image source: Picture Book
I've talked some about Chase's day care, but in short it's a child care center located on the grounds of the hospital where I work. Priority is given first to hospital staff, and then the center is open to the community on an as-available basis (which is rarely, since the waiting list is super long).
I am so beyond pleased with this child care center that I can't even express it in words. The teachers are excellent – bright, enthusiastic, kind, patient, most of them with Masters degrees and beyond. The curriculum (yes, curriculum!) is fantastic – challenging the babies and toddlers and providing activities and opportunities that both stimulates and enriches their eager, curious little minds. I have seen Chase grow and mature so much, socially and emotionally, over this last year, and they have definitely played a hand in this. I love that his child care center partners with outside programs to offer piano and swim lessons, as well as the nationally-renowned Music Together program. I feel so strongly about Chase's day center that I joined the Board of Directors – a testament to how much I believe in the mission of the center and want to show my gratitude by giving back of my time and resources.
Derek mentioned recently that he'd like us to consider hiring a nanny when the second baby arrives (in August). It would certainly save a bit of money. Child care for Chase is about $1000 per month, and when the new baby comes our child care costs will double. Second siblings are 10% off and Chase is transitioning to the Purple Room (Toddler I) this week, which is an additional 10% savings (the Red Room/Infant Room is the most expensive). However, these savings aren't so significant and we've spent time talking about revamping our budget in order to make this financial transition comfortably.
The idea of hiring a nanny for the two little ones is certainly an attractive one – after all, it was my fantasy to have a nanny all throughout my pregnancy with Chase. But… I don't want a nanny anymore. I feel strongly about that, and have expressed those feelings to Derek.
It's so ironic how drastically my feelings have changed over the course of a year. As I mentioned, while pregnant and as a super, brand-spanking new mommy on maternity leave, I wanted a nanny really badly. I was nervous about "strangers" taking care of my baby and spending so much time with him. I thought the one on one time and attention that a nanny could provide would be best for my baby. I didn't want him at some cold, impersonal day care center where he might be neglected, abused, and not shown the love and affection he gets at home. In the days leading up to my return to work (at 13 weeks), I cried and told Derek how worried I was about Chase starting day care… I wondered if it was a mistake. My only solace was that it was on the grounds of the hospital (literally two minutes from my office) and had come highly recommended by a few doctors I worked with (good friends of mine, who had had their infants there as well). I figured it was worth giving it a chance, and we had a nanny in mind to use should it not work out. (I told Derek that I would just "know" in my heart if it was right after only a few days).
Well it was right!
Since he began day care I've done a complete 180. I am so darn happy with Chase there I can't sing their praises enough. It truly is a close-knit, warm place and Chase has thrived in it. Through interacting with other babies who stayed at home with an Au Pair in their first year, as well as speaking to other new moms who have made similar and different choices, I know now that a nanny couldn't provide for Chase what his day care center has given him. A nanny is great in many ways – phenomenal even – and can provide a lot of things. But… I know in my heart I made the right choice for what my child needed. Chase wouldn't receive the same type of stimulation and grow in the same ways, socially, by being home alone all day with one caretaker. Regular trips to the park and scheduled play dates (which is standard for nannies) couldn't compare to what Chase is able to get at school. He has so much fun there, has learned so much, and the happiness I see on his face when I drop him off and then pick him up is priceless. He loves his teachers so much and they adore him – I couldn't ask for a better situation.
So funny how differently one feels after the baby is actually here. As expectant parents we have all these expectations about the type of parent we "know" we're going to be… and equally passionate feelings about what we "know" will be best for our child… before we've even met him or her! It's only natural, of course. And while many of those expectations are indeed confirmed, there really is no way of knowing what the reality will be like. That reality is sometimes so different than our fantasies.
I'm so glad that I gave day care a chance… rather than resorting straight to what I "thought" would be most advantageous for my child. While having a nanny is certainly one great option, I say to each her own. I am now a day care loving mommy, and I would love for both our children to enjoy the wonderful things that it offers, even if we have to sacrifice and pay a little bit more.
Our babies are worth it!
You are so blessed to have Chase’s day care in the same building where you work. I know how important is is to have your children close to you. I have always taught at the place where my children were- even when they were in day care I found schools that had a daycare in them so I could be close. I had to be creative with my job choices, but it always worked out.
You guys have some serious decisions to make. I thought I wanted someone to come in my home and take care of my kids when there were infants, but it was always the issue of a “stranger” being here, then I wouldn’t know for sure what’s going on when they are here alone. It seems that in day care, especially when you are in the same building, you have a greater idea of what your child is doing, playing, and learning. good luck with the decision. being a parent is hard work!
It’s so funny to read this because I felt the exact same way with Layla. I didn’t want her in day care, but essentially had no choice. Now I love her day care situation so much that even if I were in a position to stay home or work fully from home, I wouldn’t want to take her out of the day care. She’s growing so much, as is Chase. Anyhoo, let me not ramble in your blog, LOL. Congratulations, sweetie, and I hope this pregnancy is smooth-sailing for you!
