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Having a teenager or college student come to your house to help with the kids
was exactly what I was thinking as well. It can be as a babysitter or
mother's helper. Usually doesn't cost too much and you can usually find students
who like kids.

Also, near us we have a private university that has a parent coop playschool
they call it. It's only 2 hours a day and kids can go as many days as parents
want to sign them up for: once a week or every day. A different parent helps
out everyday and they don't do any teaching, hence the name playschool.

Since the baby probably naps every day you could have a helper come during
nap time just as a special friend to play with your 4 year old. That would give
you some time to work. And since it's almost summer vacation, this is a good
time of year to find someone!
Also, I would suggest having your son help you out too. My almost 4 yr old
loves construction stuff and has wood scraps, nails, hammer, etc to use when he
wants. Could he also help out at the home site as well? I know that someone
would have to take time to watch him, etc but it would probably make him feel
more a part of the process. Even if he only goes there a little bit to help:
carry hammers, etc- that might be enough for him to know that "mommy needs to
work on house stuff right now" and perhaps he would be willing to let you
have some time to work.
We have a big sandbox right outside our window and my son uses that sometimes
while I work at the computer. He also enjoys computer games and "new" movies
or books from the library that keep his attention when I need to take care of
something- phone call, computer, etc.
Good luck!
Amanda


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