[theletter12]

My husband and I both work. My job provides the healthcare insurance. I intend to take a few months off once we adopt but go back to work atleast 35 hours a week - to maintain my health insurance.

I am wondering how others have handled daycare after adoption of a baby. We don't have any family members that are willing to do daycare for us. Any of your personal stories would be great!

Thank you! Marna

[megaphonemo]

Between my DH and I, we were able to take off 8 weeks and 12 weeks total for adoptions #1 and 2..... We were lucky enough to be placed with babies instate, so no residing in a hotel afterward - we could go right home.... I was able to take 2 weeks with no notice to work, then DH took some time (and my two weeks gave him to time to give his work some notice)and then I took more time when he had to go back. We also did some time for him unpaid under FMLA... both times... We just worked it into the whole adoption budget and planned for it... In fact, we planned to send #2 at 8 weeks too, but ended up with some additional funds, so we could afford for him to take more time unpaid...

It was hard to put an 8 week old in daycare - but if you find one that you like, and they are good - you'll be fine... Other than the cost... By the time we moved, we were paying over $500 a week for both girls....

For #2, the bmom actually liked that DD would be going to daycare - she recognized the benefit of daycare for her own kids..... When #2 came along, we kept #1 in daycare so as to not mess with her routine too much....

Good luck....