three times. No answer.
Awesome.
I totally got fake addressed.
I called the second girl from the driveway to make sure she was going to be home. Again, I'd already spoken to her twice confirming an appointment for 7.
Here's the conversation:
Me: Hi, this is Erin Peters.
Her: Who?
Me: Erin Peters. I'm calling to confirm our 7 o'clock appointment.
Her: Seven?
Me: Yes, seven. You said this morning that seven was fine.
Her: I don't remember saying that. I work out every Wednesday night at seven. I should be home around 8:30. Maybe. If you want to wait for me, that would be fine.
Me: Oh, um, is another night better for you then?
Her: I can't really ever meet at night. Can you meet during the day?
Me: No, we've already discussed that I work from 8-5 everyday.
Her: Oh, yeah. That's why you need a babysitter, right?
Me: Yeah. How about Saturday?
Her: I should be home after 12:30. Or maybe like 4. Why don't you call then?
Me: Uh, I think I'll just go with someone else. Thanks.
So, I'm back to square one.
And even more frustrated.
What's happened to people?
There have to be responsible childcare providers out there somewhere, right??
The worst part about it is that if I had it my way, I would be able to stay home.
I never expected that I would have to be looking for childcare for this long.
Unfortunately, our current situation demands it.
Cue anxiety attack...
Please, please, please, let something go right. Please, please, please let me find someone.
8 comments:
Erin, I know someone who might could do it. She has a baby she's taking care of already so I'm not sure if she can but I'll ask and see, ok? Thanks!
What if you start providing daycare at your home? Then you can make money and be with your baby all day. :)
I wish I could quit and babysit at my home - unfortunately, one of the main reasons I have to keep working is for medical insurance. We can't afford it through my husband's job.
I added you to my blog roll a while back because mostly I follow craft blogs but I just happened on yours one day and it was really funny and entertaining. You have a great writing style. I love reading your story--its like a book without an ending :). I feel so bad for you reading these posts. I had to go back to work after my daughter. It was pure torture for me. I was lucky enough to find a neighbor who could provide the child care for me, but like you said--no one will care for your baby the way you would. You may initially have to bite the bullet and find care but I would say if you want to stay home the Lord will help you provide a way. Look at all your finances and find a way to make it work. Pray about it. I totally believe the Lord wants us to be able to raise our babies if that is what we want and will help us do it. We moved to a small house on a small property in a place we wouldn't have otherwise chosen. We have made a tremendous amount of changes in our lifestyle. If insurance is your main problem, maybe you could find something that has hours when your husband would be able to be home. Keep searching for a means because you will find a way to make it happen!
Have you put a post on Southeast Texas.com? Maybe post that you are looking maybe they will find you? Good luck. I know Lamar's is a good daycare but they can't go till they are 18months old.
You need to find a childchare place that will let your kid be a kid and make them play outside. When I went to my babysitters, I played football in the street, built forts in the woods and in the backyards, broke my arm, and had a great time. I would ask, "how much fun is my daughter going to have at your house?"
Erin,
I read your blog every day. This is Robin - Nicholas' aunt by adoption. Patsy first told me about your blogging. She gave your first blog site that I used to read when she did. You have a way with words and telling stories. I just wanted you to know first that I love reading what you write.
Secondly, I tried befriending you and Nicholas on Facebook, to which ya'll denied, and that's okay, but as I read about Carolyn, I so wish that ya'll would allow me to be a part of your family. I would love to be able to hold her and love her. She is so beautiful. And, she does remind me so much of Nicholas' baby pictures.
Thirdly, about your babysitting issues - have you thought about having someone come to your home to keep her. I say that with this in mind, and no matter what you think about me - think about this. My son, Chris', girlfriend, Tanya, would be great. She loves kids. She has babysat for many people in their home. She has references that she can give. She could keep Carolyn in her home comfortable surroundings. She would love your baby like no one else would. She would even do some house cleaning or clothes washing, if you so desired, and she would do it for a great price, and I know that Carolyn would love her, as well. Tanya is a good girl, and this would be right up her alley. She receives a social security check, so she can't take on a job in the usual manner. Think about it. I promise that she is trustworthy. But, you don't have to believe me - she has other references that have nothing to do with me. You can reach me at work 409-838-1000, at home 409-786-4413, or on my cell 409-201-8529, and I can get you in touch with her, if you're interested. She lives in Beaumont, as well, but as I don't know where you live, I'm not sure what proximity to you she lives. And, if you will ever give me the chance, I'm not a bad person, either, and I would love to get to know you and your baby. I can be a great friend, and a great aunt. Hope to hear from you soon.
What about www.care.com???
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