Home is such a sweet place to be.

Last Thursday the kids and I packed up and drove to Texas. Kayleigh hadn't been yet in her nine months, even though Morgan had been at least 6 times by the same age. I finally decided I could manage the drive and trip with four young children and we hit the road. Mistake number one.

Ok, that's not really true. The drive over wasn't that bad. Not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Until we hit Denton. At rush hour. And the baby started to scream. And my car started to act up. And the short story is that the baby didn't stop crying for 5 days. Pretty true. And my car decided to stay in Dallas. In the shop. To get a new transmission. That just about sums up how much fun the trip was.

Ok, that's not really true either. There were some really great times. I saw my grandparents and an aunt and uncle that I haven't seen in a year. And they got to see the kiddos and meet Kayleigh. I got in a small bit of shopping time and even got to eat an adult meal in an adult restaurant. In peace. While the meal was hot. And I got to spend time with my parents and my brothers and sister. And that is always fun. Especially now that I feel like I've got one of my brothers back.

Kayleigh is apparently going through some severe separation anxiety. NOBODY and I mean nobody else could hold that baby. Or even look at her. And heaven forbid my mom try to talk to me. That baby has some serious jealousy issues. She was perfectly fine when nobody else was around. But let someone walk in the room and she turned the tears on. It was a bit of a stressful trip. But I have hope that next time will be better. Because there will be more trips. So she's just going to have to get used to it. On the plus side, she was a great sleeper while we were there. Bedtime and naptime went perfectly every time (um, except last night when she decided to stay awake from 2-4). Ok. I'm exhausted. And this entry is all over the place. But you've been updated. On our fun, fun life.

I think I'm ready for 2009.

Stress!

Thinking about having kids? Before you do it, lock in a babysitter. A good one. Make them sign a lifelong contract. We found out a week and a half ago that our babysitter is quitting. Every thought I've had since that moment has been about finding a new babysitter. I never, never would have thought that it would be so difficult to find someone. It isn't just that I don't like anyone that is available, it is that so few people have any openings. Not that I would leave my little one with just anybody. I wouldn't. I have already ruled out the person that makes kids eat every bite on their plate even if they throw up. And I've ruled out the person who won't let you past the front door of her house. But other than that, there just isn't anybody. I'm at the point having to go part-time at work because I have no other option. Try explaining that to the people who want you to pay your bills. Anyone who has talked to me in the last week can testify to the fact that this is all I can think about. I have cried. A lot. My stomach feels like it is tied in knots all the time and I have a weight on my chest. So I'm here to vent. And to stress the importance of locking in a good babysitter before you have a baby. Before you get pregnant. I've felt stress before, but this surpasses anything I've been through before. And it sucks.

Does anyone have any advice on websites to use to find good babysitters/nannies? Or how much people you use charge? I am in Southern California and the going rate is $10-15/hour. I am in desperate need of some advice, FAST!! Thanks~