Up until yesterday, my folks have not taken care of S for any extended period of time. They've babysat at night while he's asleep but they had babysat him awake for 1 1/2 hours maximum. It's not that they aren't willing to help. My folks are older and they just hadn't felt comfortable with all the physical demands of taking care of a baby/toddler.

Yesterday was a breakthrough day. Midnight Kitchen was scheduled to be at the market and I was to manage the stall on my own meaning that Roland needed to help me move the freezer and other equipment early in the morning and help me pack up in the early afternoon. We needed childcare so my folks stepped up to bat and agreed to watch him for a while in the morning and then later in the afternoon.

Because my dad woke up with vertigo, my mom was on her own looking after S. I think she surprised herself--she was able to manage him without any problems and both she and S had a wonderful time! When I asked her if it was difficult or stressful, she said not at all! In fact, when I went to my folks' house to pick up S, he didn't want to leave.

So this morning as I lay awake in bed, a sudden wave of relief and new freedom washed over me. We now have an alternate daytime childcare provider besides S's daycare! I know it's not a big deal for most families, but for us it's taken a long time to get used to the idea that S might be ready and that there's someone that's available and reliable.