Okay, so this isn't exactly what you had in mind, but why not put the little guy in his stroller and go visit a local yarn shop? I've never been (but it's on my list) to Art Fibers, but it's supposed be great and it's in downtown San Francisco at 124 Sutter St. You could also sneak in a visit to Britex Fabrics (located in the 100 block of Geary Street). Britex has four floors of wonderful fabrics and notions. (I almost always go to Britex to buy buttons for my completed knitted items - they have a huge selection.) Here is a link that might be useful: Art Fibers Shop

LOL! I don't know how many people would say that I have a kind and generous soul. DH says it's a well kept secret that I don't let many in on publicly so thanks for the lovely comments! But gosh, it's hard enough finding time to de-compress when you have able bodied children AND a partner w/ you! I can't imagine being a single parent w/ a child w/ such a special need trying to do it. I will confess to also being a little selfish about the situation too. DS1 has no contact w/ anyone w/ special needs. I want to do my best to provide an 'all-inclusive' attitude for him. When newly married and pre-kids I specifically picked a neighborhood w/ wide cultural experiences of many ethnicities and backgrounds to raise children. I also think that it's good for me as an individual, a person and a mom, that this could be an experience to better myself as a human being. There's never a limit on becoming a better person! I think that it's a wonderful suggestion to just go over and spend time w/ him a few times. He is verbal although it can be hard for me to understand him sometimes but I can get better at that. I'm going to pitch it to DH tonight. Thank you very much for your support and encouragement!

WOW! I'm suprised at these posts....I used to get paid $45 a day for watching one 4 month old...that was for 10-12 hours a day. I thought this was average in California. But minimum wage is $8.50 an hour. I feel like if your paying your sitter $5 an hour for 2 or more kids (and they are qualified and experienced) then youre telling them you don't really appreciate them, on the otherhand if your babysitter is 16 with not much experience this is fine to me. Babysitters work hard, especially with more than one child. I wouldn't do it for less than $25 a day per child.

You need to draw firm boundaries and keep to them. State plainly what you can and cannot (or just won't) do. And let the kids know, as well. No explaining nicely, just "those are my rules." State something like "I'd love to have the boys stay over once a month, but that's all I can do with my small apartment. " Period. The hard part is sticking to your guns, and not being wishy-washy about it.