I posted an ad for a nanny on craigslist.  Got over 100 responses. Emailed 15. Interviewed 4.  I liked them all and now I’m really torn about making a decision.  They are all completely different.  Here are my choices:

1. The sisters in college. Smart, cute,  (assumingly) white Latina, urban hipsters who are a younger version of me.  Their mother’s a registered nurse and they grew-up around babies and children in their large extended family in a wealthy neighborhood.  They both want to adopt when they’re older.

Their commute: 1 hour but they claim to LOVE the subway.

Pro: There’s 2 of them to work out scheduling.  I’m super comfortable with them.

Con: They’re white.  They would likely want to move-on in life quicker than others.

2. The southern, late-20s, Christian, very white, stay-at-home mom.  Sweet but a bit awkward.  Would bring her 15 month old son along.  Knows all of the current parenting doctrines and is down with the wrap.  Wants to give back while bringing in a little cash for the family.  Her son tore up my apartment in the hour they were here.  But then, I should probably start toddler-proofing my apartment soon anyway.

Their commute: 1 hour.

Pro: She would really love the baby.

Con: She’s white.  Her kid would tear up the apartment.  Her kid would likely cause her to cancel some days.  I’m the least comfortable with her.  In fact, cross her out.

3. The gorgeous, poised, African-American, 20 year-old who is studying to be a midwife.  Thinks the compensation I’m offering is a lot (it isn’t).  Really wants to quit her current job in catering but is ok with the uncertainty of length of position (in case this child goes to rehab after a month like Snap).  She lives with family and states that she just needs money for her phone and metro card.  Short commute for her from same neighborhood I work in.

Her commute: 20 minutes.

Pro: Great energy.  Really wants the job.  Would likely stick around.

Con: I’m sensitive about the whole white mom/black nanny dynamic in the city.

4.  The abused-by-her-current-employer, Latina lady from the Bronx. She takes care of 5 foster care children 60 hours a week for half of what I’m offering.  She claims to be extremely flexible.  Her mother owns two daycare centers.  She showed me photos, they look nice.  She had a very calming presence.  Although she said it’s ok, she would likely be up a creek if it came that I no longer needed her.

Her commute: 40 minutes.

Pro: I would be helping the world by saving her out of a terrible situation!  She would be the most flexible and, I HATE to say it, but the one I would be most comfortable asking to go to extra mile (e.g. preparing a few extra bottles for the night).

Con: Least educated.  Wants to bring her 3 year-old some days.  I would feel responsible for her and her family.

It’s currently a toss up between (1) the sisters and (3) the midwife students…. I can’t decide.