Bren,
I started researching our area daycare centers when we went into PGN. I had every intention of returning to work full time. Between FMLA, personal leave, and vacation, I was able to take 19 weeks off (18 of those weeks were unpaid
) I returned to work full time and had my daughter in what DH and I felt was the best place for her. After a couple of weeks of misery on her part, we started thinking of alternatives. I dopped to part time at work (26 hours/week) AND we changed daycares. Now things are great. Baby seems very at home in her current day care. She loves the staff and they love her. Instead of spending 9 hours a day at daycare 5 days a week, now she's there 8 hours 4 days a week. Believe it or not, it has made a wonderful difference. Not earning my full salary stings a little, but all in all, I think we have a nice compromise going. Good luck to you. It's a stressful process finding a place to leave your little one. I am so glad we found her a new place (she went from crying every day to never crying!) and that I have a little more time with her during the week.
Janet