I think you really want to pick child B so why not meet them over the weekend face to face and then if you like them - sign them?

Three weeks is not a lot of income to lose if it means you feel comfortable with your decision, at peace and can see yourself happier with family B.

I have held a spot for MONTHS without holding fee before because i felt so strongly about the family and the personality of the child.

I don't necessarily judge kids by their looks (to some extent I do) but personality is HUGE.

Also...you mentioned they were out of the country presently. Is that going to happen frequently and do you have it worked out whether they get that time off from daycare etc?

and LASTLY -- YAY for you ! Two families to pick from is the ideal place to be ! Thank your lucky stars . lol I wish I had one decent family that I meshed with and you've got two. Either way it sounds like it should be okay...but it is your business so do what makes YOU happy.

And when she says she cannot 'afford' the holding fee for 2 weeks -- I take that as her just fibbing because she doesn't want to or see the value of doing that and losing that money. I think a lot of people would say the same thing to get out of paying the money. Just be careful that you are firm on your policies and stress them again to her if you decide to go with them because you don't want her to think that you are toooooo nice either