Ouch, the guilt...

We've been running into all sorts of problems with childcare since we started looking when I handed my resignation in for my old job (more than a month ago now). One company stuffed us around, then the week before my new job was to start, they told us there was no one available to look after Ashlee (we were putting her into in-home care). Grrr!

So hurriedly onto the next company and managed to get her into someone's home very quickly and Ashlee LOVED it. Not even a week later, the lady decided she didn't want to do it anymore so we were left stranded. Grrr again. Back to square one and we had to meet another lady last Friday for her care starting on Monday of course, they told me that I shouldn't feel pressured into going with this lady but what was I to do?! I needed care for today, and for the rest of the week.

So we met her last week, and she is no where near as nice as the original one and Ashlee wasn't her usual happy self when we arrived at the carer's home today. I came away crying. The carer is lovely, but Ashlee just didn't seem as happy as usual and I think that's why the guilts have started.

I've been doing some more homework (something we should have done well before now, but because the initial company stuffed us around a LOT, we ran out of time) and fingers crossed, I can get in with yet another company who will assess what we need, who are cheaper, and who don't require as many minimum hours (all we need is basically 2 hours for 3 days a week and it's freaken tough to find!!!!!). I wish we'd found this company well before we started putting her in care.

This probably doesn't make much sense, but I'm so darn emotional at the moment! This sucks.

Have you tried a nanny network? simply because if you are only needing that small amount of time there can be some nannys etc that do it part time or fit in 2 or more positions. You're in welly right? there are a fair few good nanny agencies there.

Turns out that Ashlee had a great day, was perfect and happy the whole time and completely ready just to crash out when she got home! I know I worried for nothing. I just hope the guilt gets easier. It's natural, right?!

Kels, not sure of the new company but I spoke to one of the ladies and they're looking into it. She said it's awkward hours because it's from 2.30 - 5.30 which is around the end of the school day etc...

Janine, I never thought about a nanny service, simply because I thought they were all full time. And we kinda ran out of time to do too much homework on that because we got dicked around. I shall have a look further into that though.

Becks, that would be cool thanks. It'd be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday for those hours stated above.

I tried a daycare that is right next door to Mum's work which would be absolutely brilliant as they only ask for 4 hours minimum per week! But they don't take under 2's.

I asked my sister and she said try Harbourside nannies, they are the ones she is through and she only works for 1 family Wed-Fri so they aren't all fulltime.