[fossie]

Tabitha I can't believe you are already looking into daycares - I've definitely been thinking about my options but have not made any visits. Daycare is just so, so expensive for two especially and we have been told by a couple of people that it could work out cheaper to hire a nanny because you don't have to use them full-time like you do most daycares and they come to the house so less sickness for probable premies. I looked into nanny services and they are about $14 an hour regardless of the number of children plus a placement fee. We are still debating since my dh is a realtor and plans to be home in the mornings so we could get someone in the afternoons from like 1-5. I get off at 4:30 and not going back to work is not an option! Let us know how your appt. goes!

Laura - I am definitely loving being "out" with this whole thing. My wardrobe options are much improved since I am not trying to disguise anything anymore - not that it has been possible lately. Luckily I work at a camp and flip flops, shorts and t-shirts are the expected dress code so I am able to go really casual!

[flamingpajamas]

Tabitha I am glad you posted that about daycare. It reminds me that I need to call the daycare at my work and see what the wait time is and get a tour. We will probably start daycare around 8 months 2 days a week since my mother will take the baby 2 days a week as well. It is so expensive though!!!! Even 2 days per week is going to cost 700 dollars per month!

[fossie]

Daycare is outrageous - I've found that most around here don't let you even do part-time, you have to pay for a full week regardless if you use it or not. Depending on my bedrest situation I only get 12 weeks unpaid, no short term disability so mine could be in daycare or with a nanny as young as 2 or 3 months - so upsetting but with a husband that works on straight commission and me being the one who has insurance and the steady paycheck it is just what we have to do. My dh's parents have been odd throughout this process, I think because of our previous losses, but they have not mentioned anything with helping at all (they are very excited and you can tell they want to be too but they are tempering themselves for now) but I am assuming that they will be willing to watch the babies if possible when we are in a bind (they are 65-70 years old though and I just don't know what it will be like for them to handle two infants - heck, I don't know if I can handle it!).

[Tabitha]

The daycare situation in our area is definitely tough. I am on most of the wait lists, and only two or three "might" have a space when we need it in January. Full time is all that is offered here, on average $600 per month. I wanted to start visiting them early so that I can hopefully get into the one I want, as opposed to whatever is available.

All was well at my OB appointment today. No u/s, only doppler, but I do love to hear our baby's heartbeat! The anatomy scan is scheduled for May 13, I can hardly wait!

[fossie]

That is so exciting that your anatomy scan is just a month away!!! I don't recall - are you going to find out the gender?

I don't really know what the daycare situation is here - I hope it isn't as tough as it is where you guys are. I am thinking January too for starting as I think we cna work something out with my dh, family, etc. for the first few months at least.

[chie]

Shellie: Yes, they can tell at the anatomy scan the gender. I am so excited but mine is only at 20 wks as it is the clinic policy. I belive the US can tell the gender by 16-18 wks.

You brought a good point: the maternity leave. The rules are so confusing. Looks like here in CA the rules are a bit different. Does anyone know what are the CA rules. I want to make sure I know it before I tell my supervisor. I was shooting for 16 wks after and 2 wks before.

[Eriksgirl19]

Chie - I'm in CA and I believe between short-term disability & FMLA you can get approx 12 weeks at about 66% of your salary. My employer makes up the other 34%, so I'm very appreciative of that. It is super confusing though. Once I announce this pregnancy, I'm going to schedule a long meeting with our HR dept to figure out options. I've also banked almost a month of PTO and hope to take 14 weeks, if possible.

Daycare is ridiculously expensive! I think $400+ a week is just insane. Luckily my employer has a "Babies in the Workplace" program and I can bring the baby with me to work everyday for the first 8 months. The baby can stay with me in my office and everything. We have one little boy here right now...it is SO much fun to have babies in the office. After that, I'm hoping my parents and a part-time sitter can cover the daycare needs. I'm in marketing & business development, so I have a fairly flexible schedule. I love my job, but I so wish I could just stay home. But that is definitely not a financial option.

[ara79]

i really lucked out on the childcare thing. my SIL is going to take the baby mon-wed-fri and my mom is going to take the baby tues-thurs. that will only last january-may. then i will be off for the summer and will reevaluate what we will do the following school year.

here is a pic from my 3D u/s today!!!

11week3D.jpg

[CatIz1]

Amy - love the 3D pic. It's amazing how much the baby grows from one u/s to the next.

As for the childcare I am fortunate that my husband got a great job last year that has afforded me to go part time at my job. My neighbor who is like my 2nd Mom will take care of the baby while at work.

[flamingpajamas]

Chie, check this out. I thought some of the information was useful and might help point you in the right direction regarding maternity leave in Ca.

Berkeley Parents Network: Maternity Benefits & Parental Leave

[Eriksgirl19]

Amy -
Your 3D u/s is awesome! Did you pay to have it done or does your doctor do 3Ds?

[ara79]

laura, it's part of what my RE does before releasing his patients to an ob-gyn. i thought that was really nice. from what i hear, it can be pretty expensive. it was amazing to see!

[fossie]

Amy, that is awesome. I have looked into 3D and 4D ultrasounds and most (where you have to pay oodles) won't do it until after you have had your anatomy scan so minimum 16 weeks and could be after 20! That is really great that your re does that and such a good ultrasound pic to keep!

Laura - Babies in the workplace sounds like a great incentive! My boss has 7 children and in the summer when camp is going on they all live out there and of course the kids are there too and the camp hires two nannies to take care of them so eventually that is something that I may be able to take advantage of but not anytime soon.

[blaze6333]

Just wanted to jump in here. Daycare here is around $120 per week but I have a friend who is retired(early retired) and she is going to babysit for us. I work long hours mostly 13 hrs a day 5 days a week. I planned to make sure those hours are reduced or I will be finding new employment once I have the baby. Its too unfair for the baby and me. I am lucky to have someone who can keep the baby and I don't have to worry at all about sicknesses or having to pay when on vacation etc. There is so much to think about it is crazy isn't it?

[mum2abbylily]

Sorry I've been gone a few days...am out in Colorado visiting people.
Shellie - LOVE your baby bump. You really look pregnant, how exciting! And you can tell there are two in there!
Amy - that 3d pic is precious!

As for the daycare situation, it is really tricky isn't it!? My dd currently goes two days a week and I teach on those days. We're very fortunate in that because my DH is a dental student and our income level is pretty low,she qualifies for a grant at the university's daycare, so we actually pay very little right now. It's a great daycare too. I'm a musician so when I have any performance work it is usually evenings/weekends and DH and his family help out then. It's a great balance because I am with her at least 3 days a week plus most weekends. I think I'll keep the arrangement the same with the new baby - starting at daycare two days a week in january (I'll take Oct - Jan off). I just have to put the baby on the waiting list at DD's daycare, though I know siblings take priority so I'm hoping it shouldn't be a problem, I just hope we still qualify for a grant!

Hope everyone is well - It's so exciting we'll be finding out genders soon..... we go in two weeks!! I'm thinking boy for us..... anyone else got any hunches!?