Hold up, how did I not know you are pregnant?!!? Congrats, lady! I was just thinking today how I hadn’t seen you on Twitter in a while so I decided to click over to your blog and BAM! baby news!! I am so excited (and truthfully, jealous!) about your new baby. Fantastic, fantastic news.
I can’t sing the praises of my son’s daycare enough, either. Miles is so well adjusted and happy and outgoing and I know it’s because of daycare. Not to mention all of the things he has learned there (tons of songs, his alphabet, numbers, colors…heck, they even have him potty trained!) What I love best about it is that my daycare provider is more like a friend of the family. She always buys Miles a gift for his birthday, invites us to her family parties, sends home food for him, etc. We are so lucky to have a great place to send him to every day, where we don’t have to worry about his health and well-being.
First off… CONGRATS!!!! I’m soooo excited for you! Really, jumping out of my skin!! I hope it’s a girl too, but another boy for Chase to play with would be SO FUN too!!
I’m sure you’re amazing! You already do so much! Yay!!
Gotta do what’s best for yall!
I’m so sorry I’ve been a bad commenter lately, I suck! Hopefully you’re better at balancing it all than I am!
And great post! My hubs will be home part time for about the first year with baby girl, while he’s waiting for his new job to start. From there we’re gonna have someone who goes to our church watch her. It’s maybe not the best “curriculum” wise but it’ll save us some money!
What a great blog. Isn’t it amazing how things just fall into place despite our efforts to plan everything out. I am happy for you guys that you have found a child care facility that you can rave about. Had a very similar experience and the money sounds like a lot but when you think about the time and energy that is put into a productive curriculum, then it’s all worth it!!!!!! Keep the updates coming.
I am glad you ended having a change of heart on the day care situation. You are so lucky that you have onsite day care. there are so few day cares in NYC to begin with. I was so lucky to have gotten in my day care. That said, I had a nanny for 5 months while I waited for the fall session slot to open. While I loved my nanny, my daughters day care was excellent, the curriculum is amazing and the number of friends I have made was so worth going in that direction. Regarding the $$, there might be some savings with 2 kids but I am not sure since you have to add on enrichment classes.
First, I’d like to say that I stop by from time to time to read your blog and it is so refreshing to read about another mom going through some of the same challenges (happy I am not the only one)! What a blessing to have your son’s daycare so close to you! I too am a mom of a 15-month baby boy and I initially felt the same way about day care. My husband and I live in Chicago and we don’t have any family that lives in all of the state of Illinois. Before I had the baby, I thought an in-home nanny would work out much better. However–I had to go back to work sooner than we could even figure out the nanny situation. So, we decided on a daycare that is about 2 miles away from my job–while rather pricey ($395 per week—yes, ouch) it has been worth every penny and the best decision for us. The teachers are amazing and it feels like an extended family! My son has learned so much, he has friends and it is a place where he has actually become quite the social butterfly. I think if I opted to stay home or get a nanny, he would not be as well-rounded as he is! So, I can definitely understand where you are coming from. Your heart and mind changes in so many ways once you are a mom!
I love your blog by the way! Your Son is adorable! Congrats on Baby #2!
-Wendy
I couldn’t agree more! I love Ziomara’s day care center and although hers isn’t partnered with the programs that Chase is, she learned to interact with other kids and is progressing nicely!
I am a huge proponet of daycare. My first child started daycare at 8 weeks and it was a great experience in terms of his social interaction and just how he evolved physically, emotionally and intellectually. Now with baby #2 I opted to have a babysitter(at her house). I loved the one on one attention she received however when we did transition her to daycare before her 2nd birthday it was amazing how she transformed into a very outgoing child. The toddler years are so important in terms of social interaction with other children. I like the nanny idea for newborns but I am a fan of daycare as they move into the toddler stages. Is there a possibility of doing a few days a week in a social group with his peers while you have a nanny? Good luck!
wow, his daycare sounds amazing…and i love the idea you are literally 2 minutes away…that has to feel super comforting! it may be expensive, but it sounds like it’s totally worth it. i’m glad that derek is supportive of how you feel, too!
So glad you’re having a wonderful daycare experience. It means the world to a new mom – or any “good” mom, for that matter. I had similar experiences with JD’s center and silimar apprehensions about finances with Aerin arrived, but the money has been well worth it. The center experience has been a tremendous benefit to all of us. When I used to tell people that JD’s daycare was $271 a week they would stagger at the cost. When we doubled that amount (well, as you mentioned, JD’s went down a little by that time, but not by much) people called me INSANE! I paid more for childcare than I did living expenses. But I can truly say it was worth every dime. You can not put a price tag on quality child care, Yaki and I’m glad you’re getting all the Bang for your buck!
Keep the articles coming, I don’t visit as oft as I’d like, but when I do, I’m always glad I did!
Hugs!
You are so fortunate to have found a daycare that you love, sometimes it’s not that easy. I was actually watching an HBO special about parents in New York (I think it was New York) who go thru this long drawn out process, very similiar to the College process, to get their children into preschools, I was SHOCKED at how hard & expensive it was! I mean, parents were doing some CRAZY stuff..lol!