I sat there trying to crunch numbers in my head. Could we make it work if I had to be a SAHM?
Thankfully, the announcement was to tell us that our office is relocating. Phew!
Closer to my house. Double Phew!
The bad news is that I'll have to switch the kids' daycare.
I chose their current daycare for several reasons.
- First, my niece and a co-worker's daughter go there so I knew it was reputable and the teachers were good.
- Second, they offer a 20% sibling discount. We knew the cost of daycare would be big so every dollar off is a help!
- And, lastly it's close to my office. I work about 25 miles from home and I decided it was more important for the kids to be close to me if something happened.
I knew we'd have to move the kids eventually because their current daycare isn't in the same county that we live in. Even though kindergarten is still several years away, I want them to transition and be comfortable in the daycare close to the elementary school. My plan was to move them next year.
And, with the beginning of potty training, the 35-40 minute commute home (in traffic) isn't very conducive to success.
My office will be moving approximately 10 miles closer to my house. I would have to pass my office to drop off/pick up the kids, which isn't very convenient.
So, we're searching for a new daycare and my plan is to move the kids for the fall semester in September. I'm surprisingly torn about the whole thing. The twins love their teachers and they've made friends. I love their teachers and all of the kids know me too.
And, the thought of making the kids go through the transition of a new school breaks my heart.
But, the move has some pros too. It means Daddy can drop off the kids in the mornings. Which means Mommy can ride to and from work with some much needed peace & quiet.
You don't know insanity until you are sitting in traffic for 40 minutes with 2 toddlers having a temper tantrum.
Oh. My. God.
It will also save me some significant money in gas.
And, the best part? It appears the 20% discount wasn't really that much of a discount after all. I've spoken with 3 different (and reputable) daycares near our house and all of them are cheaper than what we're paying now.
We were able to tour one of them during an Open House this past Saturday and I was really impressed. It is a national chain but known as a more "upscale" school. I won't drop names because honestly, I'm not interested in hearing "I know someone who" stories. I'm quite capable of making a decision on my own, thank you. :)
When we arrived, one of the teachers greeted us at the door and began to chat with the twins. She knelt down and asked for a hug and both kids went to her without hesitation. A good sign!
She walked us from room to room and explained each room's curriculum and schedule. The twins had a blast playing with all of the new toys and looking around. They were very comfortable. Another good sign.
While I am happy with their current daycare, seeing this school made me realize some flaws it has. The new daycare seemed more like a school. Each room looked and felt like a classroom. They also provide much more communication to the parents with boards posted inside and outside the classroom as well as weekly folders with typed letters detailing the child's progress for the week and month. I like that because I truly believe learning needs to continue at home. I want to be able to emphasize and review the same material with them at home to continue to build on their learning. When we walked out, DH and I agreed that we really liked it.
There is another daycare located within walking distance to our house and literally right across the street from the twins' future elementary school. I want to tour that facility as well before making any decisions.
And, in case anyone is wondering about the current sleep re-training we have going on with Chris - last night was awesome! He went right to bed and didn't get out of bed once! YES!
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