Henry hadn’t been at daycare in a week because she was closed the better part of last week for the holidays. So, this morning, he was extra excited when I asked him if he wanted to go to Miss Christine’s on our drive there. As we pulled onto her street, he started kicking his feet and clapping. It’s so nice to know that he loves her.
And then the bomb.
As I went through the usual routine of signing him in and updating her on how his weekend was, she told me she had bad news:
As of January 1st, she was no longer going to be doing daycare.
Her husband works construction, and he’s been home A LOT. For a while. Besides Henry, she only has her daughter and her niece and a little boy Rudy who comes for 2 hours everyday. I had wondered how on earth they could make ends meet with her husband working so little and so few children. In fact, my guess is that none of the kids were paying full time rates (Henry only goes 3 days a week). But, I tried not to think of it, and made it a point to let her know I was pregnant as a hint that she would have one more paying kid soon enough.
Unfortunately, it’s not soon enough. Next month, she and her daughter will be moving down to Southern California with her mom while her husband works the outage at Diablo. After that, he’ll probably have to move down there too. I feel so so so sad for them. I can’t imagine. This economy is really hurting a lot of people. She plans on going to school full time and becoming a registered nurse. I hope that works out for them. She’ll be fantastic at it.
And now, selfishly, back to me. I cried when she told me. I cried the whole way to work. And a few times since then. Not just because I don’t want to look for daycare again. But because my heart is broken. Henry adores Christine. He loves going over there, and she loves him right back. In fact, many times, he’s cried when I got there to pick him up! He has so much fun with her. It’s such an ideal scenario. I cannot imagine having to move him. Again. This will be the fourth daycare in 15 months.
Pray that I have the wherewithal to keep it together and in finding another great place for him to go.
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OH Jeannett I’m sorry!!!!!!!! Praying you’ll find a workable solution soon!
Have you asked around at church? I know of three women who do in home care who attend my church. Or maybe a local SAHM who could use the money? I had a little girl two days a week last year for awhile and it was nice to have a little extra money. I hope you find a good fit for you and Henry. I am so sorry you are going through this again.
Oh gosh, i was really bummed to read this! :( I know the timing couldn't be worse, with you being pregnant & the holidays coming & what not. But i have this really good feeling that an ideal situation will land in your lap sooner than you imagine…
When i'm facing a tough situation like this, i like to give myself a couple of days to just cry & be mad/frustrated about it. After that, i figure, it's time to "buck up" & start being productive at finding a solution.
So sorry you are going through this!
Oh that just sucks! What timing! So sorry to hear about this…I’ve actually been meaning to write you an email about the whole daycare thing (been looking around here in the 5 cities for part time). I’m sure you’ll find someone great…who couldn’t love little Henry??? But just having to look for someone new, ugh…hang in there girl – it’ll all work out in the end!
oh, jeannett, i am so sorry! i’ll be praying, too.
jeannette, i would love to watch Henry for you, and we could use a little extra $. whatever you’d want to ‘donate’ would be fine.