D.B.
I didn't stay home as long as you but with my first I was home for the fisrt 16 months. After that financial situations forced me to go back to work, so we put her in daycare. I was soooo worried about her all the time, I got there to pick her up as soon as I got out of work. As time went on and I saw how happy she was I decided that she would be alright. I now have my son in daycare as well. I wanted to wait until he was a year old but I couldn't. He has been going now for about 2 months only 2 days a week, when I pick him up he seems very happy and after his birthday will be going full-time. I also used to work in a center when I was younger, as long as you did your research and found what you feel is a very good center with good teachers you should be fine. I understand your feelings right now, but as time goes on you will feel better about it, just watch for cues. If your child is happy then you made a good decision. My daughter who is now 3 never even wants to leave when I pick her up, there are days we stay there for about an hour after I arrive because she is busy playing with her friends!!! Keep your chin up, everything will be great, you'll see.