Change of plans

As I mentioned last week, our first foray into full time outside childcare was not a huge success, even with all the thought, research and preparation that went into it. Yes, the kids seemed to have a good time (though they were exhausted) and their teachers reported that they did very well (even with food and nap times, which is what I was most concerned about logistically). But... We got very sick, though I don't know if that was entirely their fault, though it was a wake up call/reminder that this will be our new reality, and Mari got some sort of rash, that we have now cleared up. Oh, and the client delayed the project start. A series of omens, I figured.

Now that I am just starting to feel human again, though the decision was made several days ago, we are delaying our venture into our new life until I find a full time job I really want, and I find a nanny that I really like for the kids (both of which hopefully occurring in a symbiotic timeframe), as committing to full time school (where they can't go if they are sick, which they will be more often), while committing to consulting work (where I have less flexibility and don't get paid if I'm not working), probably doesn't make a lot of sense unless my primarily goal was to be away from my kids (by having a back up sitter), in the most complicated fashion possible. I have no desire/need to hire help with them if I'm not working, that money is already going to beef up their college funds. And honestly with the likely therapy that Alistair will need, and the other things we have going on (planning/going to India, etc.), we have some time sensitive things that take priority.

So we are going to continue/start up some new activities for fall and see where things go. They love going to play at the gym (my most regular adult activity), music, art, and play class, and the library activities. I just discovered that there are private offerings of (non-competitive) soccer for kids this age. Crazy, right? That should be good for them too.