WWPBD Date Night

[orriskitten]

On Saturday the 14th we're going to a concert. It starts at 8 and is about 30 mins away from our house, but we have no need to see the opening act, so we'll probably leave around 8. Usually, Mel's bed time routine starts at 8:30 with bath, then PJs and then rocking to sleep (she is generally down by 9:05). I think it is too early to put her to bed before we leave and probably wouldn't work since she loves her routines.

I need help with figuring out what would be our best option for child care.

I originally asked my dad and SM in July. They said of course. Fast forward to now... apparently SM is on the shit list at work for requesting time off or something so she can't request more and will be working most weekends until forever. I don't feel comfortable with just my dad watching Mel because of his heart condition and he has major insomnia, so he tends to fall asleep at random times during the day/evening and is not easy to wake up. I will only have him babysit if SM can come, too. Since she works in retail, she probably won't know until some time next week I think.

Our other alternative is hiring a babysitter. I'd need a recommendation (which I know some ladies here have) and would meet this person for the first time and ideally hire them to watch Mel for a few hours sometime earlier in the week so that they are not a stranger putting her to bed. I don't know how comfortable I feel with a relative stranger bathing my child. DH isn't sure if he agrees or thinks I'm being over protective. We could give her a bath and get her into PJs before we leave, then just cross our fingers that bed time still works easily.

What would you do in this situation?

Obviously if SM can't make it, the choice is made for me and we'll be hiring a babysitter. Am I then crazy for being super pissed off at her for doing this when we asked in July and have asked a number of times since? Dad and SM also asked if they could come put Mel to bed while we are home a night or two so that they know how the routine works and such and make sure to be prepared. I said "Absolutely! You tell me what night works for you, she goes to sleep every night at the same time."

I hate that I am stressing this!