things that make me nervous

[mamajoan]

OK, so yesterday Ruthie and I visited this in-home daycare provider, and I really liked her, and in the evening I called her back and I guess I basically said I'm going to take the spot. But now I'm freaking out because it's going to make our lives more complicated in some ways. And I'm questioning whether it's worth it. I'd go into more detail but I fear my head might explode.

Also, remember how I mentioned that I had posted on craigslist looking for a babysitter, and got a response from a man? I've been emailing with him for a while trying to arrange a meeting, and we finally managed to connect, and he's coming over tonight to meet us. And suddenly I'm like all anxious and stuff, like, what if he's an axe murderer? And I feel bad about thinking that, since I probably wouldn't be thinking that about a woman. But this is reality I guess. I'm a single woman at home with two little kids, letting a strange man into my home. It makes me nervous. I don't know what to do. Brian my upstairs neighbor is traveling on business basically all month, so I don't think he'll be around. So metafrantic agreed to come over and be a large male presence if need be. I hate to inconvenience him after a long day of work when he isn't feeling well, but I just think it'll make me feel better. I need more large male friends.

sigh, maybe we haven't actually come all that far, baby.

In other news, last night Isaac was moved almost to tears when he realized that the next morning (today) would be Wednesday and grandma is still away so he wouldn't be able to go on the subway with her per usual. I told him that grandma had left him a present for Wednesday, and that cheered him up. This morning I gave it to him; it was a new train for his trainset, Percy with a mail coach. He liked it, but he didn't seem like totally thrilled or anything. I think it only served to remind him of how much he misses his grandma. :( And she's only been gone four days! With eight more to go! Ugh.

Sorry this post is such a downer. :( Happy Pi Day!

Comments

[mamajoan.livejournal.com]

No, I haven't -- I probably should eh? Although I worry that if they have a big display of trains that are for looking at and not touching, he might get frustrated. And I might wind up spending too much money, LOL ;)

[pandashrugged.livejournal.com]

I keep meaning to find a babysitter. Just for an occasional night out or afternoon away. Just thinking about it makes my head explode. So for now... I am yet to have a night out or an afternoon away. :-)

[mamajoan.livejournal.com]

Generally speaking I've been very lucky in having a wide variety of people I can call on for occasional "afternoon away" type of babysitting. Between my mom, various friends, the nanny, etc., there's usually someone available, except in unusual periods like now when everyone suddenly decides to go on vacation at once. ;)

But for the particular purpose at hand, trying to find someone to pick up Isaac from preschool several nights a week, it's a different kind of babysitting -- and most of my support-system people can't do it because they can no more get there by 5:30 than I can. So it needs someone who doesn't work a 9-5 type of job, like a student or whatever.

[woobiewoobster.livejournal.com]

I think it's absolutely darling the relationship Isaac has with your mom--priceless!

yeah, but...

[lightningrose.livejournal.com]

He's a stranger. In your house. With your kids. I think calling your brother for back-up is smart.

Re: yeah, but...

[victoriacatlady.livejournal.com]

Yes, I agree.

One thing I'm wondering, though. If you're going to be (maybe) getting a babysitter in your own home for one child, why not have him babysit both of them? Logistically it would make everything much easier. Mind you, it may be that you're only wanting someone for an hour or two after Isaac gets out of his preschool. But a nanny for both kids would solve a bunch of logistical problems, although it wouldn't give Isaace the socialization he's used to.

Re: yeah, but...

[victoriacatlady.livejournal.com]

Oops, sorry about the spelling there.

Re: yeah, but...

[mamajoan.livejournal.com]

At this time I'm seeking a babysitter for one very specific purpose, i.e., to pick up Isaac from preschool and take him home and entertain him, while I pick up Ruthie from wherever she's being cared for and then bring her home. Once I get home with Ruthie, the babysitter's work would be done. So on many occasions s/he might have no more than a half-hour or 45 minutes of work to do.

I am of course open to the idea that, if Isaac really hits it off with the person, we'd hire him/her on other occasions for more typical sorts of babysitting. In which case obviously it could make a lot of sense for him/her to watch Ruthie at the same time. But that's outside the scope of the particular function I'm trying to fill right now.

The idea of solving all my childcare problems at once by just hiring a nanny to watch both kids in our home is certainly one that I've thought about, but there are a lot of reasons to reject it. Notably, I think both kids (but especially Isaac at his age) need to be around other kids of their own ages. (also the idea of leaving a stranger in my house all day just feels weird, particularly given what a mess my apartment usually is.)

Re: yeah, but...

[victoriacatlady.livejournal.com]

(Belatedly:) I do see. Thanks for taking the time to explain all this. I had misunderstood what you wanted a nanny for.