I have Sam in day care one day per week. It started when I went back to work and DH continued to work one day per week, but then I had to stop working and DH has gone back full time - we've kept that one day, even though it really stretches the budget some times!

I spend the first half of the week feeling guilty and wondering if we can really justify the expense - and the rest of the week desperately hanging out for Friday so I can get a break! Like you I have no family locally who can watch him for even a couple of hours. On Fridays I tend to book all the appointments I need - went to the optometrist just recently and it would have been impossible with an active, curious toddler there!

One thing - I would suggest judging whether he enjoys it or not by how he is at the end of the day. Sam cries when I drop him off... He didn't the first few weeks but does now. Six months later still does... but he has an absolutely fantastic time while there, and I know when I've been able to hide around the corner so he can't see me that the tears settle very quickly and he's keen to just get on and enjoy his day.

BW