We have a very active 9 month old little girl and my husband works long hours. The plan was for my parents to be around to help out but they have not been able to be here (until maybe the summer) and therefore I am on my own looking after her while my husband is at work. So I just need someone to help out. I don't want to leave her with an au pair as I don't work so can be here with her all day but I need someone to do other chores such as cleaning, washing and ironing and food shopping.

I guess in a way I need a wife

Does anyone know if such angels exist or am I asking too much?

The best thing I can suggest is maybe you find a friend. I know it is really hard at first in a new place with a new baby. I started to go to the local mommy&baby gatherings in the villiage where I live. Most places have some kind of a "kindertreff" or "babytreff". Maybe look at your Gemeinde website, search google or just ask around. From going to my local Babytreff I was able to meet 2 wonderful ladies with babies the same age as mine. Then you can eventually have someone you trust to come over. The kids can play together and maybe she can help you clean up a bit too and then switch when she needs a bit of time off. Maybe my plan is a bit lengthy but it would be what I would do (I am really protective with my little one) Hope that helps and *hugs* I know how you feel LG Jennifer

Is there a babysitting coop in your area? It was a godsend for me when my kids were that age. If you want more info about a co-op, just let me know. Started one with help when I first arrived in a new town in CT, USA. Best thing I ever did for me as well as my kids. Some of the women I met thru the co-op are still some of my closest friends. My kids are now 12, 10 and 7 yo. I started it when my oldest was 2 and my middle was 12 mo. The kids think the playdates are all about them, but I knew it was really about ME! When they are happily playing with others, they are happy and playing with others! And I was earning 'coupons' so I could then send my child to someone else for a few hours. Perfect for everyone!!

Never heard of this, could you let me have some more info? Sounds ideal!

I would suggest you check to see if there is one in the area. Is there a yahoo mom's group for your area like here in Lausanne/Vaud? If so, start there by asking if there is something like this already around. If there is not already one around, you will want about 5 other families to start one. There is a ton of info if you just google as to how to set one up. Otherwise you can send me a PM and we can exchange #'s to discuss over the phone. It would be a lot easier to discuss over the phone than typing! I suggest starting with about 6 families because that gives you enough choice/selection to make it work for times/locations/children's ages, etc. The co-op can grow up to 20 families - usually thru word of mouth - one mom has a friend, etc. More than 20 and it starts to get difficult to keep things organized. HTH