There is nothing at all wrong with bringing in someone to help you. In my opinion, it’s absolutely necessary, so that you can keep your sanity. It’s all a matter of balance.

There’s no good or bad in this, no white or black.

Just make sure you interview these people really well. And make sure it’s the right fit.

Not sure if I’ve helped any. Hope I did, if only a little…

I’m finding I’m in that 98.2% shifting down and up as needed. I hear ya though, we’ve been trying to figure out how we get our social lives back just a little (we just saw a movie for the first time in 14 months, no I’m not making that up and now we swear Star Trek was the best movie ever made!) Striking that balance is pretty difficult, maybe you could give us some pointers on how you and Aline manage?

Plan B of course is cashing out the ol 401k moving to the Phillipines and taking advantage of the 1 to 45 exchange ratio for the rest of existence!!

I’ve struggled with the idea that I don’t spend as much time with my older daughter as I did before, wondering if I’m being a good mother. But I recently realized that because our helper is able to keep the dishes at bay, help prepare my older daughter’s special meals, take her to the playground when I have to put the baby down for a nap… I am a *better* mother for it. I’m a better mother to the baby, who finally doesn’t have to wait and wait and wait (crying) for attention because I have to attend to her older sister’s needs. And I’m a better mother to my first daughter because I get a break, and because I can spend quality time with her instead of ignoring her for meal-preparation.

You’ll find the right person. And you’ll find it was the right decision.

All the best.

We used an agency and the nanny worked well for us. (This was 15 years ago before TSA.)

Four years prior (19 years ago) we did not choose a nanny situation because of concerns for no other ‘eyes’ – just the nanny and the baby in our home.

You are a bit of worrier, Matt, but not without reason for the risks you mention exist. Only you can decide what the risk potential is for your home and family.

Even a 4-year-old can/will give you an indication if there are problems. Have you considered video feeds from home to work?

I like that you are willing to get help (for Aline). I’m on blog-baby watch over The Playpen. Stopping in often. Remembering you all in my prayers.